Who to notify after someone dies

There are no legal rules about who must be notified when someone dies – the executor or next of kin takes on the responsibility. 

Relatives and friends need to be informed, as well as:

• telephone, internet, energy companies 
• clubs (for example RSL, sports and fitness)
• government departments 
• banks 
• insurance companies 
• online accounts (for example, email and social media accounts).

You can notify organisations by phone or in writing. Some organisations may require a copy of the death certificate.

Also available is the Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS). This service provides a single online location to notify multiple organisations that someone has died.

LawAccess NSW provides a checklist to help you get started.