Bereavement Guide
Step 1: Gather essential documents
When someone passes away you will need official documents to proceed with the funeral and administration of the estate.
Step 2: Locating the Will (if there is one)
Locating a signed and witnessed original version of the Will is essential to appointing representatives (executor) to act on behalf of the estate. If there is no Will, then we take alternative steps such as taking instruction from one of the direct next of kin.
Step 3: Funeral arrangements and registering the death
When you begin to plan a funeral, we know there is additional financial stress on the family. We might be able to help with releasing funds from the estate for some funeral expenses.
Step 4: Who to notify
There are a number of organisations and people that need to be notified of your loved one’s passing. We will help you understand who should be notified at this time.
Step 5: Identifying yourself & important documentation
If you are not an existing Westpac customer and you are a representative of the deceased dealing with the estate, you will need to be identified before proceeding.
Step 6: Next of kin – what does it mean in Australia?
A guide to understanding the term and its rights and responsibilities.