What to Do When Someone Passes Away: A Step-by-Step Guide for Western Australian Families

When someone close to you dies, even the simplest decisions can feel difficult. There may be shock, sadness, relief, confusion, or a sense that time has suddenly slowed down.

Even when a death is expected, many families feel lost at sea in those early moments, unsure what to do when someone dies, who to call, and what needs to happen next.

At Hetherington Funerals, we understand the emotion and uncertainty that comes with a death at home in Perth. Although the loss of a loved one is never easy, knowing what to do can help you find order in confusing times and be there for loved ones, including children.

What Happens First

The first steps will depend on where and how the person has died. In most cases, the first practical requirement is for a medical professional to confirm the death and complete the necessary medical paperwork.

If the death occurs in hospital or aged care

If your loved one dies in hospital or a nursing home, the staff will guide you through the immediate process. A doctor will usually certify the death and complete the necessary paperwork.

You do not need to rush. Families are generally given time to say goodbye and contact close relatives before speaking with a funeral director.

If the death occurs at home and was expected

For an expected death at home, such as when someone has been receiving palliative care or has been under regular medical supervision, contact the treating doctor, GP or palliative care team. They will arrange for the death to be certified and explain the next steps.

This is often the situation families are thinking about after a death at home in Perth. It can feel confronting, but there is a process to follow. Once the doctor has certified the death, you can contact a funeral director to bring your loved one into their care.

Calling 000 is not required for an expected death at home in Perth. Attending paramedics may need to attempt resuscitation, which can be a traumatic situation for everyone present.

If the death is sudden or unexpected

If the death is unexpected, sudden or accidental, or you are unsure what has happened, call 000 immediately. Ambulance officers and police may attend. This is standard procedure in Western Australia and does not mean anyone has done anything wrong.

In some situations, the WA State Coroner may become involved. This can happen when a death is sudden, unexpected, accidental, or when the cause of death is unclear.

A post-mortem examination may be required. While this can delay funeral arrangements, your funeral director can liaise with the Coroner on your behalf and guide you through each step.

Engaging a Funeral Director

A funeral director can be contacted as soon as the death has been certified.

One of the most important things a funeral director provides during this time is reassurance. You are not expected to know what to do when someone dies, and you do not need to make every decision immediately.

Your funeral director will:

  • Arrange for your loved one to be transferred into care
  • Manage paperwork and registrations
  • Explain funeral options clearly and gently
  • Help you begin planning the service when you feel ready

For families unsure who to call when someone dies in WA, Hetherington Funerals is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 554 300 or (08) 9459 2846.

Registering the Death

All deaths in Western Australia must be registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (officially the WA Department of Justice). In most cases, your funeral director will handle this for you.

Once registered, the official Death Certificate is issued. This document will be needed later for banks, superannuation, insurance claims and estate matters, so it is important to keep certified copies in a safe place.

Who Needs to Be Notified

In the days ahead, there will be people and organisations that need to be informed. It can help to share these tasks among family members or close friends, rather than carrying everything alone.

You may need to contact:

  • Family and friends
  • Employers or community groups
  • Banks and insurance providers
  • Medicare and Centrelink
  • Superannuation funds
  • The Australian Taxation Office

The Australian Death Notification Service can also help families notify multiple government agencies at once.

Gathering Important Documents

As you begin handling practical matters, it is helpful to collect important documents together.

These may include:

  • The original Will
  • The Death Certificate
  • Birth or marriage certificates
  • Superannuation and insurance paperwork
  • Bank account or property details
  • Any pre-paid funeral arrangements

The executor named in the Will is usually responsible for managing the estate. If there is no Will, a family member may apply through the WA Supreme Court to administer the estate.

Planning the Funeral

Planning a funeral is about creating a farewell that feels meaningful for your family and honours the life of the person who has died. Some of the decisions you may wish to consider include:

At Hetherington Funerals, we help families create services that are respectful and genuine, honouring the life and memory of a loved one with personal touches.

Looking After Yourself

Grief affects everyone differently. Some people want company and conversation, while others need quiet and space.

Try not to place too much pressure on yourself in the early days. Accept help when it is offered and lean on the people around you.

Support is also available through:

Hetherington Funerals is Here When You Need Us

Knowing what to do when someone dies can ease some of the uncertainty during an emotional time, but you do not have to manage it alone.

Hetherington Funerals is a family-owned funeral home proudly supporting families across Perth and Western Australia with compassion, dignity and care.

If you need guidance at any time, our team is available 24 hours a day. Call us on (08) 9459 2846, or send an email to info@hetheringtonfunerals.com.au.