Where to start with this?

[GigantosaurusRex]

A relative of MIL passed away very suddenly last night. MIL was informed as she had been named as next of kin. The relative lived alone a 4 hour drive away and we are only away of one other distant family member. MIL used to speak to relative every week on the phone and meet up once a year and she'd naturally worried about what happens now. Can anyone advise?

Sorry, we are only aware of one other distant family member.

What is it you need to know hun ??
Has she been asked to register the death?

Thanks for replying @Mo819 the death was late last night so I don't expect she will hear anything more until Monday. I think she doesn't know if she has to register the death, organise a funeral or sort the house out. No idea if there is a will or where to start. She lived a good distance away and I think that's worrying her too.

The hospital will most probably ask her to register the death. She may be asked to organise the funeral funds can be realeased from the deceased account to pay for this. If there isnt money the hospital can arrange a paupers funeral or she can request a funeral support payment from the goverment if she is on benefits. To get money realeased mil will require a death ceft. However if there is a will somebody else may be named to take care of this ie solicitor or friend. If there is no will then blood relatives will inherit. If this is the case its wise to cintact a solicitor. As ffor her liveing far away she should be allowed to travel to attend the funeral. Unfortunatly the only way to find a will or bank details may be to go too the house. Hope your mil is okand sorry for your loss.

Thank you. I suspect that is what will happen. MIL is in a bubble with us as widowed and so I suspect that DH will have to take her up to where relative lived. Presumably the hospital will release her personal belongings to MIL as of course she won't have a key to the house etc.

Yes they should

Age U.K. have loads of really good resources and support available. Here's a guide to what to do immediately after a bereavement

www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/