When Someone Dies

When someone dies there are many things which will need to be taken care of. Understanding what you need to do can help ease some of the stress or confusion you may be feeling.
For ease and your own peace of mind it is advisable to have a funeral director in mind or appointed so there’s one less thing to think about. Knowing your options ahead of the time of need is a good starting point.
We are independent funeral directors who take great pride in our personal approach.

Should you wish to discuss funeral please do call: 0333 733 0224

Step 1: AT THE TIME OF DEATH

Even when a death is anticipated, at the time it happens, it is still an emotional shock.

TAKE THE TIME YOU NEED

i) Verification of the death
After someone has died, the 1st thing that needs to happen is that the death needs to be verified by a medical professional. A doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
After verification has happened, usually during the following working days a doctor who has looked after the person who has died in their life will complete some paperwork which they will send to another doctor called the Medical Examiner.
The Medical Examiner is a doctor who specialises in reviewing causes of death. The Medical Examiner may want to speak to you (please don't worry if this is the case). Once the Medical Examiner has completed their part they will let the registrar know that you can go in to register the person's death.'

IF DIES IF A DEATH OCCURS IN A HOSPITAL
This is very straightforward. The doctors on duty will verify the death and complete the paperwork.

IF A DEATH OCCURS AT HOME
If the death was expected, you will likely have the contact details for the care team looking after the person who has died. You can call them, the person's GP, or 111 for support. An appropriate medical professional will come to see the person who has died to verify their death.'
Please not rush or panic.

IN A CARE HOME
Care Homes will have their own doctors who will verify. If the person dies in the night, they may keep the person with them and your chosen funeral director will come in working hours. Some care homes may need to transfer the person's care to a funeral director during the night. If so, a funeral director can take the person into their care during the night.
If the cause of death is clear, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually issued quickly, but sometimes there can be delays. Please don't be alarmed if this doesn't happen straight away

ii) Call a Funeral Director
Only once the doctor has been and the death has been verified can a funeral director take the person into their care.

Take the time you need before the funeral director removes them from the home. It can be helpful to keep all windows closed and turn off any radiators in the room where the person is.
*Funeral Directors are available 24hrs. There will be charge for an out of hours collection

UNEXPECTED OR UNCLEAR CAUSE OF DEATH
In the case of a sudden death or the cause of death isn’t clear, further investigation will be required and the death will be referred to the coroner and a post-mortem examination may be required
If the death has happened at home, outside of a medical institution the funeral director, or medical team (paramedics) may take the person who has died straight into the care of the coroner, or they might look after them at a mortuary before the coroner takes over their care

This can be a very confusing time. For your own peace of mind, ask where they will be taking them to – Which hospital or which coroners?

CORONER CASES
If a coroner is involved, this can cause delays in funeral preparation.
As frustrating as this may be, this is a process so be as kind to yourself as you can. You will have to wait until the death is verified and the certificate is issued.

Once the coroner has confirmed the cause of death, they will issue the relevant paperwork to confirm their release allowing for funeral plans to proceed.
Paperwork to include
1) Release form
2) Cremation form 6 (cremation only)
The coroner will email these directly to your appointed funeral director who will liaise with the mortuary to bring them into their care and funeral.

This can be a very stressful period. Keep in contact with the coroner for updates and do not hesitate to speak with your funeral director if in need of further advise.

Step 2: REGISTER THE DEATH

You will need to officially register the death in the Register Office in the borough where the person has died. You will need to call and make an appointment and physically go to the Registry Office.

It is important that a death is registered in a timely fashion, but there are some circumstances which may impact when you are able to do so.

Who Can Register a Death Partner
Relative or closest family member
Person who was present at the time of death
The person making the arrangements with the funeral directors
An official from the hospital where the death occurred

When you go, you will need to provide the following information: Full name
Gender
Date and place of birth Occupation
Address
NHS number
It is also useful if you're able to take birth, certificate, marriage certificate or passport

When you register the death, the Register will issue
i) Death Certificate
We advise you purchase several copies (approx. 5) of these as you will need them when dealing with the estate. Some companies, institutions such as banks require original copies. Current charges; £12.50 per certificate.

i) The ‘Green Form’ This is officially the certificate for burial or cremation (Form 9, GR021) Informally called the Green Form because it is issued on bright green paper. Your funeral director will need this to proceed with funeral arrangements

*If you have appointed a funeral director, some registrar will probably email this directly to the funeral director. Some may give you the hard copy - Keep this safe

Step 3:CONTACT YOUR FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Step 3 - ARRANGE A FUNERAL

YOUR FUNERAL DIRECTOR

You can contact your funeral director as early as step one. If you haven’t, now is the time.
If not already in their care, the funeral director will arrange to collect from the hospital or current place of rest and bring them into their care.
The funeral director is there to advise, guide and assist as much or as little as you require.
*Explore your options – You do have choices.
Things to consider:
The Location of funeral – crematorium, burial ground or a venue of your choice: It is not obligatory to hold a funeral ceremony in a crematorium

Time & Date: Take the time you need to arrange the funeral you want to give.

Logistics & transport. Arranging a funeral is emotionally stressful. Try to make the practicalities and logistics as easy on yourself as possible.

PAPERWORK
For Cremation:
There are usually 2 forms (‘the applicant’) will be legally required to sign
i) The Cremation Form 1- This is always required
ii) Particulars for the Crematorium. Sometimes called a Pre-Lim or Notice of Cremation - This is usually required.
For Burial
Burial grounds will have their own paper work for application to purchase the grave and right to burial or Interment
The Green Form, or the Cremation Form 6 (issued by the coroner) is strictly required by the Crematoria or Burial Ground for the funeral to take place. The Funeral Director will ensure they have all the correct paperwork for plans to run smoothly.

Step 5. ARRANGING THE FUNERAL
You may wish to take this on yourselves. Thereafter are Ceremony Led Funeral Directors who are happy to guide and advise you through the process giving you the support and flexibility to create the funeral your way.
You may prefer to engage a minister or Celebrant to assist and guide you through and to lead in the ceremony itself.
Things to consider –
How & Where you want the funeral to be.
How to honour, respect and reflect the person whos’ funeral you are arranging

Music
Spoken tributes
Rituals to engage with
* If the funeral ceremony is taking place in a crematorium, many funeral directors will tell you that you can have 3 pieces of music.
NB: You can have as much music that you like as long as it fits within the time frame you have booked.

TAKE THE TIME YOU NEED
There is no need to rush. It’s a fine balance of having the time to organise the funeral in a way that’s right for you, but don’t leave it too long so you find yourself in the limbo of immediate grief as you wait for the funeral.