About this guide

Almost everyone we speak to says the same thing: there is plenty of information about what happens after a death, and almost no guidance. People are not short of leaflets. They are short of an order to do things in.

This guide gives one step at a time, in sequence, in plain English, and remembers where you stopped. It is free, there is nothing to sign up for, and there are no adverts, pop-ups or email capture.

Your information

Everything you tick, note or record is stored on this device only. Nothing is sent to a server. If you clear your browser data, it goes with it. You can delete it all here in one action.

Who maintains it

Built and maintained by Shropshire Expert Cleaners LTD, drawing on more than 17 years of bereavement, probate and specialist clearance work across the West Midlands and Shropshire. It is published free as a way of giving back.

A small number of property-phase steps mention that you can ask us for a quote. Those panels sit below the neutral guidance, never inside it, and always say that you can use any local provider. The guidance does not change based on who you use.

Supporting this guide

There is no subscription, no paywall and no email capture. The whole guide is free, and it stays free. Running and reviewing it costs time and a little money, so if it helped you and you would like to, you can leave a donation towards keeping it accurate. Please do not feel any obligation — most people who use this are dealing with enough already.

Donation details will be added here shortly.

Scope and accuracy

Version one covers England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland differ in important ways — particularly registration deadlines and confirmation instead of probate — and will be added separately rather than blurred into this.

Every step carries a last-reviewed date. This is general information, not legal advice. Where money, property or family disagreement is involved, an hour with a solicitor is usually money well spent.