Guides & Articles
In-depth guides on the practical and financial side of bereavement. Written in plain English, with real figures and specific guidance for people in the UK.
March 2026
What to Do When Someone Dies: Complete UK Step-by-Step Checklist (2026)
A complete step-by-step checklist of what to do when someone dies in the UK. Covers the first 24 hours, registering the death, Tell Us Once, funeral planning, probate, finances, and longer-term tasks.
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March 2026
Registering a Death in the UK: What to Bring, Where to Go (2026)
Everything you need to know about registering a death in the UK. What documents to bring, where to register, who can register, what happens at the appointment, and what you receive afterwards.
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March 2026
Tell Us Once Service: How It Works and How to Register (2026)
A complete guide to the Tell Us Once service. Who it notifies, how to use it online or by phone, what information you need, and everything it does not cover.
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March 2026
How Long Does Probate Take in the UK? Realistic Timeline (2026)
A realistic breakdown of how long probate takes, from gathering valuations to final distribution. Covers HMRC processing, court delays, and what affects the timeline.
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March 2026
Inheritance Tax After a Death: UK Thresholds and Exemptions (2026/27)
Current thresholds, the residence nil-rate band, transferable allowances, main exemptions, gifts within 7 years, and how to calculate and pay inheritance tax after a death.
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March 2026
Returning to Work After Bereavement: Your Rights and How to Cope (2026)
Your legal rights when going back to work, how to request a phased return, what to tell colleagues, and practical tips for coping when grief follows you to the office.
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March 2026
The Stages of Grief: What They Really Mean and Why Grief is Not Linear
An honest look at the five stages of grief, why they are widely misunderstood, other models of grief that may better describe your experience, and what grief actually feels like day to day.
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March 2026
How to Cope With Losing a Parent: A Practical and Emotional Guide
A compassionate guide to navigating life after the death of a mother or father. Covers the emotional impact, family dynamics, practical tasks, and where to find support.
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March 2026
Grief and Anxiety: Why Bereavement Triggers Panic and How to Manage It
Why grief and anxiety are so closely linked, the types of anxiety common after bereavement, how to manage panic attacks, and when to seek professional help.
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March 2026
Coping With Grief at Christmas: Practical Ways to Get Through the Holidays
Practical, compassionate advice for coping with grief at Christmas. How to handle traditions, family gatherings, and the pressure to be happy when you are grieving.
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March 2026
The True Cost of Dying in the UK in 2026
A definitive breakdown of every cost you may face when someone dies: funerals, certificates, probate, solicitors, inheritance tax, headstones, and all the hidden extras people forget to plan for.
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March 2026
Bereavement Leave in the UK: Your Rights in 2026
What you are legally entitled to when a loved one dies, what most employers actually offer, what to do if your employer refuses, and guidance for HR professionals on best practice.
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March 2026
Free and Low-Cost Funeral Options in the UK
A practical, non-judgmental guide to every option available when you cannot afford a funeral: council funerals, DWP Funeral Expenses Payment, direct cremation, DIY funerals, and charitable help.
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March 2026
What Tell Us Once Doesn't Cover: The Full List
Tell Us Once notifies some government departments, but you still need to contact banks, utilities, insurers, and more yourself. Here is every organisation you must notify manually.
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March 2026
Bank Probate Thresholds 2026: Complete Comparison
How much money each UK bank will release without probate. A full comparison table of every major bank and building society, with step-by-step instructions.
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March 2026
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need? (2026 Guide)
How many certified copies to order, who needs one, what they cost, and the difference between ordering at registration versus later from the GRO.
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