Locating a will

If the deceased made a will, the council cannot become involved in the undertaking of funeral arrangements unless the executor revokes the will.

Searching properties

In order to establish who will be responsible for undertaking the funeral arrangements, a full search of the premises where the deceased formerly resided, if appropriate, will need to be made in order to establish:

if a will can be found
whether there are any next-of-kin.

Hospital or care home deaths

If the deceased resided in a hospital, care or nursing home prior to death and did not have a private address, there may be no property to search.

However, any retained personal papers will require careful examination to establish whether a will can be found, and whether next-of-kin are able to arrange the funeral.

More information

For more information about Hackney Council's role in undertaking funerals, please see the main funeral services page. You may also wish to find out more about the Council's authorisation to enter the home of the deceased.

You can contact Bereavement and Property Protection Services using the details at the top-right corner of this page.

Page updated: 15 Jun 2010