What is the Process After Someone Dies in Sydney?
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. As well as the heartache, there are also practical and legal steps to take after someone dies. For families in Sydney, NSW, the process can be overwhelming but understanding what to do following a death can help relieve some stress.
This guide will walk you through the key steps after someone dies. It includes legal obligations, will reading, finding a funeral home, and organising a funeral.
Immediate Steps After a Death
When a person passes away, the first step is to confirm the death and notify the relevant authorities. If the death occurs at home, the family must contact a doctor to confirm the death and issue a death certificate. You may need to call the police If the death is sudden or unexpected and the coroner may become involved to investigate the cause of death.
In the case of a death in a hospital or nursing home, the staff will usually manage the necessary paperwork and notify the authorities. Once you have registered the death, the next step is to take care of the body. This is where funeral homes come into play.
Engaging with a Funeral Home
Many funeral homes like Academy Funerals, offer comprehensive services which guide families through the process. They can offer advice, transport the body, and assist with the legal paperwork.
Funeral directors are well-equipped to move the deceased from the place of death to a mortuary or a family home. They can also help you decide whether to have a burial or cremation and assist with the necessary paperwork for both options.
Funeral homes also help families with more than just the technical aspects of the funeral. A funeral home can also provide support with planning the service. Such support includes arranging the location, choosing flowers and organising ceremonies.
Legal Obligations and Registration of Death
In New South Wales, it is legally required to register the death with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days of death. The funeral director will assist with completing the required forms, and once registered, a death certificate will be issued.
The death certificate is a crucial document, as it will be needed for various legal and financial tasks, such as closing bank accounts, accessing insurance policies, and transferring ownership of assets.
If the deceased had any specific medical or legal issues that required investigation (such as an unexpected or suspicious death), the NSW Coroner may become involved. This could delay some of the steps in the process, but funeral homes are experienced in managing these types of situations and can guide the family through them.
Reading the Will
Once the death is registered, the next legal step is to locate the deceased person’s will. The will is an important document that outlines how the estate should be divided among beneficiaries. The executor named in the will should manage the deceased’s estate, paying debts and distributing assets.
If the deceased person has left a will, it should be read by the executor and any appointed witnesses. The executor may be a family member, friend, or solicitor, and they must apply for a “Grant of Probate” from the NSW Supreme Court. This is a legal document that gives the executor the authority to deal with the estate, including managing assets, closing bank accounts, and distributing property.
If no will has been left, the deceased is considered to have died “intestate.” In this case, the estate will be divided according to the rules set out by the law. Typically, the next of kin (spouse, children, etc.) will inherit the estate, but the process may be more complicated and might need legal help
The reading of the will is typically done in the presence of an executor and witnesses, and it can be done as soon as possible after death. If there are any concerns or disputes about the will, it is important to find legal help.
Arranging a Funeral or Memorial Service
The funeral director plays a key role in arranging a funeral. In Sydney, you will find many options including traditional services, memorial services, or more modern, personalised events. The type of service you choose will depend on your loved one’s wishes or your family’s preferences.
One of the first decisions to make is whether the deceased will be buried or cremated. This decision may already have been discussed with the deceased, but it is often up to the family to make this choice. Funeral homes can provide guidance on the process and any associated costs.
In Sydney, burial services are often conducted at one of the city’s many cemeteries. Many families choose cremation and ashes can be scattered or kept in an urn.
Planning the Service
Funeral directors will typically guide you through the key aspects of planning a funeral, including:
- Location: The service can be held at the funeral home, a church, a cemetery chapel, or another location meaningful to the deceased and their family.
- Ceremony Type: The ceremony can be religious or secular depending on the deceased’s wishes and the family’s preferences.
- Speakers and Tributes: Family members, friends, or religious leaders may be invited to give eulogies or share memories.
- Music and Readings: Special songs, hymns, or poems can be included to personalise the service.
- Flowers and Donations: Many families choose to have floral tributes or ask for donations to a charity instead of flowers.
Memorial Services
Many families will also hold a memorial service, which can occur weeks or months after the funeral. A memorial service is typically more relaxed and is often held in a more personal setting.
Recently, live-streaming funeral services have also become popular, letting people take part remotely. Many funeral homes in Sydney now offer live-streaming services as part of their service.
Finalising Financial and Legal Matters
Once the funeral is complete, the executor distributes the estate according to the will. This process may take several months or longer, depending on the complexity of the estate. Executors are responsible for paying all debts and taxes before distributing assets.
Some estates need probate, which is a court procedure that gives the executor legal authority to manage the deceased person’s estate. The probate process in NSW can be complex, and it may be a good idea to get in touch with us to help, especially if there are any disputes or unusual circumstances surrounding the estate.
Let us Help
If you have recently lost a loved one then get in touch with the team at Academy Funerals. Our friendly and professional team looks forward to hearing from you and helping to guide you through this difficult time.
