Keep the will, power of attorney and advance care directive together, encrypted and easy to find, in the document vault.See the document vault
Set up Enduring Power of Attorney
Complete an Advance Care Directive
Check and update life insurance beneficiaries
Review any business interests, partnerships or directorships
Financial
Nominate account beneficiaries
Locate all insurance policies and confirm coverage
Keep every account, policy and provider in one place, so nobody is left searching later, in the account register.See the account register
Go through all accounts, logins and passwords together
Review the joint and individual bank accounts
Meet the financial adviser or accountant together
Understand which assets are jointly owned and which are sole
Medical & Practical
Meet with the palliative care team (earlier is always better)
Create and keep a current medication list
Keep a running log of every dose, with a reminder when the next one is due, in the medication diary.See the medication diary
Have the conversation about funeral wishes, together
Record funeral and service wishes in one quiet place, so the people who follow are not left guessing, in the last wishes registry.See the last wishes registry
Complete the digital estate checklist (subscriptions and accounts)
Help them write letters or record messages for the people they love
Write to the people you love and keep those letters somewhere safe and private, in legacy messages.See legacy messages
Medical
Ensure the Advance Care Directive is at home, with the GP, and at hospital
Confirm the palliative care team has current contact details for the household
Know what each medication does and who to call with questions
Keep a running log of every dose, with a reminder when the next one is due, in the medication diary.See the medication diary
Ask the palliative care nurse what to expect in the final days
Decide and document where they want to die: home, hospice, or hospital
Record funeral and service wishes in one quiet place, so the people who follow are not left guessing, in the last wishes registry.See the last wishes registry
Know whether to call 000 or the palliative care team (calling 000 can override care wishes)
Practical
Create a list of people to notify, with phone numbers
Keep every organisation and person to notify in one place, and mark off each one as it is done, in the notification tracker.See the notification tracker
Brief close family and friends on wishes and what will happen
Have the conversation about funeral wishes: burial or cremation, type of service, specific requests
Write down their funeral wishes somewhere accessible
Research funeral directors in your area and request itemised quotes from at least two
Check whether a pre-paid funeral plan or funeral insurance exists
Contact the superannuation fund to understand its bereavement payment process
Legal
Confirm the executor knows where the original will is located
Confirm the person with Power of Attorney knows their role and what to do
Personal
Say what you need to say. There is rarely a wrong time.
First 24 to 72 hours
Contact the GP or palliative care nurse to confirm the death
Contact a funeral director. They will guide you through the next steps.
Confirm burial or cremation if not already decided
Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the treating doctor
Notify immediate family and close friends
Secure the deceased's home: keys, pets, valuables
First two weeks
Confirm the funeral service: date, venue, and celebrant or officiant
Register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages (your state)
Keep every organisation and person to notify in one place, and mark off each one as it is done, in the notification tracker.See the notification tracker
Obtain at least 10 certified copies of the Death Certificate
Notify Centrelink / Services Australia (bereavement payment may apply)
Notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Notify all superannuation funds and begin death benefit claim
Contact all banks and financial institutions
Cancel Medicare card and notify Medicare
Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and recurring payments
Estate (weeks to months)
Locate the original will and confirm the executor
Keep the will, power of attorney and advance care directive together, encrypted and easy to find, in the document vault.See the document vault
Determine whether Probate is required
Apply for Probate through the Supreme Court if required
Notify life insurance companies and begin claims process
Transfer or sell real property (requires solicitor)
Lodge the date-of-death tax return with a tax agent
Distribute the estate to beneficiaries per the will
Close digital accounts: email, social media, subscriptions
