All deaths are hard to come to terms with, but for those who have been left behind, there are things to consider and steps to follow. To make the process just that little bit easier, we have put together some things you should know.
Death outside of the home
When a death occurs at a hospital or residential home, the staff will get in contact with your loved one’s GP for you. Their doctor will come to visit them and they will provide a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death.
Death at home
If a family member or friend dies at home, it’s important to contact their doctor to inform them of their passing, so that they can provide you with the relevant medical certificates which you will need when registering their death – this can be done at the local registry office.
Your next step would be to contact your local professional funeral directors – Fisher Family Funerals – who provide a 24/7, 365 day service to ensure all year round support for those who are grieving. We will collect your loved one and where they will then rest in our care whilst funeral arrangements are made.
A death should be registered within 5 days – you will need to organise an appointment with your local registrar. Make sure you have all the information you need with you on the day, this will include:
- The information you will need:
- Medical Certificate stating the Cause of Death
- Time, date and place of death
- Their full name (including their maiden name if the deceased was married)
- The date and place of birth
- Their occupation (including the full name and occupation of their spouse/civil partner)
- If married/in a civil partnership, the date of birth of surviving significant other
- Medical card
- Current address
Documents you need to verify the deceased:
- Passport
- Proof of address (council tax or utilities bills)
- If applicable, marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Birth certificate
- Your own current passport too, or some form of identification
Once you have successfully registered the death, you will be issued with a green certificate, which enables you to bury them or cremate them. You will need to give this to your chosen funeral directors, so that they can officially proceed with the funeral or memorial service.
Contact the coroner
If you have not been issued a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, you will need to speak with a coroner to determine the cause of their death. If you need to contact the coroner, registering the death will be slightly different and the coroner will do this for you.
