What to do when someone has just died in Guernsey

A brief guide on what to do in the first week

When someone has died there are a lot of things that need to be done at a time when we may find it difficult to think clearly. Certain things can be done by a relative or friend; others need to be done by the executor or administrator of the estate.

This checklist can help guide you through the process.

1. Contact the person’s doctor if they were not in hospital. In an emergency call an ambulance or the police. The doctor will provide a medical certificate of the cause of death. If the person is going to be cremated then a second certificate from another doctor will be needed, but this can be organised later.
2. Inform relatives and friends
3. Contact a Funeral Director if you wish to use one, who can organise the death certificate, death notices, flowers and cars. Please be aware that the person who arranges the funeral is responsible for the costs if there are not enough funds in the estate.
4. Check the person’s premises are secure such as locking doors and windows, check the gas and electric appliances are switched off, stop deliveries of milk, papers or mail.
5. Register the death at the Greffe within 5 days. The funeral director or a close relative will need to complete a form called ‘Declaration of death’ and will take this along with the medical certificate signed by the doctor. The Greffe will then issue the ‘Death Certificate’. Sometimes a postmortem may be ordered. This could be for several reasons, for instance when the person who has died was not seen recently by their doctor or the cause of death is uncertain. If the death is due to natural causes, with no suspicious circumstances, the death can be registered in the normal way. An inquest can be held where further investigation is needed before the death can be registered.
6. Find the will. This may be in a safe place at home or held by an advocate or bank. In addition to appointing an executor of the estate, this may contain an indication of the wishes of the person who has died about the funeral. Alternatively, there might just be a letter of wishes rather than a formal will.
7. Get a grant of probate – contact the Executor or apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration (if there is no will) through Guernsey Probate Registry on 721732 or https://www.guernseyprobate.gg/contact
8. Find important documents such a:
   1. Birth and marriage certificates
   2. Passport Driving licence
   3. States Insurance number
   4. Tax number
   5. Bank account numbers
   6. Any creditors or debtors
9. Inform other people such as:
   1. Employer (there may be an occupational pension)
   2. Landlord
   3. States Housing – 01481 226550
   4. Advocate
   5. School
   6. Utility companies (if in the name of the person who has died)
   7. Post Office if mail needs to be redirected
   8. TV or Sky Mobile
   9. phone or internet companies
   10. States Income Tax – 01481 225700
   11. Social Security – 01481 222500
   12. Passport office – 01481 221410
   13. Driving licensing and vehicle registration – 01481 223400
   14. Insurance companies (including where there are joint policies)
   15. Pension providers or life insurance Bank
   16. Mortgage provider or loan companies
   17. Credit card companies
   18. Social group or trade unions
   19. Place of worship
   20. Doctor, dentist or optician
   21. Community Health Services
   22. Guernsey Voluntary Service (Meals) – 01481 247518
10. Stop unwanted (junk) mail – use the Deceased Preference service free on 0800 068 44 33 or use this online service.
11. Arrange the funeral – Most people choose to use a funeral director, but you can make your own arrangements. Check whether there is a funeral plan, life insurance policy or pension plan that will pay towards funeral costs. Check whether the will indicates the wishes of the person who has died. Choose the place of burial or disposal of ashes.
12. Financial help – Apply for Bereavement Benefits from Social Security Pensions & Allowances helpline (01481 222506) to check eligibility for a grant or pension. Delay may lead to loss of benefit.
13. Bereavement Counselling Guernsey Bereavement Service – 01481 257778

General disclaimer

The purpose of this note is to provide general guidance.  While it is believed to be accurate and up to date, it is not authoritative and has no legal effect. No warranty is given that the text is free of errors and omissions, and no liability is accepted for any loss arising from its use. Users of this guidance note are encouraged to exercise their own skill and care in relation to the information contained in this guidance note and to obtain relevant professional advice.