When Someone Dies
If you are reading this and you have lost someone dear to you, you have our sincere condolences. When someone dies it can be daunting and confusing we have put together this basic guide for your information.
If A Death Occurs at Home.
Inform the Doctor or out of hours as soon as possible after the death has occured. Either a Doctor or Medical professional will need to visit the person who has passed to verify their death before they can be taken into care by a Funeral Home.
The deceased’s Doctors surgery will be informed that they have passed away and will liaise with a Medical Examiner to give a cause of death – this will generate the certificate of death which is passed to the registrars office. The medical examiner will speak with the deceased’s next of kin to see if they have any questions or concerns regarding the death.
If A Death Occurs in Hospital.
When a death occurs in hospital the procedure is much the same, except the deceased’s GP isn’t involved but the hospital doctor who cared for the person before they died.
The Coroner.
If the death was unexpected or suspicious or a doctor hadn’t visited the deceased in some time then the Coroner may be involved. No doctor will issue a Medical Certificate Of Death. This will be sent by the Coroner to the Registrars Office in the District where the death occurred.
Registering A Death.
A death should be registered within 5 days of the date of death (unless a Coroner is involved) if you wish you can register a death in any Register Office and the Registrar will send the copy to the Funeral Director – however this can delay the funeral.
Who Can Register The Death?
A relative of the deceased. A person present at time of death. A person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker). In certain circumstances others such as the occupier or the administrator of the place where the death occurred (eg care home) can register the death.
What Do I Need?
Medical Certificate of Death. Medical Card (if available). Birth Certificate, Passport or Marriage Certificate may be useful (if applicable).
What Does The Registrar Want To Know?
The Full name of the deceased (maiden name if applicable). Date and time of death. Date and place of birth. If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the full name and date of birth of the spouse or civil partner. Occupation and home address.
What Will I Receive From The Registrar?
Disposal Form, this is to be handed to the Funeral Director (it provides part of the legal paperwork for cremation or burial). Social Security Certificate, to inform the DWP regarding Pensions and Benefits. The Registrar will provided you with a Death Certificate, copies can be obtained at additional costs. Certificates may be required for – Probate, Banks & Building Society Accounts, Private Pensions, Insurances, Stocks & Shares and Solicitors.
Please contact us if you need any further information.
Hunmanby Office – 01723 861749
Bridlington Office – 01262 425360
24hr Helpline Available on Above Numbers.