Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • An expected death at home is not urgent but a doctor needs to provide death certification.
  • If the death happens in a hospital or care facility, staff will assist you. 
  • Grief support services can help you and your family with the loss of your family member or friend.
  • There is support available for those affected by the suicide of another person.
  • You may need to make decisions about organ and tissue donation.
  • An autopsy may be requested for an unexpected death.
  • An unexpected death must be reported to police and is dealt with by the coroner.
  • A doctor must sign the death certificate before funeral arrangements can be made. 
  • The funeral director may register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages.
  • The funeral may be already organised and prepaid or you may have to organise it yourself.
  • You must notify various organisations when someone has died.
  • There may be financial issues that affect you that you need to deal with after a person has died.
  • You are entitled to compassionate leave from work or school when someone from your immediate family or household dies.  

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 10-06-2019