After someone dies

There's a lot to organise after someone dies, including arranging a funeral and notifying people and organisations about the death. 

You can find help and information below.

Australian Death Notification Service

The Australian Death Notification Service is a free government initiative to help people get in touch with multiple organisations using a single online notification.

It is a collaboration of the Births, Deaths and Marriages registries across Australia. It aims to let people notify government and non-government agencies, organisations and institutions that someone has died. There are clear guides on how to use the service and how to find the documents you need. 

Watch this short video to find out more.

You can also listen to this podcast. Bridget from Legal Aid NSW talks with Matt from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages about why the service was created and how it helps ease the administrative burden when a loved one dies.

LawAccess NSW - After someone dies

After someone dies is a step-by-step guide from LawAccess NSW. It has information about:

• ​Who ​​do you notify after someone dies?
• Funerals
• The will
• Assets and debts
• What to do with the estate
• Applying for probate
• Applying for letters of administration
• Grants from outside NSW
• After probate or administration
• Distributing the estate
• Family provision claims
• Flowcharts
• Forms

Rest assured: a legal guide to wills, estates, planning ahead and funerals in NSW

Often the first time we think about wills, estates and funerals is when we are dealing with the death of a loved one. Rest assured is an easy-to-read book which provides practical information on the many issues that arise.

It includes chapters on funeral funds and insurance, legal requirements, arranging a funeral, and funeral costs.