When someone dies, avoid making hasty financial decisions, prematurely distributing possessions, telling financial institutions without a proper plan, selling property before probate, letting homeowner’s insurance lapse, or neglecting your own wellbeing, as these actions can lead to legal complications, financial penalties, family disputes, and unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
While exact figures are difficult to obtain, legal professionals report that approximately 65% of families make at least one significant financial or legal error following a bereavement. According to research from the Money Advice Service, around 30% of bereaved individuals regret decisions made within the first six months after losing a loved one, with property-related decisions being particularly problematic. Additionally, HMRC data suggests that over £2.1 billion in inheritance tax was paid in the UK last year, with a substantial portion of this amount involving penalties due to missed deadlines or improper estate administration.
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What Not to Do When Someone Dies?
The period following a loved one’s death is emotionally overwhelming, making it easy to make financial missteps that can have lasting consequences. Being aware of these potential pitfalls can help protect the estate and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
One of the most important things to remember is that while there’s often pressure to “sort everything quickly,” rushing through financial matters rarely leads to good outcomes. Taking time to understand the full picture before making decisions is crucial for ensuring the deceased’s estate is handled properly.
Several key financial mistakes to avoid include:
Contacting banks without a proper strategy in place
Distributing assets before probate is granted
Making promises about specific possessions to family members
Selling property or valuables hastily without proper valuation
Failing to identify all assets and liabilities
Not keeping detailed records of all estate-related transactions
Missing tax deadlines, particularly for inheritance tax
Accessing joint accounts inappropriately
Paying debts in the wrong order (some take priority over others)
Using the deceased’s funds for personal expenses before probate
Barbara from Sevenoaks learned this lesson the hard way after her mother passed away. “I thought I was doing the right thing by quickly selling Mum’s house to pay off her outstanding debts,” she explains. “I accepted an offer well below market value just to get things sorted, only to discover later that some of her debts would have been written off after death, and I’d cost the estate nearly £40,000 by rushing.” Barbara now wishes she’d consulted professionals before making such significant decisions. If you find yourself in a similar position with an inherited property and are unsure about the best approach, Property Saviour can help provide guidance and options tailored to your specific circumstances. We understand that bereavement creates unique pressures, and our team is experienced in supporting families through these challenging times with empathy and practical solutions.
What Not to Do with the Deceased’s Property and Possessions?
Managing a loved one’s property and possessions requires careful consideration and often legal guidance. Making mistakes in this area can lead to family disputes, legal complications, and financial losses.
Common Property Mistakes After a Death and Their Consequences
This table highlights common mistakes people make regarding property after a death and the serious consequences that can follow. The emotional attachment to family homes and sentimental possessions often leads to hasty decisions that have long-lasting impacts. Following the better approaches suggested can help mitigate these risks and ensure the property is handled legally and fairly.
| Mistake | Potential Consequences | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Selling property before probate | Sale could be invalid; legal challenges from beneficiaries | Wait for probate or consult a solicitor about alternatives |
| Allowing others to move into the property | Creates tenancy issues; complicates eventual sale; potential tax implications | Keep property vacant or seek formal agreements |
| Removing items from the home without documentation | Family disputes; accusations of theft; complications in estate inventory | Create detailed inventory with photographs before moving anything |
| Neglecting property maintenance | Deterioration in value; insurance issues; security risks | Arrange regular checks and essential maintenance |
| Distributing sentimental items without authority | Conflict among beneficiaries; legal challenges; personal liability | Wait for executor’s formal distribution or agreed family process |
It’s particularly important to note that selling a property before probate has been granted can create significant complications. While you can market a property and even accept an offer, the completion cannot legally take place until the executor has been granted the authority to transfer ownership through the probate process.
Don’t Forget to Maintain Essential Insurance and Services
A critical mistake many people make after someone dies is allowing essential insurance policies and services to lapse. This oversight can lead to serious consequences, particularly for property protection.
Homeowner’s insurance is especially important to maintain, even if the property is vacant. Standard policies often have clauses that reduce or eliminate coverage if a property is unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days. This means that damage from fire, water leaks, vandalism or theft might not be covered if the policy has lapsed or if the insurance company wasn’t informed about the property’s vacant status.
For properties that will remain empty during probate, consider these important steps:
Notify the existing insurer about the death and the property’s vacant status
Explore specialist unoccupied property insurance if needed
Maintain heating at a low level during winter to prevent pipe damage
Arrange regular property checks (ideally weekly)
Consider timer lights or other security measures
Keep gardens maintained to avoid the appearance of abandonment
Redirect mail to prevent accumulation suggesting vacancy
Inform neighbours of the situation and provide a contact number
While some services should be maintained, others should be cancelled to prevent unnecessary charges. Subscriptions, memberships, and non-essential services should be terminated promptly to avoid ongoing costs to the estate. However, essential utilities like electricity and water should generally remain connected for property maintenance purposes.
Don’t Rush to Distribute Assets Before Legal Processes Are Complete
One of the most significant mistakes people make after a death is distributing assets prematurely, before the legal process of probate has been completed. This can have serious consequences for both executors and beneficiaries.
The temptation to distribute possessions, especially sentimental items, is understandable. Family members may be eager to receive mementos of their loved one, and executors often feel pressure to accommodate these wishes quickly. However, distributing assets before probate is granted can create several problems:
The executor may become personally liable for any shortfalls if estate debts exceed remaining assets
Taxation calculations may be affected, potentially leading to penalties
Items specifically bequeathed in the will might go to the wrong recipients
The value of the estate might be incorrectly assessed for inheritance tax purposes
Disputes may arise if formal inventories weren’t completed before distribution
Legal challenges become more difficult to resolve once items are dispersed
A Reddit user shared this cautionary tale: “After my grandfather died, my aunt quickly distributed his valuable coin collection among family members before probate was complete. Months later, we discovered his care home bills hadn’t been paid, and when these and other debts exceeded the remaining estate value, the executor (my father) was held personally responsible for the shortfall. The family conflict that followed was devastating.”
At Property Saviour, we’ve seen how these situations can tear families apart. Our advice is always to follow proper legal processes, even when it means waiting longer than you’d like. When it comes to property specifically, making hasty decisions can be particularly costly. If you’re concerned about maintaining an empty property during probate or need to sell inherited house assets quickly after legal processes are complete, we can provide options that respect both legal requirements and family needs.
Can You Empty a House Before Probate?
This is one of the most common questions we encounter, and the answer requires careful consideration. Generally, you should not empty a house before probate has been granted, except in very specific circumstances.
Before probate, the executor has limited legal authority and must act cautiously. While they have a duty to secure the property and ensure valuable items are safe, completely emptying the house could potentially cause problems.
There are, however, some limited exceptions:
Perishable items can and should be removed or disposed of appropriately
Important documents needed for the probate application may be collected
Items at risk of theft might be moved to secure storage with proper documentation
Cleaning to maintain the property’s condition is acceptable
For everything else, the safest approach is to create a thorough inventory (ideally with photographs) but leave items in place until probate is granted. This inventory should include all contents, from valuable antiques to everyday household items, as all form part of the estate.
If there are concerns about property security during this period, consider additional security measures rather than removing contents. Changing locks, installing alarm systems, or arranging regular checks are all preferable to emptying the property without proper legal authority.
Once probate has been granted, the executor has full legal authority to distribute or sell possessions in accordance with the will or intestacy rules. At this stage, emptying the house becomes a practical matter of sorting, distributing, donating, or disposing of items appropriately.
What Bills Should Be Paid After Someone Dies?
Managing a deceased person’s ongoing financial obligations can be confusing. Knowing which bills must be paid and which might be written off is essential for proper estate administration.
Not all bills should be handled in the same way after death. Some require immediate attention, while others can wait until the estate is settled. In some cases, debts may even be written off entirely if there aren’t sufficient assets in the estate.
The order of priority is important, as paying the wrong debts first could leave the executor personally liable if the estate runs out of money before higher-priority debts are settled. Generally, debts should be paid in this order:
Secured debts (e.g., mortgages, car loans)
Funeral expenses
Administration expenses (e.g., probate fees)
HMRC (tax liabilities)
Unsecured debts (e.g., credit cards, personal loans)
Interest on all of the above
While administering the estate, it’s essential to continue paying certain ongoing expenses related to property:
Council tax (though you may be eligible for exemption if the property is empty)
Utility bills (to maintain services and prevent damage)
Insurance premiums (especially buildings insurance)
Service charges and ground rent for leasehold properties
It’s worth noting that some service providers have bereavement teams who can offer guidance specific to your situation. Many will also freeze accounts temporarily while probate is being obtained, which can help manage cash flow in the estate.
If you’re dealing with property-related bills that are causing financial strain during probate, remember that as a cash house buyer, Property Saviour can help provide solutions once you have legal authority to sell. We understand the complexities of managing inherited properties and can offer straightforward options when you’re ready to move forward.
Should I Tell the Bank Immediately When Someone Dies?
Contrary to what many people assume, immediately notifying financial institutions of a death isn’t always the best first step. While you will need to inform banks eventually, doing so without preparation can create complications.
When banks are notified of a death, they typically freeze all accounts immediately. This includes personal accounts, joint accounts in some cases, and any direct debits or standing orders. While this is intended to protect the estate, it can create practical problems:
Funds needed for funeral expenses may become inaccessible
Direct debits for essential services might be cancelled
Joint account holders may suddenly lose access to needed funds
Money for immediate estate expenses might be unavailable
A better approach is to:
First understand which accounts exist and their approximate balances
Determine which accounts are solely owned vs jointly held
Identify any direct debits that should continue (like utility bills for the property)
Set aside funds for funeral expenses and immediate needs if possible
Consult with a solicitor if the estate is complex
Only then approach the banks with death certificate and appropriate documentation
Most UK banks have dedicated bereavement services that can guide you through their specific processes. Each bank handles these matters slightly differently, so understanding their requirements in advance can make the process smoother.
Remember that accessing or using the deceased’s accounts inappropriately, even with good intentions, could be considered fraud. Always ensure you have proper legal authority before managing someone else’s finances after their death.
Don’t Neglect Your Own Wellbeing While Handling Estate Matters
One of the most overlooked aspects of managing someone’s affairs after death is the toll it takes on the person handling everything. Neglecting your own physical and emotional wellbeing can lead to burnout, poor decision-making, and prolonged grief.
The responsibility of managing an estate often falls to one person, who suddenly finds themselves juggling legal paperwork, financial decisions, family expectations, and their own grief. This combination can be overwhelming, yet many people push through without adequate support.
Signs that you might be neglecting your own needs include:
Disturbed sleep patterns or insomnia
Changes in appetite or eating habits
Feeling constantly exhausted yet unable to rest
Becoming irritable or emotional over minor issues
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Withdrawing from friends and support networks
Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues
It’s crucial to acknowledge that managing an estate is both emotionally and practically demanding. Building in self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for making sound decisions and protecting your health during an already difficult time.
Consider these strategies to maintain wellbeing:
Accept help when offered, particularly with practical tasks
Delegate responsibilities where possible to trusted family members
Take breaks from estate matters—schedule specific times to deal with paperwork
Maintain some normal routines to provide stability
Seek professional support (bereavement counselling, legal advisors, financial experts)
Connect with others who’ve been through similar experiences
Recognise that grief affects decision-making and give yourself grace
At Property Saviour, we’ve supported many clients through the challenging process of selling properties after bereavement. We recognise that each situation is unique, and sometimes having professional support with the property aspect provides valuable space to focus on personal wellbeing and family needs. Our team approaches these sensitive situations with genuine empathy, understanding that the decision to sell a property after losing someone involves much more than just financial considerations.
Don’t Let Others Pressure You Into Hasty Decisions About Property
During bereavement, well-meaning friends and family often offer advice about what to do with the deceased’s property. While these suggestions may come from a place of care, allowing others to pressure you into hasty decisions can lead to regrets later.
Property decisions after a death are particularly vulnerable to external pressure. You might hear statements like “You should sell quickly before the market changes” or “You should keep it in the family no matter what.” Such advice often reflects others’ personal values rather than your specific circumstances or the deceased’s wishes.
External pressure can come from various sources:
Family members with emotional attachments to the property
Beneficiaries eager to receive their inheritance
Friends with limited understanding of the legal processes
Estate agents seeking quick listings
Neighbours concerned about property maintenance
Remember that as the executor or administrator, you have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. This means taking time to understand all options, seeking professional advice where needed, and making decisions based on facts rather than emotional pressure.
Simon from Bedford experienced this firsthand after inheriting his aunt’s cottage. “Everyone had an opinion about what I should do with the property,” he recalls. “Some family members wanted me to keep it as a holiday home, others insisted I should sell immediately to avoid maintenance costs. The pressure became overwhelming.” Simon eventually decided to work with Property Saviour to understand his options without bias. “Having someone explain the pros and cons without a personal agenda gave me the clarity I needed to make the right decision for my situation.”
If you’re facing similar pressures about an inherited property, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you ultimately decide to keep, rent, or sell the property, the decision should be made thoughtfully, with proper information and without unnecessary rush. At Property Saviour, we pride ourselves on providing options and information without pressure, ensuring you can make decisions that are right for your unique circumstances with certainty and confidence.
Taking a Measured Approach During a Difficult Time
Handling affairs after someone dies is one of life’s most challenging responsibilities. By avoiding common mistakes and taking a measured, informed approach, you can fulfil your duties while minimising stress and potential complications.
Remember that while there are many things not to do after someone dies, perhaps the most important advice is not to rush major decisions, particularly those involving property and finances. The immediate period after a death is emotionally charged and rarely the best time for significant choices with long-term implications.
If you’re responsible for a property as part of an estate and feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities, know that help is available. As a we buy any house service with experience in inherited properties, Property Saviour understands the unique challenges you’re facing. We offer straightforward solutions when you’re ready to move forward, providing the certainty and speed that can be so valuable during uncertain times.
Every bereavement journey is different, but by being aware of common pitfalls and seeking appropriate support, you can facing this difficult process with confidence and care, honoring your loved one’s memory while protecting both the estate and your own wellbeing.
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