Guidance and Resources
for Funeral Arrangements
Procedure To Be Followed After Passing
The steps to take after a passing can vary based on the situation. First, you will need to get a medical certificate and a statement of the cause of death from a doctor. This certificate is necessary for registering the death and obtaining an official death certificate.
When Someone Passes Away At Home
It is important to notify the family doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will provide a medical certificate stating the cause of passing, which is needed for registration. When you feel ready, you can contact us, we will handle the removal of your loved one. If someone unexpectedly passes away at home, call 999.
When A Passing Occurs In A Hospice or Nursing Home
The staff will assist you in obtaining the medical certificate for the cause of passing. They will also ensure that your loved one is treated with care and dignity until they are transferred to the funeral home.
When A Passing Occurs In A Hospital
The bereavement services department will help you obtain the medical certificate for the cause of passing from a hospital doctor, which is necessary for registering the passing. Your loved one will stay in the hospital's mortuary until the death is registered. Once this is completed, and the registration certificate is given to the Funeral Director, arrangements will be made to transfer your loved one.
When Someone Passes Away Abroad
You need to register the death according to the laws of that country. You may need to translate the death certificate. You may also wish to register the death with UK authorities. To do this, you can reach out to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) by calling 020 7008 5000.
When A Passing Is Referred To The Coroner
This often occurs when a doctor is unable to issue the medical certificate for the cause of death. In this case, the coroner’s office will typically create a certificate once they have determined the cause of death.
Registering A Passing
Registration of a passing must take place within five days of the passing. Most passing's are registered by a relative. The registrar would normally only allow one other person if there are no relatives available. The death can be registered by:
- A relative
- Someone present at Passing
- An official from a hospital
- The person arranging the Funeral
Documents, Process & Information You Will Need
1.Obtain a Medical Certificate
2. Contact the Register Office
3. Attend the Appointment you'll need to provide the medical certificate, as well as information about the deceased, including:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Address
- Date and place of death
- Occupation
- Details of any surviving spouse or civil partner
4. Receive a Death Certificate
5. You may receive a “green form” that allows the funeral director to proceed with the arrangements.
6. Notify Relevant (Use the service TELL US ONCE. This is a service that allows you to report the passing to most government organisations.
7. Arrange the Funeral
Documents You Will Receive
1. Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) Issued by the Dr
2. Death Registration Certificate
3. Green Form (if applicable) (required for the burial or cremation)
4. Death Certificates These may be needed for dealing with the deceased’s estate
Make sure to keep these documents safe, as they will be essential for various processes following the death.
If a post-mortem is being held by a coroner and your loved one is to be cremated the coroner issue a form 6 directly to the funeral director/crematorium of your choice. If your loved one is being buried the coroner will issue a burial order.
