What to Do After the Funeral | A Guide for Australian Families
After the funeral is over, grief can settle in — and so can the long list of practical tasks that follow a death. From managing the estate to handling paperwork and supporting loved ones, it can be hard to know where to start.
At eziFunerals, we understand that your journey doesn’t end with the funeral. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide to walk you through what happens after the funeral, so you can take care of final arrangements with clarity, support, and peace of mind.
1. Register the Death (if not already completed)
In most cases, your funeral director will have submitted the paperwork to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory. You’ll receive an Official Death Certificate — a vital document for managing financial, legal, and administrative matters.
If you haven’t received it within a few weeks, follow up with:
- Your funeral provider
- The relevant state registry office
2. Apply for the Death Certificate (if required)
You may need to order additional copies of the death certificate for:
- Superannuation claims
- Insurance payouts
- Banks and financial institutions
- Property title transfers
- Executor or legal duties
You can apply online through your state’s registry. Expect a fee per copy.
3. Notify Government Departments and Organisations
Inform relevant authorities and services, including:
- Centrelink & Medicare
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Passport and driver’s licence authorities
- Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
- Service providers and utility companies
- Clubs, memberships, and subscriptions
You can use the Death Notification Service (DNS) to notify multiple organisations at once.
4. Manage the Estate
If the deceased had a Will, the executor must:
- Locate the original Will
- Apply for probate (if required)
- Identify and value all assets and debts
- Distribute the estate according to the Will
- Keep records of all actions
If there is no Will, the estate is managed under intestacy laws, and a next of kin or Public Trustee may step in.
You may need legal help — eziFunerals can connect you with trusted estate professionals.
5. Claim Superannuation and Insurance
Contact the deceased’s:
- Super fund(s)
- Life insurance providers
- Funeral insurance or bond providers
Have on hand:
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Proof of identity and relationship
- Policy or membership numbers
Some super funds also include death and terminal illness benefits.
6. Close Financial Accounts and Cancel Services
Finalise or close:
- Bank accounts and credit cards
- Loans and mortgages
- Social media profiles (memorialise or delete)
- Streaming and subscription services
Some providers require legal proof or death certificates. Your funeral director or executor may assist.
7. Return or Dispose of Belongings
This can be one of the most emotional steps.
- Take your time and involve close family if possible
- Donate, sell, or keep items with sentimental value
- Engage a professional estate cleanout service if needed
- Respect any wishes left in a Will or funeral plan
Tip: Consider setting aside a few keepsakes like jewellery, photos, or letters for future generations.
8. Organise a Memorial, Thank You Cards, or Headstone
After the funeral, some families choose to:
- Host a memorial event or ash-scattering ceremony
- Create an online tribute page or video
- Send thank you cards to guests or those who offered support
- Arrange a headstone or plaque (if not already chosen)
These can help you find closure and honour your loved one’s legacy.
9. Support Others (and Yourself)
Grief doesn’t end with the funeral. Everyone processes loss differently, and ongoing support is essential.
Support Options:
- Grief counselling services (Griefline, Beyond Blue, Lifeline)
- Support groups, both online and in-person
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) if you’re returning to work
- Children’s grief support, through school counsellors or specialised services
Allow yourself space to grieve and heal — there’s no right or wrong timeline.
10. Consider Your Own Funeral Plans
The death of a loved one often prompts reflection. Many Australians choose to plan their own funeral to:
- Ease the burden on family in the future
- Lock in today’s prices with prepaid options
- Document personal wishes for burial, cremation, music, and more
- Appoint a Funeral Guardian to ensure decisions are honoured
With eziFunerals, you can plan ahead with confidence and flexibility.
How eziFunerals Can Help After the Funeral
We provide:
- Checklists for what to do after a death
- Guidance on legal and financial steps
- Free funeral planning tools and resources
- Trusted connections to estate, legal, and counselling professionals
- Support for prepaid funeral plans and legacy planning
We’re independent, compassionate, and here for you every step of the way.
Start with eziFunerals
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to plan ahead, eziFunerals makes the process simple and stress-free.
- Visit eziFunerals
- Or call us on 1300 236 402 for personalised support
eziFunerals – Supporting Australian families before, during, and after the funeral.
