An elderly chap "Alan" I have known for a few years died this week. We weren't particularly close friends, I looked after his cat when he was on holiday and I've given him a lift to the hospital when he couldn't get a taxi. Our social interactions were limited to saying hello if I saw him on the street, and texts about his holiday dates when he needed me to cat-sit. He was taken ill a few weeks ago and has been in hospital, so I've been at his flat every day to feed/care for his cat. It was a complete surprise when the hospital called over the weekend saying that as I was next of kin (!) they were notifying me that he was deteriorating and would keep me updated. I've since discovered that he also notified his assisted living facility that I was both next of kin and his emergency contact. He passed away on Monday.
The assisted living facility manager "Mandy" assumed that I was fully aware that Alan had nominated me as next of kin, and also thought that it was likely I was named as executor on his will. We looked (briefly) for a will but couldn't find one. We did however find an insurance policy to cover funeral costs. As the hospital already had me listed as his contact, I spoke to the hospital bereavement service and they have made an appointment for me to register the death next week. I've also spoken to the insurance regarding the funeral, they have put me in touch with the funeral director who will be dealing with it. Mandy is assuming that I will be the person dealing with everything from this point forward, though I did say several times that I'm not actually family and that we need to find his will.
I discovered from his neighbour that he used a will writing company a couple of months ago. I have contacted them, and the will has only just been prepared, it has not yet been sent to him and has not been signed or witnessed, so it's not valid. But they did tell me that I was, indeed, named as executor along with my husband.
I'm not sure where this leaves me, both legally and morally. He has absolutely no family. He lived alone. It's quite possible he died intestate. I'm intending to go to his flat tomorrow and do a proper search to see if I can find an older will, but it's quite possible it doesn't exist. And (legally) is it even ok for me to search his flat?
If there is no will, I don't know if I can do anything at all. Can I still be the one to register the death? Who arranges the funeral - the policy is paid up so the funeral plan is active and will cover the funeral costs.
I have taken his cat home with me as there was nobody else who wanted her, she's settled in nicely with my other cats so that's one problem solved.
I'm not sure what my next steps should be. Any advice at all would be very helpful.