Next of Kin & Funeral Costs: Are You Responsible?

When someone dies, it can be challenging and emotional for loved ones. In the midst of grief, practical matters like funeral arrangements and financial obligations often fall to the next of kin. But does being next of kin mean you have to pay for the funeral? If you’ve come to this article looking for answers about next of kin responsibilities and funeral costs, you’re not alone. Navigating these questions during what can be an already overwhelming time can feel confusing, but understanding your legal and financial roles can help bring some clarity and peace of mind.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about next of kin and funeral costs, including who is responsible for making arrangements, what financial support is available, and how the law applies in different situations.

Key takeaways:

• Being next of kin doesn’t automatically mean you’re legally responsible for funeral costs in the UK.
• Funeral expenses are usually covered by the person’s estate, a prepaid funeral plan, or the person arranging the funeral (who may be reimbursed).
• If there are no funds, the local council may provide a public health funeral.
• Next of kin may need to prove their status with documents like birth or marriage certificates.
• Government support, like the Funeral Expenses Payment, is available for those eligible.

What does ‘next of kin’ mean?

Definition of next of kin and their legal standing in the UK

The term “next of kin” is simply a way of describing a person’s closest living relative. In the UK, this is usually a spouse, civil partner, child, or parent, but it can also be a sibling or another close family member if no immediate relatives are alive. While it may sound official, being next of kin doesn’t automatically mean you have legal control over a loved one’s estate, bank accounts, or financial matters when they die. Many people assume that if they are next of kin, they’ll have the final say in funeral arrangements or inherit everything, but that’s not necessarily the case. Legal authority depends on whether the person who has died left a will, named an executor, or had other plans in place for handling their affairs.

How next of kin is determined if there is no will

When a person dies without a will, intestacy laws determine who the next of kin is and how the person’s estate is distributed. The order of priority typically follows:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Children (including adopted children but not stepchildren unless legally adopted)
• Parents
• Siblings
• More distant relatives if no immediate family exists

Difference between next of kin and an executor

An executor is a person named in a will to handle the person’s estate, including paying debts and distributing assets. Being next of kin does not mean someone is automatically an executor. If no executor is named, the next of kin may apply to manage the estate through a legal process called probate. 

Proving next of kin status

In many situations, you may need to provide proof that you are someone’s next of kin, especially when dealing with legal, financial, or medical matters after they die. While being next of kin is an important relationship, it does not grant access by default to a person’s estate, assets, or decision-making authority. Organisations and government agencies often require official documents to confirm your relationship before they will allow you to act on behalf of the person who has died. 

Why might you need to prove you are next of kin?

• Claiming inheritance – If the person had died without a will, their estate will be distributed according to intestacy laws. In these cases, the next of kin may need to prove their relationship before receiving any inheritance.
• Applying for probate or letters of administration – If no executor was named in a will, the next of kin may need to apply for probate, or the legal right to manage the estate. 
• Registering a death – In the UK, you must register a death within five days (or eight days in Scotland). The next of kin is often the person responsible for doing this, and they may need to provide identification or proof of relationship.
• Handling bank accounts and financial affairs – Banks and financial institutions will not release funds to someone just because they say they are next of kin. They require legal proof, such as a grant of probate or letters of administration.
• Medical records and funeral arrangements – Hospitals, care homes, and funeral directors may require proof of relationship before discussing private details or making arrangements, though in lots of cases this has been established prior to the death.

Proving next of kin status is often a necessary step in settling a person’s affairs, particularly when legal or financial matters are involved. Having the right documents on hand can make this process go more smoothly.

How to prove you are next of kin

• Birth or marriage certificates
• A will (if applicable)
• A grant of probate or letters of administration (for estate matters)
• Photo identification 

In some situations, proving next of kin status is straightforward, such as when registering a death or arranging a funeral. However, for financial or legal matters, you may need additional documentation and, in some cases, court approval to access assets or make decisions on behalf of the person who has died. 

Responsibilities of next of kin after a death

Does next of kin have to arrange the funeral?

The responsibility for arranging a funeral does not always fall on the next of kin. If the person who has died left a will, the executor will usually be the one handling funeral arrangements. However, if no executor exists or no will was left, the next of kin does typically take on this role.

Is next of kin responsible for funeral costs in the UK?

In the UK, funeral expenses are usually covered by:

• The estate of the person who has died (if funds are available)
• A pre-paid funeral plan (if purchased)
• The person arranging the funeral (who may later claim reimbursement from the estate)

If there are no available funds, the local council may provide a public health funeral, sometimes called a ‘pauper’s funeral’, covering a simple cremation or burial. Next of kin is not legally obligated to pay funeral costs unless they voluntarily agree to arrange and fund the funeral. Since these funerals are arranged by the local council, it is up to them to decide whether or not they can be attended, but in many cases, you can attend a public health funeral.

Emotional and practical support for next of kin

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult and painful experiences a person can face. On top of the emotional weight of grief, being next of kin often means taking on some amount of responsibility; there are many things to consider when trying to navigate what to do when someone dies.

Making funeral arrangements, handling paperwork, and sorting out financial matters can all be things you’ll have to deal with, and it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still trying to process your loss.

The emotional impact of being next of kin

Grief affects everyone differently. Some people throw themselves into organising things as a way to stay busy, while others can feel paralysed by the sheer number of tasks ahead. It’s completely normal to feel exhausted, confused, or even guilty about how you’re coping. The pressure of making big decisions, especially about things like funeral arrangements or dealing with an estate, can add extra pressure at a time when you’re already struggling emotionally.

You don’t have to go through it alone. There are services and people who can help, even if you’re not sure where to start.

Where to find support

• Bereavement counseling – There are several options for bereavement support available to you.Talking to a professional can help you process grief in a safe and open space. Charities like Cruse Bereavement Support offer free counseling and helplines for those who need someone to talk to.
• Government support – If you’re struggling financially, you may be eligible for support like the Bereavement Support Payment or help with funeral costs through the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme.
• Charities and local groups – Organisations such as Marie Curie and AtaLoss offer emotional and practical support, including peer support groups where you can talk to others who have been through similar experiences.
• Friends and family – It’s easy to feel like you have to be the ‘strong one’, especially if others are also grieving. But leaning on the people around you, whether that means asking for help with paperwork or just having someone to sit with you, can make all the difference.

Practical steps for coping with grief while handling responsibilities

Balancing grief with the practical side of things can be incredibly draining. Here are a few things that may help:

• Take it one step at a time – There’s a lot to do, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Focus on what’s most urgent, like registering the death and arranging the funeral, and leave less pressing matters for later.
• Keep important documents in one place – Having death certificates, bank details, and legal papers organised can make things easier when dealing with official matters.
• Ask for help when you need it – Whether it’s from a professional, a friend, or a charity, don’t be afraid to ask for support. Many people don’t realise how much help is available until they reach out.
• Give yourself permission to grieve – It’s easy to get caught up in ‘doing’ rather than ‘feeling,’ but make sure you give yourself time to acknowledge your emotions too. There’s no ‘right’ way to grieve, and it’s okay to take breaks from responsibilities when you need to.

Losing someone is never easy, and being next of kin comes with added pressures. But you don’t have to handle everything on your own. There is support out there, and taking small steps—both emotionally and practically—can help lighten the load during an incredibly difficult time.

Next of kin in medical and healthcare contexts

Next of kin’s role in medical decisions

Next of kin can be consulted about medical care, but without an LPA for Health and Welfare, they cannot make binding decisions. Medical professionals have the final say on treatment unless an LPA is in place.

What happens when someone dies in hospital?

Hospitals usually contact the next of kin first after a patient’s death. If someone dies in a hospital, the next steps include:

• Collecting personal belongings
• Registering the death within five days (in England, or eight days in Scotland). Previously, a doctor had to send the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to the registrar before a death could be registered, but changes to the death registration process means the Medical Examiner handles this directly, allowing the funeral to proceed legally
• Arranging funeral plans (if responsible for doing do)

If no family is available, the hospital may liaise with the local authority for arrangements.

Next of kin and estate administration

Next of kin rights when there is a will

If a will is in place, the named executor manages the estate. Next of kin have no automatic rights unless named as a beneficiary. If the will provides inheritance instructions, they must be followed.

Next of kin responsibilities without a will (intestacy rules)

When someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. The rules of intestacy determine inheritance as follows:

1. A spouse or civil partner inherits everything (if no children exist).
2. If children do exist, the spouse is entitled to the first £322,000 and half of the remaining estate; the children share the rest. This is referred to as the ‘statutory legacy’.
3. If no spouse or children exist, inheritance moves to parents, siblings, or extended family.

Next of kin and digital assets

In today’s digital world, much of our personal and financial life exists online: social media, emails, banking, and even cherished photos. But when someone dies, this digital afterlife doesn’t automatically transfer to their next of kin, and accessing accounts can be complicated in some cases.

What happens to online accounts?

If no action is taken, online accounts remain active, which can lead to security risks or painful reminders for loved ones. Most platforms won’t grant access to private messages or files, but some allow accounts to be memorialised or closed. Banks and digital wallets require legal proof before releasing money, and subscriptions continue unless cancelled.

How can next of kin manage digital accounts?

Each platform has its own process, but next of kin sometimes need to:

• Provide a death certificate and proof of relationship to request account closure.
• Apply for probate to access financial accounts.
• Cancel subscriptions to prevent ongoing charges.
• Check if the person who has died had set up a digital legacy contact on services like Facebook or Apple.

Financial and legal considerations for next of kin

Debts and liabilities of the person

A next of kin is not personally responsible for the debts of the person who has died. Debts, however, must be paid from the estate before any inheritance is distributed. If there are insufficient funds, debts usually remain unpaid unless jointly held with another person.

Access to bank accounts and property

What happens to bank accounts when you die? Well, they don’t automatically close, and next of kin can’t access them right away. Instead, the bank will freeze the account once they are notified of the death. Any direct debits or standing orders will usually be stopped, but essential payments, like funeral costs, may still be covered if funds are available. If the account was joint, the surviving account holder can typically continue using it. Otherwise, access to the funds requires probate or letters of administration, depending on whether there was a will.

To summarise, next of kin cannot access the person’s bank accounts unless:

• They were a joint account holder
• They are the executor with probate authority
• The account had a nominated payable-on-death beneficiary

Property and assets cannot be sold or transferred without probate approval.

Government support and funeral payment assistance

Funerals can be expensive, and when someone dies unexpectedly or without savings, it can put a financial strain on those left behind. If you’re struggling trying to figure out how to pay for funeral expenses, help is available. The UK government, along with charities, offers financial support for people who need assistance with arranging a funeral.

How to apply for help covering funeral costs

Applying for the Funeral Expenses Payment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving, but the process is straightforward:

1. Check if you’re eligible – You must be receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit. You also need to have a close relationship with the person who died, such as being their partner, parent, or child.
2. Gather the necessary details – You’ll need information about the person who has died, the funeral provider, and any money available in their estate.
3. Apply within six months – Applications must be made within six months of the funeral, either online, by phone, or using a paper form. The government will process the request and pay the money directly to the funeral provider or reimburse you if you’ve already paid.

Charitable organisations that assist with funeral expenses

If you’re not eligible for government support or still need extra help, there are charities that provide assistance:

• Bereavement Support Payment – Available to those whose partner has died, helping with financial stability in the months after their loss.
• The Quaker Social Action ‘Down to Earth’ project – Offers practical support and guidance on managing funeral costs.
• The Child Funeral Charity & Children’s Funeral Fund – Helps cover costs for parents who have lost a child under 18.
• Local religious or community organisations – Some faith groups and local charities provide financial help for funerals, especially for those with no means to pay.

If paying for a funeral feels impossible, remember that you don’t have to go through it without support. Even a simple conversation with a funeral director or charity can point you towards the help you need.

Prepaid funeral plans: Can they help next of kin?

Covering the costs of a funeral can cause anxiety, and for many families, finding out that a loved one had a prepaid funeral plan in place can be a huge relief. These plans allow someone to pay for their funeral in advance, easing the financial and emotional pressures on those left behind.

Prepaid funeral plans give families reassurance that everything has been arranged and paid for in advance. Instead of next of kin having to make quick decisions about funeral arrangements and find the money to cover costs, a prepaid plan means everything is already set out according to the person’s wishes. 

Prepaid funeral plans with Aura

At Aura Funerals, we believe in making funerals more affordable and straightforward for those planning ahead. With funeral costs on the rise, our prepaid funeral plans allow people to protect their loved ones from unexpected expenses. With flexible payment options and coverage for essential services, families can feel confident that arrangements will be handled without any hidden fees.

Aura’s prepaid cremation plans are less than half the cost of the average UK funeral, as outlined in Sunlife, making them an accessible option for those who want to ease the pressure on their next of kin. With a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating and the only 5-star Fairer Finance-rated prepaid cremation plans, Aura is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality service that helps families when they need it most.

For those left behind, knowing that everything has already been taken care of allows them to focus on grieving and remembering a loved one, rather than worrying about how to pay for a funeral. A prepaid funeral plan isn’t just about finances, it’s about giving families peace of mind and ensuring a dignified goodbye.

What happens when someone dies with no family?

When someone dies alone and no relatives can be located, the hospital, care home, or police will usually try to track down any family members. This might involve checking medical records, speaking to neighbours or friends, or searching for a will that names an executor or beneficiary. If no one can be found, the responsibility falls to the local authority or hospital where the person died.

The role of the local council in arranging a funeral

If no one steps forward to arrange a funeral, the local council steps in to provide what’s known as a Public Health Funeral. This is a simple, low-cost service, typically a cremation with no formal ceremony. Family members and friends can sometimes attend, but extras like flowers, cars, or a headstone may not be included. Councils keep costs minimal, as they recover expenses from the person’s estate where possible.

This process might sound a little impersonal, but it’s an important service to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial or family situation, receives a respectful funeral.

What happens to the estate if no legal heirs exist?

If a person dies without a will and no relatives can be found, their money, property, and belongings become “bona vacantia”, meaning “ownerless goods.” In the UK, this means the estate is passed to the Crown. The Government Legal Department handles these estates and holds onto unclaimed assets for 30 years. If someone later comes forward with proof of a family connection, they may be able to claim an inheritance.

For those who worry about dying alone with no family to take care of things, writing a will, even a simple one, can make a huge difference. Naming an executor and outlining wishes for funeral arrangements and asset distribution helps avoid lost or dormant assets and uncertainty and gives peace of mind that things will be handled properly.

Aura is here for you

Being next of kin can come with responsibilities, but you don’t have to navigate them by yourself. At Aura, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to handle funeral arrangements while grieving, and our empathetic team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Whether you need help understanding funeral costs, putting a prepaid direct cremation plan into action, or simply figuring out what to do next, we’re here to make the process as seamless and uncomplicated as possible.

If you need advice or support with any aspect of funeral planning, our team is always here to help.