What’s inside

Before a death. Powers of Attorney, medical decisions and getting affairs in order.

The first 24 hours. What to do straight away, including coroners, organ donation and interim death certificates.

Funerals, memorials and ceremonies. Your options, who can organise them, costs, payment options and bereavement leave.

Estate administration. With or without a Will: managing assets and debts and finalising the estate.

Your checklist. Follows every step so you can tick things off as you go.

Why I wrote it

Just to be clear, I’m not a legal or financial expert. I’m just someone who’s been through it and wants to make things easier for others. In consultation with legal expert Greg Russo of Greg Russo Law Pty Ltd, a specialist in Wills and Estates Law in Victoria, this guide has been created to give you the clarity you need to take the next steps after a death. While this guide doesn’t replace professional advice, it empowers you with key information to simplify the process. Our guide also comes with a downloadable checklist.

Catherine Ashton, Founder, Critical Info

What readers say

“I am so glad that someone has come up with a clear guide for a matter which can be so stressful and so complicated.”
Ben, Carrum Downs

“Excellent initiative and wish they had something like this when both my parents died within 11 months. It would have relieved so much stress!”
Jennifer, WA

Questions

Does it apply to my state? Yes. It covers every state and territory, with the details where the rules differ.

How do I get it? The digital guide downloads straight after checkout. Printed colour copies are posted to you, with postage added at checkout.

Is it legal advice? No. It is general information, and it tells you when to get legal or financial advice for your situation.

Not ready to buy? Read our free step by step overview of what to do when someone dies, or start with the free Important Documents Checklist.