When someone passes away, it’s not as simple as having a funeral and burying them. There is actually a lot of admin surrounding death. This can be difficult and complicated to navigate, especially when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Here’s a practical guide to let you know what needs to be done to make it official. Once that’s been sorted out and is behind you, you can embark on the journey towards healing. 

Step #1: Get the official Death Certificate

If the person died at home, contact the doctor, or get hold of the hospital for them to issue a Notice of Death. This is also known as a BI-1663 form. You need to then have this formally registered at Home Affairs, which will then issue the official Death Certificate. 

Step #2: Notify all the necessary people

When someone passes away, you need to let people know the sad news. First, the immediate and close family should be informed. You also have to let the employer of the deceased know, and they will also need the Death Certificate to process any benefits.

Step #3: Contact the funeral cover provider

If you have funeral cover, you should let them know of the passing of one of their policyholders so they can start processing the claim. At 21st Century Funerals, we are also a funeral home and can assist with all the arrangements for an end-of-life ceremony. 

Step #4: Locate the deceased’s will

Before any of the deceased’s belongings, also known as their estate, can be handed to specific people, you need to find their will. This will name the executor responsible for overseeing the estate and any of their last wishes, such as what to do with their remains.

Step #5: Report to the Master’s Office

Find out how to get in touch with the Master’s Office in the area where the deceased person lived. This needs to be done within 14 days of their passing. You will need to submit certain documents to them, such as the Death Certificate, their ID and their will. 

Step #6: Start the estate process

The last thing you need to do for the admin surrounding death start the process of managing the estate. Fortunately, you’ll have help, because the Master will appoint an executor. This person will handle any debts, the distribution of assets, and close any accounts in the deceased’s name.