Advice
What to do when someone dies
When someone dies at home or a nursing home the first contact is normally the deceased’s doctor, who if satisfied with the cause of death, will issue the Medical Certificate of Death. Once the doctor has attended, contact us day or night and we will arrange with you to move your loved one into our care. In the case of a nursing home, the staff will liaise with the doctor and ourselves.
When someone dies in hospital the doctor will issue the Medical Certificate of Death and this will usually be made available for the family to collect from the hospital bereavement office, together with the deceased’s belongings. The staff will liaise with us, on your behalf, to bring the deceased into our care.
When someone dies suddenly, it is normal for the Coroner to issue the Medical Certificate of Death. In this instance, the doctor may contact the Funeral Director nominated by the Coroner to arrange for the deceased to be taken to the local hospital.
If the death occurs abroad, we will organise the necessary paperwork and arrange for the deceased to be returned home.
In all cases, contact us as soon as possible and we will assist and advise you at each step of the way.
A member of staff answers our telephones 24 hours a day.
It is always best to telephone first so that we can help you and answer any immediate questions you may have.
Registering the Death
Unless the death is sudden or unexpected, the doctor or hospital will issue The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which can normally be collected from the hospital or Doctors' surgery the next day.
Once the Medical Certificate of the cause of death has been issued, the death must be registered within five days. Normally this is at the Registry Office in the sub-district where the death occurred.
It is now necessary to make an appointment to visit the Registrar and our offices can give you the relevant telephone numbers.
Normally, the Registration is the one thing relatives should do themselves.
Information required by the Registrar:
The Death Certificate as mentioned previously
- The Full Name of the Deceased, including Aliases and Maiden Name( if applicable)
- The Date and place of Death
- The Date and place of Birth of the Deceased, The Birth Certificate is helpful but not essential
- The Usual Residence of the Deceased, the Normal Home Address of the deceased
- The Occupation or past occupation if retired. The Husband's Occupation
If applicable.
The Registrar will issue two certificates.
- Green Disposal Certificate. This must be given to us. The arrangements for a funeral cannot proceed without this certificate
- A copy of the Entry in to The Register commonly known as the Death Certificate is not required by us for any part of the Funeral arrangements. You should obtain sufficient copies for Insurance's and banks etc. There is a small fee to be paid for these Certificates
In the event of a death being referred to a Coroner the procedure will be different in terms of the certification issued. We will be pleased to advise you in these circumstances.
Department for Works and Pensions
We can also offer help and advice with DWP claims for those receiving benefits. Please tell us immediately if you plan to make a claim.
Legal Advice
We are pleased to offer as Agents the services of specialists dealing with probate. Details are available upon request of a firm this company recommends.
Registered Office: 150 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Herts. EN6 1AF
Company Registration Number: 391648 England
VAT Registration Number 832 2769 23