The First 24–48 Hours
- Medical certificate of cause of death — the doctor or hospital issues this. If the death is unexpected, the police or coroner may need to be involved
- Contact a funeral director — they handle transport, paperwork, and guide you through the process. You don't need to choose immediately
- Find the will — check with the person's solicitor, at home (safe, filing cabinet), or with the Supreme Court of NSW
- Notify immediate family and close friends
Within the First Week
- Register the death — with NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The funeral director usually handles this. NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
- Get death certificates — order multiple copies (you'll need them for banks, super, insurance). Cost varies by state.
- Notify Centrelink / Services Australia — to stop payments and claim any bereavement payments. Call 132 300.
- Notify Medicare — through myGov or by calling 132 011
- Contact their super fund(s) — death benefits may be payable to beneficiaries
- Contact their employer — outstanding pay, leave, and death benefits
Within the First Month
- Apply for probate or letters of administration — through the Supreme Court of NSW. Probate fees in NSW: Based on estate value — from $0 (under $100,000) to $6,802+ (over $2M).
- Notify banks and financial institutions — freeze accounts, redirect direct debits
- Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, memberships
- Notify the ATO — a final tax return needs to be lodged for the deceased
- Contact insurance companies — life insurance, home, car, health
- Cancel their driver's licence, passport, electoral enrolment
Bereavement Payments
If you were the partner of someone receiving a Centrelink payment, you may be eligible for a Bereavement Payment — a lump sum equal to 4 weeks of the deceased's payment plus continuation of your own payment. Contact Services Australia on 132 300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the first thing to do when someone dies?
Get the medical certificate of cause of death from the treating doctor. Then contact a funeral director. They'll guide you through the immediate steps.
How do I register a death in NSW?
The funeral director usually registers the death with NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If not, you can register it directly. You'll need the death certificate for legal and financial matters.
Do I need probate?
If the deceased owned property or had significant assets, yes — you'll need to apply through the Supreme Court of NSW. Probate fees in NSW: Based on estate value — from $0 (under $100,000) to $6,802+ (over $2M). Small estates may not require probate.