What to do when someone dies in France……..

Clear, calm, practical help in plain English, when you need it most.

Losing someone is hard enough. When it happens in another country, with unfamiliar procedures and paperwork in another language, it can make it so much harder. I help English-speaking families understand what needs to happen and in what order, and I take care of the practical parts so you can focus on what matters.

For Urgent Help:

SMS only (no calls): +33 609115699 or email: info@helpinfrance.fr

There is no pressure. If you only want to ask a question, you’re welcome to.

Where are you right now?

Someone has just died → [What to do first]
I’m dealing with the paperwork and the estate → [How I can help]
I want to prepare so my family doesn’t struggle → [Planning ahead]

What to do first

Only a few things genuinely need to happen in the first 24 to 48 hours, such as obtaining the medical certificate and contacting the funeral director. The rest can wait, which is a relief many families don’t know. If you’re not sure where to start, contact me and I’ll talk you through it.

How I can help

  • Understanding the process. I explain the practical steps in plain English, who you’ll deal with (the doctor, funeral director, mairie and notaire), and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
  • Dealing with the mairie and the funeral director. I help with communication, paperwork and arrangements, through to the burial or cremation, with a translator and guide if you want one.
  • Notifying organisations and closing accounts. Banks, pensions, insurers, the tax office, CPAM and CAF, utilities, phone and internet, and vehicle registration. I can write to them in French and cancel or transfer contracts. Cancelling contracts: €30 each, or up to 4 for €100.
  • Working with the notaire. I help you gather documents, prepare questions and keep track of progress. I can’t give legal advice, so for succession and inheritance you’ll need a notaire, and I’ll help you get the most from that conversation.
  • The property and its contents. A photographic inventory, cleaning, and help sorting and clearing the home when the family is ready. [See Professional Property Cleaning & Clearance]
  • Closing a business. If the person ran a micro-entreprise, I can help with the closing formalities.
  • If you live overseas. Many families are in the UK or elsewhere, and I can help you manage things from a distance by email, phone and video call.

For a complete service, to help you with every step of the process, I can provide a complete 24 hour assistance – rates vary depending on circumstances and location. For an approximate cost or for instant assistance, please send a text message to: +33 609115699

How it works

  1. A free call. Tell me what has happened and what you need.
  2. A clear plan. I suggest practical next steps and give you a quote before I begin.
  3. Practical help. I take on the tasks you choose and keep you informed.
  4. Your written authorisation. Where I contact organisations for you, I’ll need your written permission first.

Planning ahead

Many people tell me they wish they’d talked about this earlier. Preparing is one of the kindest things you can do for your family.

I can help you:

  • Create an emergency information folder: documents, accounts, contacts and wishes in one place
  • Understand the options for planning for incapacity, including the French and UK arrangements
  • Record your funeral wishes, and talk to your family about them
  • Buy a funeral plan or pay for a service in advance

My guide: What to Do After a Death in France

I’ve written a practical, plain-English handbook for English-speaking families, coming soon as an e-book and printed book. It’s designed to sit on your shelf until you need it, then give you straightforward guidance when clear thinking is difficult. You don’t need to read it from start to finish. Turn to the stage you’ve reached.

Part One: Planning ahead
Why planning matters, wills and estate planning, planning for incapacity, and planning your funeral.

Part Two: When someone dies
The first 24 to 48 hours, choosing a funeral director, registering the death, burial and cremation, the funeral ceremony, the role of the notaire, dealing with the estate, managing things from overseas, and life afterwards.

Checklists and ready-to-use letters

  • Checklists for the first 24 hours, first week and first month, plus emergency information, funeral planning and estate administration checklists
  • Sample letters for notifying organisations, with the French text, an English version and a translation
  • Access to downloadable forms and templates

To register your interest in buying the guide as soon as it is published, subscribe to our waiting list below:

Why Help in France?

I’ve lived in France for more than 21 years and understand how the system works for English speakers. I’m calm, discreet and patient, and I’ll explain things plainly, at the pace you need.

Common questions

Do I need to be in France?
Not necessarily. Much of the work can be done by email, phone and video call. Some tasks need your written authorisation first.

Can you give legal advice?
No. I explain the practical steps and help you prepare. For succession and inheritance you’ll need a notaire, and I’ll recommend suitably qualified professionals where needed.

How much does it cost?
You’ll have a clear quote before I start. I use fixed prices where I can.

Get in touch

Whenever you’re ready, I’m here. A free call is a gentle place to start.
[Book a free call] · info@helpinfrance.fr ·

Important information: Help in France provides practical administrative assistance, guidance and communication support. I do not provide legal, tax, financial or medical advice. Where specialist advice is needed, I’ll recommend an appropriately qualified professional. Laws and procedures change, so please check important details with the relevant French authorities.