It is the role of your Executor to make funeral arrangements, take charge of your assets, pay your debts and distribute the proceeds of your estate to your beneficiaries. It is his/her responsibility to give effect to the provisions of your Will in relation to funeral arrangements, donation of organs for medical use, etc.

Your Executor should make contact with a Solicitor as soon as possible in the event of death. It is not necessary that your Executor use the Solicitor who acted for you while you were alive but that would be preferable particularly if complex business arrangements are involved. The Solicitor will advise the Executor of the formalities with which he must comply.

Your Executor must become familiar with your assets and, as soon as possible, check the position in relation to the due dates of insurance, motor vehicle registrations, the payment of mortgage liabilities or debts and any other matters where failure to promptly act might cause any jeopardy to the estate. Your Executor should ensure that adequate provision has been made for the financial support of your dependants and the ongoing conduct of any business which you may own. Your Executor should establish what liabilities exist including any outstanding Income Tax liability and make the necessary arrangements to meet them. All credit cards should be cancelled.

If the existence of a properly executed Will cannot be confirmed, some friend or relative will need to assume the role of Executor and make Application to the Supreme Court for Letters of Administration. The role of the Applicant for the Letters of Administration in the administration of a deceased estate is similar to that of an Executor appointed by a Will except that he/she must distribute the assets of the estate after payment of all liabilities in accordance with the Intestacy Rules.

What to do immediately when a death occurs...

In A Public Hospital

Most public hospitals have mortuary facilities, so the immediate situation is under control. Some have a "relative interviewing officer" who will request a meeting with the bereaved. If this is not the case a funeral director should be contacted as soon as possible. They will make contact with all the necessary legal departments and clergy including Veterans Affairs and Centrelink.

In A Private Hospital

Usually private hospitals do not provide mortuary facilities, so provision of the Funeral Directors name and telephone number to the hospital should be a priority decision to enable removal of the loved one from the hospital to a mortuary provided at the funeral home.

At a Nursing Home

Similar procedure to private hospitals, except that the funeral director will be called by the nursing staff who will require instructions prior to registration.

In a Private Home

If suddenly and unexpectedly IMMEDIATELY RING 000. The police will control events for a time.
If expected, Ring patients regular doctor and funeral director consecutively. All procedures will be handled for you.

Enquiries

For immediate funeral assistance please call Newhaven Funerals 1800 644 524

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