If someone close to you has died then there are also many practical issues to think about, especially if you are the person's next of kin. This includes obtaining the death certificate and arranging a funeral.

If you are someone's next of kin, it's important to be aware of the practical issues that you need to take care of, as they will fall to you in the event of that person's death.

The most important thing to do after someone has died is to obtain a death certificate. This is usually released by the doctor who has certified the death. In hospital this will be the Patient Administration, or it may come from your GP if the death has occurred at home. If there is uncertainty about the cause of death, a post mortem examination may be necessary. Occasionally, hospitals request post mortem examinations for educational purposes. You are entitled to decline this request, but a post mortem will be compulsory if the cause of death is uncertain or it occurred in suspicious circumstances, for example it was unexpected or due to suicide.

Once the death certificate is obtained, the death can be registered. Other duties include funeral arrangements and advising others of the death, especially family and friends, as well as government and state officers to ensure that benefits, pensions or similar credits are not paid out inappropriately.