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.
Last updated: 22 June 2022