Bereavement

This should be done at the registry office closest to where the death occurred. The registry office will issue you with the death certificate.

Having the most up-to-date will is important as it states the wishes of the deceased and names the executors. The executors are the people responsible for carrying out these wishes.

If there is no will, the deceased’s estate is distributed according to intestacy rules. These rules determine how the estate is divided and shared.

Most funerals are arranged through a funeral director which can be sourced online or through word of mouth. They will guide and support you through the funeral arrangement process.

As well as letting family and friends know about your loss, you’ll need to inform organisations such as banks and building societies, utility companies and the Department of Work and Pensions. There are some legal documents, such as passports, driving licences and benefit books, which will need to be found and returned.

You can inform these organisations and companies by phone and they’ll tell you if they need any documents, such as a copy of the death certificate. It’s helpful to have an account number or reference number before calling.

If the deceased was a Santander Consumer Finance customer, please let us know as soon as possible. You can complete the online notification form, call our dedicated Specialist Support team on 0800 085 1474 or write to us at: Specialist Support, Santander House, 86 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1SR.

You’ll need to provide us with a death certificate so that we can advise you on available options.

‘Probate’ or ‘confirmation’ refers to the right to manage the affairs of the deceased.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, if there’s a will, you’ll need to apply for a ‘grant of probate’

If there’s no will, you’ll need to apply for a ‘grant of letters of administration’

In Scotland, both of the above are referred to as a ‘certificate of confirmation’

We refer to these as the ‘grant of representation’, a generic term that covers all of the above.

After someone dies, their estate is shared out according to the instructions given in the will. If there is no will, the intestacy rules must be followed.

If you’re the personal representative(s), you can decide whether you want to deal with the estate yourself or appoint a solicitor, bank or specialist probate service to do some or all of the work. You’re the personal representative if you’re named in the will as executor or, if there’s no will, you’re the next of kin in accordance with the intestacy rules.

If the estate is small and probate isn’t needed, the personal representative may be able to deal with everything within a few weeks. But if probate is required or if the deceased person owned a property, the process may take longer.

Some people may face financial difficulties following the death of a loved one. For information about how we may be able to help if you have money worries visit our money worries page.