After the funeral

The funeral day is not the end of the process. The following weeks involve further practical and administrative tasks.

A. What to Do with Ashes (If Cremated)

If cremation was chosen, families decide what to do with the ashes. Choices include keeping, scattering, burying, or creating keepsake memorials.

Scattering often requires landowner permission and should follow environmental guidance (for example, avoiding non-biodegradable decorations in water).

B. Choosing a Memorial

• Traditional options include grave markers, benches, and headstones.
• Creative options include memorial jewellery, memorial trees, diamonds made from ashes, tattoos, or memorial artwork.

C. The Final Admin: An Introduction to Probate (The Executor's Role)

A key legal step is often applying for probate, which gives authority to deal with the estate.

Probate is not always required, but is usually needed when the estate is above threshold values or includes certain property and asset types.

1. Value the estate.
2. Pay any Inheritance Tax due (if applicable).
3. Apply to the Probate Registry with the required forms.
4. Receive the Grant of Probate (or equivalent authority).

This process can take several weeks or months. Final debts are paid and the estate is distributed once legal authority is confirmed.