What to do when someone dies in Queensland

General information from official government pages, checked 12 October 2026. Fees and rules change, usually each July. It isn't legal or financial advice: your funeral director, the registry or a lawyer can confirm what applies to you.

At a glance

The first hours

If the death was expected and at home, you don't have to contact anyone straight away unless you want to. Let their doctor or palliative care service know within 48 hours so the cause of death certificate can be written. Queensland Government

In hospital or a care facility, the healthcare team starts the arrangements for you.

If the death was unexpected, call 000. If an autopsy is needed, the doctor calls the police, who contact the coroner.

The Public Trustee suggests finding their papers early, especially the will and any prepaid funeral paperwork, then contacting family, a funeral director and the executor. Public Trustee of Queensland For family and friends, our guide to telling people has wording you can copy.

If the coroner is involved

Deaths are reported to the coroner when the person's identity is unknown, the death was violent, unnatural or suspicious, it was related to health care, it happened in care or custody, or no cause of death certificate can be issued. Police or doctors usually report it. Coroners Court of Queensland

• Police arrange for the person to be taken to a mortuary. They're released to the family once any examination is finished and their identity is confirmed. There's no set timeframe.
• Family and cultural concerns are considered before an internal autopsy is ordered. A full investigation can take several months. Coroners Court of Queensland
• The court writes to the nominated family member within a few days. Coronial Family Services: 1800 449 171. Coroners Court of Queensland

Registering the death

Usually the funeral director registers the death for the family. If you don't use one, you must register it yourself with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Either way it's due within 14 days. Registering is free, but it doesn't include a certificate. Queensland Government

The death certificate

Get the official certificate: some organisations won't accept the limited one. Standard applications take up to 10 business days, and urgent ones are done within 2. The person's spouse, parent or child, the funeral director, the person who signed the registration, or the executor can apply. Apply online, by post, or in person at a Magistrates Court or QGAP office. You'll need three forms of ID. Queensland Government

Help with funeral costs

The Funeral Assistance Scheme pays for a simple funeral (cremation unless otherwise needed) when no next of kin is willing or able to pay. It's declined if there's super, life insurance, a funeral plan or enough money in the estate. You can't choose the funeral director or place, and it doesn't cover a headstone or the certificate. Apply in person at a Magistrates Court, and allow up to 60 working days. Coroners Court of Queensland

Services Australia may pay a partner a bereavement lump sum, Carer Payment can continue for up to 14 weeks, and Carer Allowance can be paid as a lump sum covering up to 14 weeks. Services Australia

The will and the estate

A grant of probate is often needed, but maybe not for small estates. Assets owned as joint tenants pass straight to the surviving owner (this doesn't apply to tenants in common). Queensland Courts

To apply, the executor:

1. advertises the intention to apply in the Queensland Law Reporter
2. notifies the Public Trustee, and waits at least 7 days after it receives the notice
3. waits 14 days after the advertisement, then files at a Supreme Court registry (Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton or Townsville). Queensland Courts

Estates take about 12 months on average. People have 6 months to contest a will, so the estate usually isn't shared out before then. Public Trustee of Queensland The Public Trustee can act as administrator, for a fee, if the executor doesn't act within 3 months or there's no will. Phone 1300 360 044. Public Trustee of Queensland

Who to tell

• Services Australia (Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support): within 28 days if they got a payment. The Advice of death form updates all three. Services Australia
• Banks, telcos and utilities: once the death is registered, the free Australian Death Notification Service tells several organisations at once. Public Trustee of Queensland
• The ATO: online form plus an interview at Australia Post, or the paper form. ATO A final “date of death” tax return may be needed. ATO checklist
• Car registration: a surviving joint owner transfers it free. Otherwise use form F5296 with the grant or will. Registration that isn't transferred can't be renewed. Queensland Government
• Driver licence: surrender it at a service centre or by mail. Queensland Government

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