What Happens After Someone Dies? A Guide to the First Few Weeks

When someone you love dies, there is a lot to take in. Alongside the grief, there are practical things that need attention, often at a time when you feel least prepared. There may be a funeral to arrange, a Will to locate, family to notify and financial matters to work through.

If you have been named as the executor of the Will, you may also be wondering, “Where do I even start?” You don’t need to have all the answers straight away. This general guide explains what usually happens in the first few weeks after someone dies in Victoria.

Start with the immediate arrangements
The first few days are usually about taking care of immediate practicalities, such as confirming the death, making funeral or cremation arrangements, and ensuring any pets of the deceased are looked after. 

A funeral director can guide you through this process, so you don’t have to work everything out yourself.

It is also important to locate the deceased person’s original Will, if they had one. The Will sets out their wishes and usually names the person who will execute their estate.

If you are the executor
Being named as an executor can feel like a big responsibility, particularly when you are  grieving. Your role is generally to:

• identify what the person owned

• identify what they owed

• manage their financial affairs

• pay any debts and expenses

• distribute the estate according to the Will

You don’t need to gather everything at once. Just start with whatever information you already have. This may include details about:

• real estate property

• bank accounts and investments

• superannuation and insurance

• vehicles and valuable belongings

• loans and credit cards

• business interests

• company and trust information

Keeping a simple record of what you find can make the process easier as you go.

Does the estate need probate?
Probate is the process where the Supreme Court of Victoria formally recognises a Will and confirms the executor’s authority to administer the estate.

Not every estate requires probate. Whether it is needed depends on:

• the assets involved

• how they are held

• the requirements of banks, share registries and other organisations

If you are unsure whether probate is required, getting legal advice early can help you understand what needs to happen before any assets are distributed.

Give yourself time
There are plenty of smaller tasks that may need attention too, such as redirecting mail, cancelling services and sorting through belongings.

It can feel as though everything needs to be dealt with immediately. It doesn’t.

Some estates are straightforward. Others take time, particularly when property, complex assets or family circumstances are involved. For now, focus on one thing at a time. Gather the information you can, keep important documents together and ask for help when you need it.

You don’t have to navigate it alone
Administering an estate can be difficult at the best of times, and when you are grieving it can feel like a lot to carry. If you are unsure about your responsibilities as an executor, whether probate is required or what happens next, legal advice can give you clarity and help you move forward with confidence.

You don’t need to know everything from the beginning — just the next step