Has the deceased left a Will?

It really helps if there is a Will, as this may help clarify:

• if there are any special instructions for funeral arrangements;

• if there is sufficient money in the estate to cover funeral costs, of if there is a prepaid funeral plan;

• and, eventually, how the estate and possessions should be divided.

How to find out if there is a will

Ask the family solicitor, or if there isn't one, usually a member of the deceased's family will know.

But many people fail to make a will ("die intestate"), which means that you may well have to make many of the decisions yourself while a solicitor is appointed and the estate is sorted out.

For more infornation about Wills, and the importance of making one, see the page called Making a Will under Planning Ahead.