The moments that create paperwork, deadlines, and pressure
Birth, moving home, buying a car, divorce, and bereavement all create admin that matters. Guided timelines help households understand what needs doing, when it needs doing, and which records should stay linked.
In the app
Interactive life-event timelines
Set a date, calculate deadlines automatically, link documents to each step, and keep progress visible across the household.
- Automatic deadline calculations once a date is set
- Upload or link vault documents to each step
- Track what is finished and what still needs attention
Why it matters
Preparedness is often event-driven
Life events are where everyday preparedness becomes real. They expose missing records, unclear ownership, hidden deadlines, and the cost of information being scattered.
Guidance only. Always check local authority or official requirements.
Workspace view
Track active timelines
See which life events are active, what has been completed, and where deadlines or missing steps still need attention.
Setup flow
Create a timeline quickly
Start a new checklist workspace by selecting the event type and country, then add dates and evidence as the timeline develops.
Registering a birth
Registering a birth is time-sensitive and varies across the UK. Use these steps to know who needs to act, when, and which documents you will create.
England and Wales checklist
- 1
Receive hospital birth details
Who: Hospital or midwife.
When: Shortly after birth.
Needs: Birth notification number (often in the red book).
Creates: Birth notification details to take to the registrar.
- 2
Book a registration appointment
Who: Parent(s) or qualified informant.
When: As soon as possible after the birth.
Needs: Register office in the district of birth (or another office to pass details on). Some hospitals offer registration.
Creates: Appointment booking confirmation.
- 3
Prepare registration details
Who: Parent(s).
When: Before the appointment.
Needs: Baby and parent details, plus ID (passport, driving licence or birth certificate) and proof of address. Bring the red book if requested.
Creates: Completed registration information.
- 4
If parents are not married and both parents will be recorded
Who: Both parents or one parent with a declaration/court order.
When: Before or during registration.
Needs: Joint registration or proof of parentage (for example, a declaration or court order).
Creates: Birth record includes both parents.
- 5
Register the birth
Who: Parent(s) attend the local register office.
When: Within 42 days of the birth.
Needs: Confirmed baby and parent details with the registrar.
Creates: Birth record (official registration).
- 6
Order certificates
Who: Parent(s).
When: At registration or later.
Needs: Registration details.
Creates: Birth certificate copies.
- 7
Optional: Claim child benefits
Who: Parent(s).
When: After registration.
Needs: Birth certificate details.
Creates: Child Benefit and other eligible benefit claims.
- 8
Optional: Re-register to add or correct parent details
Who: Parent(s).
When: After initial registration.
Needs: Re-registration forms and supporting evidence.
Creates: Updated birth record and certificates.
Sources
- Register a birth (England and Wales)
- Who can register a birth (England and Wales)
- Re-register a birth (England and Wales)
- Birth notification number and red book (example council guidance)
- Registering and naming your baby (Northern Ireland)
- HS123 infant registration card (Northern Ireland)
- Registering a birth (Scotland)
- Birth notification card and EC58 (Scotland)
- Claim Child Benefit