Dealing With a Death: What You Need To Do

Dealing with a death is a difficult and emotional experience that many of us will face at some point in our lives. Whether it is the loss of a family member, friend, or loved one, it can be a challenging time filled with grief and sadness.

However, there are certain things that need to be done when dealing with a death, and it’s important to know what they are in order to make the process as smooth as possible. From making funeral arrangements to notifying family and friends, there are many steps involved in dealing with a death.

In this blog post, we will explore what you need to do when faced with the loss of someone close to you. 

Contact the GP if someone dies at home.

One of the first steps, when someone dies at home, is to contact their doctor. If the death was expected, the GP will normally visit the house and confirm the cause, which is needed to obtain a medical certificate. It is important to note that if the death was unexpected, it is necessary to call the ambulance and police immediately by dialling 999. Even if the death was expected, it can still be upsetting and overwhelming, and taking a moment to gather yourself is perfectly okay. Once the GP confirms the cause of death, the next steps can be taken towards arranging the funeral and registering the death at the Registrar’s Office.

Registering the death at the Registrar’s Office

Once you have taken care of the immediate arrangements, such as contacting the GP or coroner, it’s time to register the death at the Registrar’s Office. This is a necessary step before any funeral arrangements can be made. It’s important to bring along relevant documents such as the NHS card and passport of the deceased. When you attend the appointment, the registrar will ask for information about the deceased, such as their full name and surname, date of birth, occupation, and address. They will also require information about you as the person reporting the death. You will be given two documents – the Certificate for Burial or Cremation and the Death Certificate. Once the death is registered, you can proceed with organising the funeral with the help of a funeral director if you wish.

Secure certified copies of death certificates

After registering the death at the Registrar’s Office, securing certified copies of the death certificate is important. You may need multiple copies for legal and administrative purposes such as notifying banks, employers, and other organizations of the death. These copies can only be obtained from the Registrar’s Office and will cost £11 each. It is illegal to copy a death certificate, so it is important to ensure you have enough copies for all the necessary parties. A funeral director can also assist in obtaining the copies, but it is recommended to have some on hand before making funeral arrangements. Remember to keep the copies in a safe and secure place.

Contact a funeral director

Once you have registered the death and obtained certified copies of the death certificate, it’s time to contact a funeral director. A funeral director can help you with the logistics of arranging a funeral or memorial service, including the type of service, the coffin or urn, transportation, and any necessary permits. If you wish to arrange a funeral without the help of a funeral director, you can contact your local Cemeteries and Crematorium Department or look into direct cremation or burial options. It’s important to take your time and carefully consider your options when contacting a funeral director, ensuring that they are licensed, sympathetic and understanding of your needs during this emotional time. Remember that you are not alone in this process and there are many resources available to support you.