When someone passes away or when you’re planning ahead one of the biggest challenges is knowing exactly who needs to be notified. Missing a key contact can delay probate, create unnecessary costs, or leave accounts unsecured.
This checklist is designed to help in both situations:
✔️ Planning your estate (record your contacts now)
✔️ Administering an estate (work through the notifications step-by-step)
1. How This Checklist Helps
A. If You’re Planning Your Estate
A major part of a good estate plan is making things easier for your Executor.
Completing this document now gives them a ready-made list of every organisation, account and service connected to your affairs.
Why it matters:
- Prevents weeks of searching for account numbers and providers
- Reduces stress on your family
- Helps your Executor manage your estate efficiently
- Store it safely with your Will for quick access
- Missing a key contact can delay probate, create unnecessary costs (like months of unpaid utility bills or expired subscriptions), or leave accounts unsecured.
B. If You’re Administering an Estate
Executors often struggle simply because they don’t know who to call, what to cancel, or what requires formal notification.
This checklist becomes your roadmap:
- Ensures you notify all major government, financial and service providers
- Helps avoid delays with probate, refunds and finalisation
- Reduces ongoing charges on utilities, subscriptions and services
- Keeps everything structured and organised from day one
Download Your Free Queensland Notification Checklist- Who-to-Notify Checklist
A complete list of 40+ essential contacts, created by our Wills & Estates Solicitors.
Perfect for:
• Planning ahead – record contacts now
• Administering an estate – use the list step-by-step
• Covering everything – ATO, Banks, Super, Utilities, Digital Accounts & more
2. Who Needs to Be Notified?
These are the major categories covered in the checklist.
Financial & Government Agencies
These usually require early notification and supporting documents such as a Death Certificate.
- Australian Tax Office (ATO)
- Centrelink
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- Passport Office
- Banks, Credit Unions & Credit Card Providers
- Superannuation Funds
- Insurance Companies (Life, Health, Property)
Property, Utilities & Personal Services
Important for stopping billing, securing property and closing accounts.
- Local Council (rates)
- Body Corporate / Strata
- Gas, Electricity & Water providers
- Phone, Internet & Pay TV
- Employers (for final wages and entitlements)
- Subscription services (e.g. Netflix, Spotify)
- Social media accounts and email platforms
3. What Happens When Someone Dies?
Before you begin any notifications, there are a few legal steps to complete in Queensland — especially within the first 48 hours.
We’ve created a dedicated guide covering:
- What to do immediately after a death
- How to obtain the Death Certificate
- When probate or Letters of Administration are required
- Early duties of an Executor in Queensland
➡️ Click here to read: What To Do After a Loved One Dies in Queensland
4. Planning Ahead? Start Your Estate Plan
This checklist is one part of your broader estate plan. To ensure your wishes are legally protected, make sure you have:
- A current Will
- A valid Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)
- Up-to-date records of assets, super and insurance
- Clear instructions stored in one secure location
📩 Download our free Estate Planning Checklist
We’re Here to Help — Across Queensland
Whether you’re planning your estate or handling the administration of a loved one’s affairs, our Wills & Estates team can guide you through each step.
We assist clients across Queensland including Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, by phone, email or video if you prefer not to visit an office.
