Before you begin

The checklist below may feel overwhelming, and that’s completely natural. Everything does not need to be done at once.

You can print the list (at the bottom of the page) and share tasks with loved ones who want to help but may not know how. Think of this as support over time, not a to-do list for a single day.

You are also warmly welcome to contact Hedra Livet for guidance and support along the way.

Immediate steps

• Inform next of kin as soon as possible
• Notify family, friends, employers, colleagues, and neighbors
• Contact home care services if applicable
• Inform relevant associations or organizations

Organise documents and mail

• Collect bills, contracts, and account statements in one folder
• Open mail addressed to the deceased or the estate
• Redirect mail to the person responsible for the estate
• Stop or block direct mail

Bank and financial matters

• Contact the deceased’s bank
• Stop direct debits and review outstanding payments
• Write a power of attorney for the person managing the estate (if needed)
• Review and resolve mortgages
• Close accounts after the estate settlement

Tax and Declaration

• Ensure the Swedish Tax Agency has the correct address for the estate
• Submit probate documents within four months
• File income tax returns for the estate in subsequent years
• Declare any business owned by the deceased

Probate and estate administration

• Decide whether to handle probate yourself or seek professional help
• Check whether a will or written wishes exist
• Determine if property division is required (e.g. for cohabiting partners)
• Draft a deed of succession if there are multiple heirs
• Submit probate documents to the Swedish Tax Agency

Certificates and benefits

• Order a death certificate with family history via Tax Information 0771-567 567 or through a funeral home

• Obtain guardianship certificates if required
• Check entitlement to compensation from life insurance or employer benefits
• Review eligibility for housing allowance (Försäkringskassan or Pensionsmyndigheten)

Funeral planning

• Review any wishes expressed by the deceased
• Decide on burial, cremation, or scattering of ashes
• Explore funeral home options
• Check for funeral insurance

Preparing the funeral

• Book transport if needed
• Write and publish an obituary
• Choose officiant or priest
• Select music and decorations
• Book venue (church, chapel, or other location)
• Decide on digital participation
• Invite guests
• Arrange memorial gathering and catering
• Order flowers
• Save all funeral receipts (estate expense)
• Apply for permit if ashes are to be scattered outside a memorial grove
• Arrange grave site

After the funeral

• Order a gravestone if applicable
• Transfer grave rights if applicable
• Keep all receipts for estate accounting

Agreements and subscriptions

• Cancel or transfer phone subscriptions
• Cancel or transfer electricity, waste collection, internet, TV, streaming
• Cancel or transfer insurance policies
• Terminate or transfer lease agreements

Digital presence and memberships

• Close or manage social media accounts
• Close blogs and personal websites
• Cancel memberships and loyalty programs

Property and ownership

• Transfer title deeds for real estate (Lantmäteriet)
• Transfer vehicle ownership (Swedish Transport Agency)

Home and household

• Care for pets
• Lower heating if the deceased lived alone
• Empty refrigerator, garbage, and mailbox
• Collect spare keys
• Prevent burglary (e.g. use light timers)
• Clean and empty the home
• Contact landlord if lease needs updating
• Contact realtors if property will be sold
• Update or cancel home insurance

Healthcare and personal items

• Collect belongings from hospital or care facilities
• Return medical aids and alarms
• Return unused medication to pharmacies

Other practical matters

• Move incorrectly parked vehicles
• Cancel ID card, passport, and driver’s license
• Collect laundry or items left for repair
• Check on boat, holiday house, or allotment

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