Who to Notify When Someone Dies in WA

Losing someone you love is one of life's most difficult experiences. In the days and weeks that follow, there are a number of practical steps that need to be taken, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. We've put this guide together to help you navigate the process with as much ease as possible.

A Helpful Starting Point: The Australian Death Notification Service

Before contacting organisations individually, we recommend using the Australian Death Notification Service, a free government service that allows you to notify multiple organisations in a single online session. You can access it at deathnotification.gov.au.

The Death Certificate

The official death certificate is issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages after cremation has taken place. Some organisations will require this document before they can act, but many will not, so don't wait for it before making initial contact.

If you have requested a physical copy, this can take up to two weeks to arrive. If you need it sooner, you can attend your local WA courthouse to purchase a copy once processing is complete. You'll need to bring proof of identity along with your loved one's full name, date of birth, and date of death. If you would like to order a death certificate, visit the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website.

If you need documentation to access insurance or superannuation funds before the cremation, please reach out to us and we'll do what we can to assist. If proof of your loved one's passing is required sooner than you are able to get a death certificate, your funeral director is be able to provide the Medical Certificate Cause of Death for non-coronial cases which non-legal institutions such as Centrelink or utility companies may accept in the interim.

Who Needs to Be Notified in WA

Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and organisations that may need to be contacted. Not all will apply to every situation, so work through what's relevant to your loved one's circumstances.

A Note on Timing

Some organisations such as banks and Centrelink should be contacted as soon as practically possible, as payments or accounts may need to be frozen or redirected. Others, such as health professionals or club memberships, can be notified at your own pace in the weeks following.

You don't have to do everything at once. Take it one step at a time, and lean on family, friends, or a support person where you can.

We're Here to Help

If you have any questions about the process or need guidance on next steps, our team is always happy to help. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Farewell Cremations. If your loved one requires our services, explore our Perth cremation service options here. We're here to support you through every part of this journey.