What to do after bereavement

What's on this page?

Finding the help you need

We're here to make sure you have all the support you need when it comes to managing the finances of the deceased.

Registering the death 

The first step you'll need to take is to register the death. This must be done within 5 days in England and Wales, or 8 days in Scotland. 
After you've registered the death, you'll be given a death certificate. We'll need to see the death certificate so we can help you manage the accounts and finances of the deceased. 

Get in touch 

To let us know about a death, to freeze an account, or to get help with understanding what to do next, please get in touch using one of the contact methods below.

Give us a call

If you'd like to talk with a member of our team, you can call us between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Come into branch 

If you'd prefer to speak in person, you can visit one of our YBS branches. Remember to bring along a copy of the death certificate.

Write to us 

Norwich & Peterborough

PO Box 937
Newport
NP23 9QJ

Glossary of terms

Administrator
A person who obtains the Grant of Letters of Administration which entitles them to deal with the estate if no will was made.

 

Beneficiary
A person who inherits either under the terms of a will or by the rules of intestacy (if no will was made).

 

Confirmation
This is the Scottish equivalent to a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

 

Death Certificate
This is a certified copy of the entry in the death register. The registrar will provide you with a number of certified copies - you'll just need to pay a fee. This will help to save time if you need to register the death with several organisations.

 

Executor
The person named in a will who is to deal with the estate and, if necessary, obtain a Grant of Probate.

 

Grant of Letters of Administration
This is used to appoint an Administrator who can then deal with the estate if no will was made.

 

Grant of Probate
A formal court document issued by the Probate Service confirming the appointment of the Executor named in the will.

 

Grant of Representation
This is a term used to cover both Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration or Confirmations (in Scotland).

 

Letters of Administration
A formal court document issued by the Probate Service, to appoint an Administrator, often the next of kin to the deceased. This is usually issued where there is no will, or the Executor appointed in the will is unable or unwilling to act.

 

Personal Representative(s)
This is the term used for small estate claims when a statutory declaration or Small Estates Indemnity form is to be used.