Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things a family can face. In those first hours and days in NSW, knowing what needs to happen — and in what order — can take a little of the weight off your shoulders.

This checklist walks you through the immediate steps after a death in New South Wales, from the moment it happens through to the days that follow. You do not have to carry this alone.

 

Step 1: Get a Medical Confirmation of Death

The very first requirement is medical confirmation. If the death occurs at home unexpectedly, call emergency services on 000. A police officer will typically notify the Coroner.

If the death was expected — for example, after a terminal illness — follow the end-of-life procedures already arranged with your medical team. In a hospital or aged care setting, a doctor will confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This document is the starting point for everything that follows.

If the circumstances of the death are unclear or involve suspicious causes, the doctor is required to notify the police and the death may be referred to the NSW Coroner.

 

Step 2: Contact a Funeral Director — You Can Call Any Time

Once medical confirmation is in place, families in NSW typically contact a funeral director to arrange the transfer of their loved one.

At Trevor Lee & Son, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team in Strathfield operates Sydney-wide and handles everything with discretion and care — from the first phone call through to the final farewell. We operate our own mortuary, chapel, and vehicles, so nothing is outsourced and continuity of care is never broken.

Your funeral director will take care of registering the death with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and will apply for the official death certificate on your behalf. You do not need to manage this process yourself.

 

What Happens With the Death Certificate in NSW?

The death certificate is a critical document. It is required by banks, superannuation funds, insurance companies, government agencies, and solicitors before any estate matters can progress.

The funeral director typically registers the death with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, allowing the funeral to proceed. The official death certificate generally takes between two and six weeks to arrive. Organizations that need a copy will usually require a certified copy, which can be obtained from a Justice of the Peace, most police stations, and some libraries.

Order several certified copies early — you will likely need them more than once.

 

Step 3: Locate the Will and Identify the Executor

Once the immediate arrangements are underway, the next task is to find the will. A will may include specific wishes about the type of funeral service, burial, or cremation, so it is worth checking as early as possible.

Common places to find a will include the deceased’s home, a solicitor’s office, a safe deposit box, or a filing cabinet. If you cannot locate it immediately, there is time to track it down.

The will appoints an executor — the person legally responsible for managing and distributing the estate. If there is no will, the deceased is considered to have died intestate, and the next of kin may need to apply to the NSW Supreme Court for letters of administration.

 

Step 4: Notify the Right People and Organizations in NSW

After the immediate arrangements, there is a list of people and organizations to notify. Some are time-sensitive; others can wait until probate is granted.

Notify as soon as possible:

  • Immediate family and close friends
  • The deceased’s employer
  • Clubs, volunteer groups, or organizations the person belonged to

Notify with a certified death certificate:

  • Services Australia — a single contact to notify Medicare, Centrelink, and Child Support
  • Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS) — an online service to notify multiple government agencies at once
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Superannuation funds and insurance companies
  • The Australian Taxation Office

There is also a list of cancellations to work through in the weeks ahead — driver’s licenses, credit cards, ABN if applicable, and social media accounts.

 

Step 5: Arrange the Funeral Service

Funeral services in NSW are generally held between one and four weeks after the person has passed. The executor is responsible for organizing the service or can pass that responsibility to a family member.

If there is no will and no executor has been named, the next of kin or a close relative can arrange the funeral.

At Trevor Lee & Son, we guide Sydney families through every aspect of this — burials, cremations, chapel services, and personalized farewells that honor cultural, religious, or secular traditions. With over 90 years of collective experience serving Sydney’s Inner West and beyond, no detail is too small.

 

Step 6: Apply for Probate or Letters of Administration (NSW)

If the estate includes significant assets — property, bank accounts, investments — the executor will likely need to apply for probate through the NSW Supreme Court. Probate confirms the will is valid and gives the executor the legal authority to distribute the estate.

If there is no will, the next of kin applies for letters of administration instead.

The NSW Supreme Court generally expects a probate application within six months of the date of death. Estates typically take around 12 months to finalize, though complex or contested estates can take longer.

 

What Happens if There Is No Money for a Funeral?

If the estate has no funds available immediately, the funeral cost can sometimes be paid from estate assets prior to final distribution. Financial support may also be available through Services Australia. Speak with your funeral director or solicitor about your options — you should not have to face this uncertainty alone.

 

A Note on Your Own Wellbeing

It is easy to focus entirely on the tasks and forget yourself. The administrative load after a death in NSW is real, and grief compounds it. If things become too much, reach out to support services such as Griefline (free and confidential) or contact Services Australia for bereavement assistance.

 

We’re Here Any Time You Need Us

If someone you love has just passed away in Sydney or across NSW, Trevor Lee & Son are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are a family-run funeral home based in Strathfield, with over 90 years of collective experience guiding families through every step with clarity and care. No hidden costs. No unexpected fees. Just honest, compassionate support when it matters most. Call us on 02 9746 2949 or visit trevorleeandson.com.au to speak with our team.