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<p><i>Michelle McDermott from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) shares practical steps to help families manage financial matters after a bereavement.</i></p><p>Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. The emotional weight of grief is often compounded by the sudden financial responsibilities that follow. This is where the <a href="https://www.mabs.ie/en/">Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)</a> can make a real difference. MABS offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental advice to help individuals and families navigate the financial stress that can accompany bereavement.</p><p>Whether it’s prioritising urgent expenses, understanding entitlements and supports, or negotiating with creditors, MABS is here to provide practical guidance during an already <a href="https://rip.ie/legal-and-financial-advice/what-to-do-when-someone-dies-in-ireland-practical-guidance-289">challenging time</a>.</p><h2>General Timeline for Addressing Financial Matters</h2><h3>Immediately After Death</h3><ul><li>Notify family and friends.</li><li>Contact a funeral director to arrange the funeral (coffin, church or cremation service, etc.).</li><li>Be prepared for a deposit or part payment for funeral expenses.</li></ul><h3>Within 3–5 Days</h3><ul><li>Secure the property to prevent unauthorised entry.</li><li>If the property remains in use, ensure bills such as utilities, mortgage/rent, and insurance premiums are paid as they fall due.</li></ul><h3>Following the Funeral</h3><ul><li>Notify financial institutions of the death. Accounts will likely be frozen, but withdrawals may be allowed for funeral expenses.</li><li>Contact the Department of Social Protection to stop any social welfare payments. Overpayments must be returned.</li></ul><h3>In the Weeks and Months After</h3><ul><li><a href="https://rip.ie/grief-and-bereavement-support/registering-a-death-in-ireland-step-by-step-guide-288">Register the death within 3 months</a> and obtain a Death Certificate from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.</li><li>The executor (if there is a Will) or administrator (if there is no Will) begins gathering details of the estate:<ul><li>Identify assets and liabilities.</li><li>Contact banks, credit unions, insurance providers, and Revenue Commissioners.</li></ul></li><li>Apply for Grant of Representation (Probate) or Letters of Administration. A solicitor often assists with this process.</li><li>Pay essential bills (utilities, mortgage) from the estate or personally if necessary.</li><li>Non-essential <a href="https://rip.ie/legal-and-financial-advice/can-you-pay-a-deceased-family-members-debts-or-legal-advice-in-ireland-296 [rip.ie]">debts </a>(credit cards, unsecured loans) do not need immediate payment.</li><li>Consider applying for financial supports such as:<ul><li>Additional Needs Payment</li><li>Widowed/Surviving Civil Partner Grant<br /><i>(MABS can help with these applications.)</i></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Over the Following 1–3 Months</h3><ul><li><a href="https://rip.ie/grief-and-bereavement-support/youve-been-named-executor-in-a-will-what-to-do-next-265">Executor</a>/administrator works to finalise the estate. This can take time due to legal and financial complexities.</li><li>Costs associated with estate administration should be paid from the estate in this order:<ol><li>Executor costs</li><li>Funeral and related expenses</li><li>Secured debts (e.g., mortgage)</li><li>Revenue debts (income tax, Capital Gains Tax)</li><li>Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) deferred payment (if applicable)</li><li>Social welfare overpayments</li><li>Unsecured debts (credit cards, loans, utilities)</li></ol></li><li>Only after all creditors are cleared can assets be distributed according to the Will.</li></ul><h3>Important Note</h3><p>Executors/administrators have a legal duty to prioritise creditors before distributing assets. Failure to do so can result in personal liability. Seek professional legal or financial advice during estate administration.<br /><i>MABS can assist with creditor engagement and help reduce stress during this process.</i></p><h2>Summary Table: Typical Costs and Timeframes</h2><figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Stage</th><th>Typical Costs</th><th>Timeframe</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><th>Upon death / within first few weeks</th><td>Funeral Expenses: €4,000–€15,000</td><td>Payable within 1–6 months</td></tr><tr><th>2–4 Months after death</th><td>Probate / Administration Fees: €200–€1,500</td><td>Deducted from the estate</td></tr><tr><th>Ongoing</th><td>Estate Management (mortgage, utilities): Varies</td><td>Paid as they fall due</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h3>Need Help?</h3><p>Contact MABS for free, confidential advice on managing finances after a bereavement.<br />Visit: <a href="https://www.mabs.ie/en/">www.mabs.ie</a></p>

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Timeline and Plan for Financial Matters After a Loved One Dies

<p><i>This article is one of a series, and while it can be read on its own, is designed to be read along with the articles “</i><a href="https://rip.ie/legal-and-financial-advice/what-should-you-consider-when-making-a-will-257"><i>What Should You Consider When Making A Will?</i></a><i>” and “</i><a href="https://rip.ie/legal-and-financial-advice/what-happens-if-you-dont-make-a-will-258"><i>What Happens If You Don’t Make A Will?</i></a><i>” </i></p><h3>Introduction</h3><p>A will is a written document that lets you decide what happens to your property and assets in the event of your death. A will can also set out who should take care of young children. Importantly, it also stipulates who will manage your affairs after your death. It can be a difficult topic to think about, or discuss, but it is crucial, especially if you have young children. </p><p><span style="color:#1F1F1F">If you die without a will, you won’t have a say in who receives your property and other assets (including your pets). You won’t have a say in who manages your estate. If you have children, you miss out on the opportunity to nominate a trusted, responsible guardian for them. Not having a will can make it more difficult for your loved ones after you pass away.</span></p><p><span style="color:#1F1F1F">Wills aren’t just for the sick or elderly - in fact, every adult should consider making one. </span></p><h3>Who Gets What?</h3><p>You are the person best to decide how you want to divide your money and assets. Remember, nobody knows your wishes and your family as well as you do. </p><p>Firstly, you should think about how you would like to divide your money and assets. You should have a good idea about what you own, either in your sole name or jointly with your spouse or civil partner. You should think about what you would be leaving behind and who you want it to go to.</p><p>There are legal protections for your spouse, or civil partner, and your children, but most people provide for their family as fairly as possible in their will. Partners outside marriage are not protected to the same extent. </p><p>Your spouse, or civil partner, has a legal right to a share in your estate: one third if you have children and one half if you don’t have children. If you are separated or divorced, the Court should have dealt with this. </p><p>When it comes to your children, you should consider their ages; their education; any financial support you previously provided; what they now own; and their line of work. </p><p>In some cases, the older and wealthier they are, the less help they may need. Your children are not entitled to a fixed share like a spouse or civil partner, but they can apply to Court if not properly provided for by what the law describes as a “just and prudent parent.”</p><p>Many wills made by married couples leave everything to each other with a “gift over” clause/option, which states that if the other spouse also dies, all property goes to the children. If the children are very young, the “gift over” clause/option ensures everything goes to trustees to mind the assets for young children.</p><h3>Who Handles This?</h3><p>The person who takes care of your affairs in the event of your death is called your Executor or Executrix. This can be a very demanding and emotional role. You can appoint more than one. You should let them know beforehand that you will be assigning them this role, and where they can find your will, should anything happen to you. </p><p>If you are leaving property to young children, as stated above, you might think about including a trust for those children, and appointing Trustees to manage any money or assets left for them while they are under 18, or even slightly older. </p><p>A trust is where people called Trustees hold the assets “in trust” for the benefit of the children until the children reach 18, which is when they can own the property.  You might also think about appointing Guardians, who would take over your role in raising the children until they turn 18.</p><p>In the event of one parent’s death, the surviving parent is automatically assigned as guardian, but if both parents were to die –in a car crash for example –  someone has to be appointed to mind them. This is a very difficult, but important decision to make, and should be considered carefully.</p><h3>Summary</h3><p>People, especially those with young children, should think about making a will to provide for their loved ones in the event of their death. They should think about dividing their assets fairly, taking their spouse’s rights into account, picking the right person to manage their affairs on death, if a trust is to be created, and who is to mind their young children. </p><p><strong>Padraic Courtney is a Solicitor and Secretary to the Probate, Administration &amp; Trusts Committee of the </strong><a href="https://www.lawsociety.ie/"><strong>Law Society of Ireland</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p><p><i>Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be legal advice. While every care has been taken in its production, no legal responsibility or liability is accepted warranted or implied by the author, publishers or the Law Society of Ireland in respect of any errors, omissions or misstatement. Readers are advised to seek independent professional legal advice before acting on anything in this article. </i></p>

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Why Make a Will?

<p><i>Advice from Irish Hospice Foundation – </i><a href="www.bereaved.ie"><i>www.bereaved.ie</i></a></p><p>As Christmas approaches, Irish Hospice Foundation is reminding people to take care of themselves and those around them who may have been recently bereaved, or who continue to feel the absence of loved ones at this time of year. Simple gestures like checking in, offering practical help, or gently acknowledging their loss can make a meaningful difference.</p><h3>Bereavement Support Line</h3><p>Irish Hospice Foundation’s <strong>Bereavement Support Line (1800 80 70 77) </strong>offers a confidential space to talk to a grief-trained volunteer.</p><ul><li>Open: 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday</li><li>Available up to and including Christmas Eve</li><li>Reopens Monday to Friday (except New Year’s Day)</li></ul><h3>Practical Ways to Navigate Grief During the Festive Period</h3><p><strong>1. Plan Ahead</strong><br />Acknowledge that Christmas will now be different. While you may choose to keep some traditions, others may need to change or be dropped altogether. Ask yourself which traditions are important to you and what you can reasonably cope with this year.</p><p><strong>2. Keep Things Simple</strong><br />Think about what is meaningful and realistic for you and discuss this with other family members. You might decide against an elaborate dinner or putting up decorations, for example.</p><p><strong>3. Begin New Traditions</strong><br />Some people start new traditions, such as visiting the grave on Christmas Eve, lighting a candle, or remembering the person in a toast.</p><p><strong>4. Talk About Your Loved One</strong><br />Let the people around you know if you are comfortable talking about the person who died. If you don’t mention their name, others may assume you don’t want them to mention it either.</p><p><strong>5. Accept Offers of Help</strong><br />Both practical and emotional help can make a difference. Those who love you want to support you, but you might need to let them know what you need (e.g., walking the dog, minding the kids, or putting the bins out).</p><p><strong>6. Plan Quiet Time for Yourself</strong><br />Grieving is tiring and energy-sapping. When you can, lie down or take a short walk. If you accept invitations, give yourself the option of changing your mind or leaving early if you need to.</p><p><strong>7. Include Children in Planning</strong><br />Ask children for their ideas on how to spend the day. Young children may need reassurance that Santa is still coming and to know that it’s okay to enjoy Christmas even if people are sad.</p><h3>A Message from Irish Hospice Foundation</h3><p><span style="font-size:11pt">Catherine Tierney, Bereavement Clinical Manager of the Bereavement Support Line, says</span>:</p><blockquote><p>“<span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt">It’s great to know that support is there for anyone who is bereaved AND for those wondering how best to support them.  Our lovely service (<strong>Bereavement Support Line 1800 807077</strong>) is here to listen and to guide and support.  We also signpost to services (e.g. if someone wanted to find out about counselling options in their area).  Some callers really struggle as they approach their first Christmas without a loved one; some find the second Christmas even harder &amp; lonelier as others move on with their lives.  Our volunteers are professionally trained in grief and loss, and they really understand.  Please do call us.  <strong>10am-1pm (Monday-Friday)</strong>." ** Closed Christmas Day, Stephen’s Day &amp; New Year’s Day.</span></p></blockquote><h3>Find More Resources</h3><p>Irish Hospice Foundation also produce a free <a href="https://hospicefoundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grief-at-Christmas.pdf">Grief at Christmas</a> leaflet which can be ordered on 01 679 3188 or email <a href="mailto:info@hospicefoundation.ie">info@hospicefoundation.ie</a>.</p><p>For more information and resources on coping with grief, including guidance for families and children, visit <a href="www.bereaved.ie">www.bereaved.ie</a>.</p>

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Coping with Grief This Christmas

<p>Christmas can be an unbearably difficult time when a child or young person has died. While the world around us seems busy preparing and celebrating, <a href="https://rip.ie/grief-and-bereavement-support/what-to-say-and-not-say-to-a-grieving-parent-260">bereaved families</a> may experience the season very differently. What once felt joyful can now bring waves of sadness, longing, and isolation.</p><h3>The Buildup and the Day Itself</h3><p>Over the years, many families have shared that one of the hardest parts is not only the day itself, but the buildup—the weeks of anticipation, the decorations appearing, the music in shops, the gentle or not-so-gentle reminders of what is missing. The thought of Christmas can be overwhelming, and yet when the day arrives, it may feel strangely ordinary: a day marked by a painful absence while the tasks of everyday living continue. This contrast can be deeply painful.</p><h3>Questions in the Early Years of Bereavement</h3><p>Especially in the early years of bereavement, families may wonder how they will survive their grief and face a new year. It is natural for parents to feel they simply want to “cancel” Christmas altogether. If this is your first year, you may feel confused and unsure of how to approach it. Many questions arise: Do we decorate the tree? Should we send cards? Attend the festive meal? Go to a family gathering? Some parents feel guilty if they choose to participate; others feel guilty if they don’t. In truth, there are no right or wrong answers—only what is right for you at this moment in time.</p><h3>Carrying Loving Memory Forward</h3><p>As the years pass, many families find ways to carry the loving <a href="https://rip.ie/grief-and-bereavement-support/honouring-your-childs-memory-finding-ways-to-remember-261">memory of their child </a>with them into future Christmas seasons. But for now, if you are grieving, please know that you are not alone. Many hold you in their thoughts and hearts during these tender weeks.</p><h3>Suggestions for the Weeks Ahead</h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc"><li><strong>Let yourself decide what is best for you.</strong> Do not allow others to dictate what you should or shouldn’t do. Grief is deeply personal, and only you can know what feels manageable.</li><li><strong>Leave room for change.</strong> Sometimes we do not know what we can face until the last moment. It is entirely acceptable to change plans or step back if you need to—those close to you will understand.</li><li><strong>Tell trusted friends or family what you need.</strong> You may wish to talk about your child—or you may not. Let others know how they can <a href="https://rip.ie/grief-and-bereavement-support/supporting-a-family-after-the-loss-of-a-child-259">support</a> you (be as specific [and realistic] as possible).</li><li><strong>Be mindful of younger children in the family.</strong> They may want Christmas to continue as before. Children grieve differently to adults, so talking together about what each of you wants or needs can help.</li><li><strong>Acknowledge how hard family gatherings can feel.</strong> Christmas is widely seen as a family time, which can be painfully difficult for parents without surviving children, or for parents whose family now feels incomplete. Being with others may be hard; being alone may be hard too. Be gentle and honest with yourself about what you need.</li><li><strong>Create a meaningful ritual.</strong> Some find comfort in lighting a candle, attending a remembrance service, visiting a special place, or placing a decoration or card in honour of their child.</li><li><strong>Consider a change of scene.</strong> For some, being away from home helps; for others, it can feel more isolating. Think about what support you may need before making this decision.</li><li><strong>Remember that New Year’s can also be emotionally charged.</strong> Even for those not grieving, the transition can be poignant. For some bereaved parents, the start of a new year may feel like moving further away from their child. Consider planning December 31st in a way that feels safe—whether that means being alone or with close, understanding friends. And please know: you will not forget your child. Their memory remains part of you always.</li></ul>

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