In the very difficult time when a person has passed away, there are few things that must be done in the first few days;

• Get a medical certificate from your GP or hospital doctor.

• Register the death within 5 days. You will then receive the necessary documents for the funeral.

• Make the funeral arrangements.

Register the death

If the death has been reported to a coroner, you can’t register the death until the coroner gives permission.

You can register the death if you are a relative, a witness to the death, a hospital administrator or the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors.

You can register the death if you are a relative, a witness to the death, a hospital administrator or the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors.

You can use the Register a Death website on the gov.uk  that will guide you through the process.

Arrange the funeral

The funeral can usually only take place after the death is registered.

Funeral directors

Choose a funeral director who’s a member of one of the following:

Some local councils run their own funeral services, for non-religious burials

The British Humanist Association can  help as well  with non-religious funerals.

Arranging the funeral yourself

You can arrange a funeral without a funeral director. If you want to do this, the Natural Death Centre or Cemeteries and Crematorium department of your local authority can offer help and guidance.

For free independent advice on bereavement issues, you can find more information

at lastingpost.com

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