What to Do When Someone Dies

What to Do When Someone Dies A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences a family can face. At Saunders & Chorley Funeral Directors, we are here to guide you through each step of the process with care and compassion. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand what to do when someone passes away, and how we can support you during this difficult time.

Step 1 : Notify a Medical Professional

The first step is to notify a medical professional to confirm the death.

At Home

If your loved one has passed away at home, you should contact their doctor or GP. If it is out of hours, call NHS 111 for advice. The doctor will confirm the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).

In a Hospital or Care Home

If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will arrange for a doctor to confirm the death and issue the necessary certificate.

If Unexpected

If the death is sudden, unexplained, or there are any concerns, you must call 999 to alert the emergency services. Police and paramedics will attend, and the Coroner may be involved.

Step 2 : Contact Saunders & Chorley Funeral Directors

Once the death has been confirmed, please reach out to us. We will take care of everything, offering the support you need at every step.

What We Do

Collect your loved one with dignity and respect.
Handle all necessary paperwork, including medical certificates and death registration.
Assist with the arrangements for a direct cremation, funeral service, or any other option you may require.

Step 3: Understand Certification and Registration

In the UK, it is a legal requirement that all deaths are registered, and there are new procedures in place for 2024. As of September 2024, all deaths will need to be reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate can be issued. If needed, the Coroner will be notified.

Step 4: Register the Death

You are required to register the death within 5 days at the local Register Office in the area where the death occurred. When registering, you will need to provide:

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
Full name, date, and place of birth of the deceased
Last address of the deceased.
Occupation and marital status of the deceased.
Name and occupation of their spouse or civil partner (if applicable).
NHS number (if available).

Once the death has been registered, you will be given the Green Form (needed for burial or cremation), the BD8 Form (for pensions and benefits), and a Death Certificate (which can be purchased).

Step 5: Arrange the Funeral

Once the death is registered, we can proceed with funeral arrangements. Saunders & Chorley Funeral Directors offers a range of funeral services, from bespoke burials to the following cremation offerings:

Direct Cremation: A simple, respectful cremation with no formal service.
Gentle Farewell Service: A private farewell in our Abbey Mount Funeral Chapel, with up to 25 family members present.
Traditional Funeral: A full funeral service, including a procession and traditional elements such as a minister or celebrant.

Our experienced team will work closely with you to ensure every detail is arranged according to your wishes, offering you peace of mind during this challenging time.

Step 6 : Handling Legal and Financial Matters

After registering the death, there are several legal and financial tasks that need to be addressed.

Notify Banks and Insurance Providers

Inform the deceased’s bank, life insurance providers, and other relevant organisations about the death.

Start the Probate Process

If the deceased had a will, the probate process will need to begin. If there is no will, the estate will be distributed according to intestacy laws.

Use the Tell Us Once service

This free government service allows you to notify multiple departments (such as HMRC, DVLA, and the Passport Office) about the death in one go.

Step 7 : If the Coroner is Involved

If the death was sudden, unexplained, or there were any concerns about the cause of death, the Coroner may need to be involved. The Coroner may request a post-mortem or an inquest to determine the cause of death.

In such cases, registration may be delayed until the Coroner’s inquiries are complete. However, interim certificates can be provided, allowing the funeral to proceed.

Useful Number

Step 8 : Additional Contacts

There are other important contacts you should consider notifying:

Car Insurers

If the deceased held a car insurance policy, you will need to cancel or transfer it.

Social Services

If the deceased was receiving any social services, or if any equipment was on loan, these should be returned.

Utility Providers

Contact utility providers (gas, electric, water) to cancel accounts or transfer responsibility for payments.

Step 9 : Emotional Support

Grief is a personal journey, and no one should face it alone. At Saunders & Chorley Funeral Directors, we are here not only to guide you through the practical steps but also to offer compassionate emotional support. We can connect you with local and national bereavement services that offer help and guidance during this difficult time.

Local Bereavement Support Services

Cruse Bereavement Support

Helpline: 0808 808 1677 | Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Samaritans

Helpline: 116 123 (available 24/7) | Website: www.samaritans.org
NHS Bereavement

Helpline: 0800 2600 400

We’re Here for You Every Step of the Way

At Saunders & Chorley Funeral Directors, we are here to provide the support, guidance, and care you need during this difficult time. We are available 24/7 and offer compassionate, professional services to help you through every step of the process.

For more information or assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01229 440572 or email info@saundersandchorley.com. Let us help guide you through this challenging journey with care and understanding.

01229 440572

info@saundersandchorleyfunerals.com

Saunders & Chorley Funeral Directors

What to Do When Someone Dies