When someone you love dies, there is suddenly so much to do.

Calls to make, forms to find, decisions to take, often while you are grieving. This guide walks you through it in the order it needs to happen, so you can focus on what matters and avoid costly mistakes.

What's inside

Before a death. Powers of Attorney, medical decisions, and making sure your loved one's affairs are in order.

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

Funeral arrangements. Choosing a funeral home, understanding payment options and arranging bereavement leave.

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

Your free checklist. Follows every step in the guide so you can tick things off as you go.

Who it's for

• Anyone who has just lost someone and doesn't know where to start
• Executors and family members sharing the load
• People who want to be prepared before they need it
• Social workers, carers and professionals supporting families

Why you can trust it

I wrote this guide because I've been through it, and I wanted to make it easier for the next person. It was developed in consultation with Greg Russo of Greg Russo Law Pty Ltd, a specialist in Wills and Estates Law, and it tells you clearly what you can do yourself and when it is worth getting legal or financial advice.

Catherine Ashton, Founder, Critical Info

What people are saying

“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

Not ready to buy?

Start with our free Life Stages Document Checklist and see which documents your family may need.

Frequently asked questions

What does the guide cover?

It walks you through what to do before a death, in the first 24 hours, when arranging the funeral, and when administering the estate, with or without a will. It includes a free checklist that follows every step.

Does it apply to my state?

Yes. The guide covers every Australian state and territory, with state by state details where the rules differ.

How do I receive the guide?

The digital guide ($38) is an instant PDF download straight after checkout, with nothing posted and no postage. Printed copies ($60, which also include the digital guide) are posted to you, and postage is added at checkout.

Who is the guide for?

Anyone who has just lost someone and does not know where to start, executors and family members sharing the load, people who want to be prepared, and professionals supporting families.

Is this legal advice?

No. The guide provides general information only. It was developed in consultation with Wills and Estates lawyer Greg Russo, and it tells you clearly when it is worth getting legal or financial advice for your situation.

What if I am not ready to buy?

Start with our free Life Stages Document Checklist at checklist.criticalinfo.com.au to see which documents your family may need.

A note before you start

This guide provides general information only and does not replace professional legal or financial advice. Laws and processes change, so check key details with the relevant authority or a qualified professional for your situation.