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Advice & Support

What to do after a death

The days following a bereavement can feel overwhelming. To guide you through the process of what to do when a death occurs, we’ve put together some useful information.
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We understand how difficult it is to know what to do when there is a death in the family. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or need more support. Our phone lines are open 24/7.

What to do if the death occurs:

…at home

The first person to contact is your doctor (or the doctor on duty) who will certify that the death has taken place and, if he or she is able, will issue a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (Death Certificate). However, if the death is unexpected, the doctor may refer the matter to the Coroner. In this event, we would be able to advise you on what happens next.

…in hospital

The nursing staff or relevant officer will inform the next of kin and will also advise when and from where to collect the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (Death Certificate).

…away from home, or abroad

Regulations and procedures can be confusing. Please contact us in the first instance so that we can advise you fully. In any event, most families prefer that the deceased is conveyed to the funeral director's chapel of rest at an early stage. This can be arranged at any time of day or night by telephone.

Registering the death

A death must be registered by law in the district within which the death occurs. Under normal circumstances, the Death Certificate should be taken to the Registrar with, if possible, the deceased’s medical card.

The Registrar will issue a green certificate which should be handed to us as soon as possible. Copies of the Death Certificate may be obtained from the Registrar upon the payment of the appropriate fee and will be required for insurance purposes, probate, bank accounts, private pension schemes, national savings certificates, Premium Bonds and so on. The Registrar will also supply details for the Tell Us Once service and explain how this is to be completed. More information about the Tell Us Once service can be found here.

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Things to remember

In the period following the loss of a loved one, the amount of administration can seem overwhelming. To help you navigate the days following a death, we have prepared a bereavement checklist so you can keep track of the various matters which will require your attention.

Download our checklist here and use it as a guide.

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We are also just a phone call away

If you have any further questions or concerns about what to do following the death of a loved one, please call us.
CALL 24 hours a day: 01242 245350
  • "Thank you for the care and attention you took to help our family through the loss of my beautiful mum.

    Your calm and sensitive approach carried us through what was a difficult and painful process. You should be very proud of the job you do. Thank you once again.”

  • "Thank you for all your help, patience and understanding during the last two weeks.

    We really couldn’t have done it without you. I know it’s a difficult line to tread between familiarity and discretion but you’ve hit the right note with us every time and stopped a drama from becoming a crisis.”

  • "May I thank you and your staff for such wonderful service through this difficult time. Everyone who meets you holds you in very high regard and is overwhelmed by the standard"
  • "Just a note to say you have made what is a very difficult time for a our family a lot easier.

    Your kindness, warmth and understanding does you amazing credit. We are overwhelmed by the support you offered us. From the bottom of our hearts a thank you. You are truly a credit to your profession.”

  • "It really does make a big big difference having been helped so much throughout a difficult time. Many thanks."
    Grace
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