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What to do when a family member passes away

  • Publicado: 24/08/2026

The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a family can go through. On top of the emotional impact, there are several administrative procedures that need to be handled, which can feel overwhelming.

Knowing what to do when a relative passes away helps you navigate the initial steps with greater peace of mind. This guide is designed to ease the administrative burden following a death, clearly explaining the key procedures, documents, and decisions that need to be made.

1. Initial steps: What to do depending on where the death occurs

The immediate actions required depend on the location and circumstances of the death.

Death in a hospital or care home

When someone passes away in a hospital or care home, the facility itself usually arranges the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This document confirms the cause of death and is required to register the death with the Civil Registry later on.

Additionally, staff can guide the family on the next steps and the paperwork needed to start making funeral arrangements.

Death at home

If the death occurs at home, you must contact emergency services or the family doctor (GP) so they can confirm the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

If you are unsure what to do when a family member passes away at home, try to stay calm and follow the healthcare professionals' instructions. They will determine the necessary procedures based on the situation.

Death in Special Circumstances: Abroad

If someone passes away outside Spain, the family should contact the relevant Spanish embassy or consulate. Necessary steps may include repatriating the body or ashes, legalising foreign documents with an apostille, and, where required, obtaining sworn translations of paperwork.

Having funeral insurance with international coverage can simplify these procedures, providing specialist support to coordinate with local authorities and funeral directors.

2. Civil Registry and Death Certificate: Essential Documentation

Registering the death with the Civil Registry allows you to obtain the official Death Certificate. This document is essential for numerous tasks, including applying for subsequent certificates, handling banking matters, managing inheritance, and notifying various public and private bodies.

3. Arranging the funeral and managing burial or cremation

One of the first decisions a family must make is arranging the funeral. This includes selecting a funeral director, choosing the venue, deciding between burial or cremation, and coordinating transportation.

Funeral services typically include the coffin or urn, preparation of the deceased, the service, use of the funeral parlour facilities, and other associated arrangements. According to a study by the OCU (Consumers and Users Organisation), the average cost is around €3,700, although in some cities it can exceed €6,000 depending on the location, type of ceremony, and services chosen.

 If there is a funeral insurance policy in place, such as Adeslas, the insurer can handle much of the organisation, reducing the burden on the family during their time of grief.

4. Checklist of administrative steps after a death

The main steps to take following the death of a relative include:

1.   Requesting the Certificate of Last Wills.

2.   Checking whether there is a valid will.

3.   Initiating the estate and inheritance process.

4.  Notifying public bodies and private organisations of the death.

Requesting the Certificate of Last Wills

The Certificate of Last Wills confirms whether the deceased executed a will and before which public notary it was registered. This document is required to proceed with any inheritance administration.

Managing the estate, wills, and declaration of heirs

Procedures involving the will and last wishes help establish the deceased's intentions and determine how their estate should be managed. If a valid will exists, the wishes outlined by the deceased are followed. If no will exists, a formal declaration of heirs will be necessary to determine who is legally entitled to inherit the assets.

5. What if the deceased had funeral insurance? 

Having funeral insurance provides specialist support to help manage the procedures surrounding a death. This allows the family to focus on their grief while the insurer handles much of the administrative and logistical burden.

Typically, the insurance policies cover funeral management, transportation, coffin, funeral parlour facilities, ceremony arrangements, psychological support, legal advice, and administrative assistance.

The key benefit of this coverage is reducing both the financial burden and the organisational pressure on the family at such a sensitive time.

6. Mandatory notifications to public bodies and private entities 

Following a death, several organisations must be informed to avoid administrative issues or financial discrepancies.

Deregistration with Social Security and survivors' pensions

Deregistering the deceased with Social Security is necessary to update official records and prevent overpayments. Additionally, eligible family members can apply for financial support, such as a bereavement or widow's pension.

Notifying banks and tax authorities

It is advisable to inform banking institutions promptly to manage the deceased's accounts correctly. You must also handle relevant tax obligations, such as settling Inheritance Tax and submitting the final income tax return where applicable.

Cancelling contracts and utility services

Services that may require cancellation or a transfer of ownership include:

  • Electricity.
  • Water.
  • Gas.
  • Phone and broadband.
  • Subscriptions and other ongoing services.

 

7.Key deadlines after a death

Important timeframes to keep in mind include:

  • Registering the death with the Civil Registry: Usually required within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Certificate of Last Wills: Can be requested after 15 working days from the date of death.
  • Notification to Social Security: Should be done as soon as possible.
  • Applying for bereavement or survivors' pensions: Recommended to apply early to prevent delays.
  • Inheritance and Gift Tax: Generally allows a 6-month period for settlement, with the option to request an extension.
  • Bank notifications: Recommended within the first few days.

 

8. Summary: checklist of procedures after a death

If you are wondering what to do when a relative passes away, here are the main steps to follow in chronological order:

  • Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
  • Register the death with the Civil Registry.
  • Request the official Death Certificate.
  • Arrange the funeral and contact the insurer if a policy exists.
  • Request the Certificate of Last Wills.
  • Check whether a valid will exists.
  • Manage the estate, inheritance, and tax obligations.
  • Notify Social Security, banks, and utility companies of the death.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to the Death Certificate, it is advisable to gather the deceased's identity card (DNI), family book (*libro de familia*, if applicable), a copy of the will (if available), and any documentation regarding insurance policies or bank accounts as soon as possible. Having these documents prepared will help streamline most subsequent tasks.

Once the bank is notified of the death, accounts are typically frozen for certain transactions until the legal heirs are officially established. However, the bank may continue to process certain payments linked to funeral costs or ongoing legal obligations, depending on the specific case and applicable regulations.

If the deceased did not have a funeral insurance policy, the expenses must be covered by the family or whoever arranges the service.

According to an OCU (Consumers and Users Organisation) study, the average cost of a funeral in Spain is around €3,700, although in some cities it can exceed €6,000. The final price depends on factors such as location, the chosen type of service, and contracted options.

There is no fixed legal deadline for accepting or renouncing an inheritance in every situation. However, Inheritance and Gift Tax generally must be settled within six months of the date of death. Therefore, it is advisable to start managing the estate as soon as possible to avoid financial penalties or missing statutory deadlines.