Bereavement Assistance & Care After a Loss

We understand that this is a difficult time as the Executor, Administrator or Next of Kin. Oftentimes, a loss of a loved one cannot be prepared for entirely and it can be a very emotional time.

If you are stressed, feel overwhelmed, are alone or need a break once in a while throughout this process, it is important to remember to:

• continue your normal diet;
• continue your usual exercise;
• continue your typical routines;
• sleep sufficiently; and
• continue to maintain your social life.

These healthy routines and habits that you have developed in your everyday life, will allow you to feel more in touch with yourself. Allow yourself to take a break and ensures the Deceased Estate administration doesn't take over completely even if you want to progress through this as soon as possible.

If you feel unwell and are not sure where to go, make an appointment to see your General Practitioner (GP) who will help you find the support or bereavement assistance needed.

If you are not getting the support from the people around you or want to talk to an independent person, reach out to the following as early as possible:

• Your General Practitioner (GP)
• Your hospital or nursing home staff
• Your Community Health Service
• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (bereavement counselling and support services) – 1300 642 066
• GriefLine Community and Family Services Inc. (loss and grief telephone counselling service) – 12:00pm noon to 3:00 am, seven days a week – 1300 845 745
• Lifeline (crisis support and suicide prevention services) – 24 hours, 7 days – 13 11 14
• Kids Help Line (telephone counselling) – 24 hours, seven days a week – 1800 55 1800
• MensLine Australia – 24 hours, seven days a week – 1300 78 99 78
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or chat online
• Your state/territory's Road Trauma Support Services
• Your state/territory's SANDS Australia (Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Newborn Death)

As you work through the Deceased Estate administration, you may wish to complete some or all the tasks outlined on this website yourself. This may be your choice as you want full control over the dealings, you think the Estate is too small to allow for paid support or other reasons.

In Australia most government dealings are clearly described and available online or through various outlets making this possible. The Citizens Advice Bureau and other support organisations further provide support or advice free of charge or for a minimal fee.

simplyEstate provides the most common information required to administer most Deceased Estates and provides guidance on the process. Each step also provides listings of Trusted Partners who you may want to use for specific tasks that you are unfamiliar with or depending on your specific circumstance. Sometimes it is a good idea to consult with an objective party and experienced service provider to save time and money in the longer run. Often such service providers offer a free consultation that you may want to make use of.

Please remember that information provided on simplyEstate is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should always seek specific and independent advice if in doubt or require clarification.

If you and family members of the deceased person are employed, you should check how much bereavement leave you are entitled to with your employer. You may decide to make use of this to help you and the family surrounding the death.

Minimum bereavement leave is legislated and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about when and how much bereavement leave you and the family members of the deceased person are eligible for.