Losing a family member or loved one can be really sad and overwhelming which makes the business side of things an additional thing to add to life that you’re dealing with.

In New South Wales (NSW) there’s a few things to consider and that need to be attended to, we’ve put together a couple of the key aspects for you and we hope you find it helpful.

1. If the death occurred in a hospital or under medical care, the medical staff will issue a medical certificate. If the death occurred outside of a medical facility, you will need to contact a doctor to issue a medical certificate.

2. Within seven days of the death, you must register it with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Service NSW centre. You will need the medical certificate, as well as some other information about the deceased person. You may need multiple copies of the death certificate for various purposes, such as closing accounts, claiming insurance, or settling other legal matters. You can request additional copies from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

3. Also, within a week or two, a funeral or memorial service is held. The funeral director can guide you through the process of organising the ceremony, including the location, date, and any specific requests or cultural considerations.

4. It’s important that you inform relevant government agencies, such as the Australian Taxation Office, Centrelink, and Medicare, about the death. Notify banks, insurance providers, utility companies and any other organisations. This will ensure any costs or fees are ceased. You’ll need the death certificate to do this in some cases.

5. Reading the Will and wishes. In most cases a consultation with a solicitor will ascertain if the deceased person had a will and who is appointed the executor if they do. In any case a solicitor can assist in handling the legal and financial matters. This may involve distributing assets, settling debts, and resolving any outstanding matters according to the deceased person's wishes or in some cases dealing with the Public Trustee and Guardian if no will is in place.

We note that the process can vary in individual circumstances, including if the death was expected or sudden. It's advisable to seek guidance from professionals like funeral directors, solicitors, or the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, to ensure you tick all the boxes.

We can provide independent & complementary recommendations of people that can help you, so reach out at hello@thekindagent.com.au