In times of bereavement

In the unfortunate event that a person has passed away, there are 3 things that must be done within the first few days;

• You will need to obtain a medical certificate of death from your GP or hospital doctor (this is necessary to register the death).
• You will need to attend and register the death with your local office within 5 days.  You will then receive the necessary documents for the funeral.
• Make the necessary funeral arrangements.

Register the death

If the death has been reported to the coroner then they will need to give permission before registering the death.  If you are a relative, witness to death, hospital administrator or person making making the funeral arrangements then you can register the death.  You can seek advise and guidance from https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death government website.  you will receive from the local register office either a certificate for burial or an application for cremation which will need completing and given the crematorium of choice.

Arranging the funeral

A funeral can only take place once a death has been registered with the local office.  Most people use a funeral director, although you can arrange a funeral yourself.  When choosing a funeral director ensure that they are a member of the following:-

National Association of Funeral Directors

National Federation of Funeral Directors

Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors

These organisations have a code of practice, they must give you a price list when asked and they should give you an estimate of costs including their own fees and fess they will pay on your behalf.  You can ask for an estimate in advance.  If you wish to arrange a funeral yourself you can contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council.  Some people may have chosen a funeral director they wish to deal with their funeral before hand and may have even arranged a funeral plan to help with the costs.This detail is usually known by a family member, close friend or listed within legal documents.

Funeral Costs

Funeral costs can include funeral director fess, things that the funeral director will pay on you behalf (called dispursements or third party costs) for example cremation fees or newspaper announcements.  It is a good idea to ask different funeral directors to quote so that you can compare costs.

HELPLINES

National Bereavement Helpline   Tel:  0800 2600 400

Bereavement Advice Centre  Tel:  0800 634 9494

Cruse Bereavement Care   Tel: 0808 808 1677

Child Death Helpline  Tel: 0800 282 986

MIND   Tel: 0800 02 888 40