WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES
Registering the Death
Registering a death in the UK is a legal requirement to formally acknowledge the end of a life. It must typically be completed within five days (including weekends and Bank Holidays) at a local register office. Here’s what you need to know.
THE PROCESS
What happens, and in what order
- 01
Choosing a Register Office
You can attend any register office, but if you go to the one in the area where the person died, you’ll receive the necessary documents immediately. If using a different office, documents are forwarded to the relevant office, which may delay issuing by a few days.
- 02
Medical Certificate
If the death was due to natural causes and a doctor attended the person before their passing, a Medical Certificate of the cause of death will be issued. This certificate provides essential details, including the person’s name, age, and cause of death. The doctor also records when they last saw the deceased.
- 03
If a coroner is involved
If the death was unexpected or unexplained, it may be referred to a coroner. Coroners investigate deaths with unknown or potentially unnatural causes. This might involve consulting the attending doctor, conducting a post-mortem, or, in some cases, holding an inquest, a formal inquiry into the death.
- 04
The Registration Process
The registration itself is generally informal, involving a face-to-face meeting with a registrar. You’re welcome to bring a friend or family member for support.
Who can register the death?
- A relative
- Someone present at the death
- A hospital administrator (if death occurred in a hospital)
- The person arranging the funeral
- The executor of the Will
Information needed for registration
At the appointment, you’ll need the deceased’s:
- Full name, last address, and date and place of birth
- Spouse or partner’s details
It’s useful to jot down these details in advance, as many people find it difficult to remember everything in the early stages of grief.
Documents issued
After registration, you’ll receive:
- The death certificate
- A “Certificate for Burial or Cremation”, which you’ll need to arrange the funeral
The death must be registered before the funeral can proceed, making it an essential early step in the process of honouring and managing the estate of a loved one.
If you would like a hand with any of this, we are here. Call 01934 271027 and we will talk it through with you, with no charge and no obligation.