What to Do When Someone Dies

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and knowing what practical steps to take can feel overwhelming. We are here to support you through every stage. This guide outlines exactly what needs to be done during the first few days.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The very first action depends entirely on where the person passed away:

  • At Home (Expected Death): Call the person’s GP surgery or NHS 111. A doctor or nurse will visit to verify the death.
  • At Home (Unexpected Death): Call 999 immediately. Emergency services and the police will attend. Do not touch or move anything until they advise you to do so.
  • In a Hospital or Care Home: The staff will handle the medical verification and contact the family immediately.
  • Call Us: Once a healthcare professional has verified the death, call our team. We are available 24/7 to bring your loved one safely into our care.

Obtain the Medical Certificate

  • From the Doctor: Before a death can be formally registered, a doctor will need to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. A medical examiner checks this to make sure it’s accurate.
  • Someone from the medical examiner’s office will contact you to explain their decision on the cause of death. They’ll also answer any questions you have.
  • The medical examiner will usually send the certificate to the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. You will need to contact the registrar to arrange an appointment to register the death. You will also be given a notice, explaining how to register the death. There is no charge for either of these.
  • Coroner Cases: If the death was unexpected or the cause is unclear, the doctor will refer the matter to a coroner. This may delay the issuance of the certificate slightly, but we will guide you through this specific process if it applies.

Register the Death

You must register the death within 5 days (in England and Wales) or 8 days (in Scotland) at a local register office.

  • Book an Appointment: Contact the registrar office in the district where the person passed away.
  • What to Take: Bring the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, along with the deceased’s birth certificate and NHS card if available.
  • Get Copies: Purchase multiple certified copies of the Death Certificate. You will need official copies (not photocopies) for banks, insurance, and pensions.

Notify Government Departments

  • Tell Us Once: The registrar will provide you with a unique code for the government’s Tell Us Once service.
  • Automatic Notification: This single online form or phone call automatically alerts the DWP, HMRC, DVLA, Passport Office, and local council lines all at once.

Begin Planning the Funeral

You do not need to wait for the death registration to be completed before contacting us to start making arrangements.

  • Check for a Will: Look for any written funeral wishes or prepaid funeral plans left by your loved one.
  • Meet with Us: We will arrange a gentle, unhurried discussion to talk about your choices, whether you prefer a traditional burial, a cremation, or a bespoke celebration of life.