When someone passes away in Australia, there are several legal and practical steps that need to be taken to properly manage the situation and commence the administrative processes. Here’s a structured guide to what to do:

1. Obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

The immediate step following a death is to obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This certificate is usually issued by the doctor who last attended the deceased. If the death occurred in a hospital or nursing home, the staff there would typically manage this. If the death was unexpected or occurred at home, it might be necessary to contact the police, who will involve the coroner if the death was sudden or unexplained.

2. Inform Family and Friends

Notifying family and friends is one of the more difficult tasks, but it's important for beginning the support network and making arrangements for the funeral and any memorial services.

3. Arrange the Funeral

You will need to contact a funeral director who specialises in the cultural or community process you need to follow. They will guide you through the process of arranging the funeral. This involves deciding whether the body will be buried or cremated, where the service will be held, and other details. In Australia, the funeral director can also assist with registering the death and obtaining a Death Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the relevant state or territory — this is essential for legal and estate matters.

4. Secure Property and Personal Belongings

Ensure that your loved one's property and personal belongings are secure, particularly if their residence will be unoccupied. You may also need to care for any pets or dependents.

5. Notify Relevant Authorities and Companies

You need to contact several organisations to inform them of the death:

• Employer and educational institutions
• Banks and financial institutions like Life and Health Insurers
• Utility providers
• Government agencies like Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, to cancel benefits and handle tax issues.

6. Manage the Estate

The executor named in the will is responsible for administering the estate according to the will’s instructions. Often a lawyer or solicitor will have been appointed to work with the executor. If there is no will, then the estate may be administered by a close relative under the rules of intestacy governed by the State Trustee. This might involve applying to the Supreme Court for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

7. Seek Support

Dealing with the death of a loved one is emotionally challenging. It’s important to seek support from family, friends, or professional counselling services. Violet can help, as well as organisations such as Lifeline or the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement offer support during these tough times.

Following these steps can help manage the practicalities of a death in Australia, ensuring that all legal and personal affairs are handled respectfully and efficiently.

For more information and support, chat to Violet via the message box below, register for your Violet Plan, or book to speak with a Violet Guide via the menu links at www.meetviolet.ai