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When a death occurs
When a death occurs
When a death occurs
When someone passes away, it can be difficult to know what steps need to be taken, particularly if it is unexpected. Middleton & Wood Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day to provide you with support and guidance on 01543 677494.
When a death occurs at home
If someone passes away at home, the first this thing to do is contact their doctor. The doctor will attend to verify the death and provide you with a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This must be done before we can attend your home and take your loved one into our care at our funeral home.
When a death occurs in a hospital, hospice or care home
If someone has passed away in hospital, the nurses or bereavement office will manage and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You will need to advise them that we are your chosen funeral directors and we will liaise with them to arrange to bring your loved one into our care at our funeral home.
Coroners
If the doctor is unsure about the cause of death then they will report it to a coroner. A post-mortem may then be needed to ascertain the cause before a medical certificate is issued. There are many reasons why a death will be referred to HM Coroner. The most common reasons will be:
- If the deceased passed away without seeing their doctor in the last 14 days
- If the deceased passed away due to an industrial disease
- If the deceased passed away during an operation
- If the death was sudden, violent or unnatural
- If the cause of death is unknown
In this instance, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will not be issued. The registration of the death will be made directly from the HM Coroner’s office to the registrars. This will only happen once the HM Coroner has deemed cause of death. The coroner will be in contact with you during this time. You will need to advise them that we are your chosen funeral directors and we will liaise with them to arrange to bring your loved one into our care at our funeral home.
When a death occurs abroad
Should your loved one die abroad and need to be repatriated to the UK, we can help and advise you on the processes involved within the UK and overseas.
Registering a Death
Registering a Death
It is a requirement of the Births and Deaths Registration Regulations 1953 that all deaths are registered within 5 days of the death. This period may be extended in exceptional circumstances and if the Coroner is involved.
Who can register a death?
The death can be registered by:
- a relative of the deceased
- someone present at the death
- the occupier of the premises where the death occurred, if he or she knew of the death
- another person living at the house, if he or she knew of the death
- the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors
To register you will take the medical certificate, with the patient's medical card (if available), birth certificate and marriage certificate to the registrars.
The death should be registered at a Register Office within the area where the deceased passed away and you will be issued documents. A link to local registrars and their contact information can be found on our page Local Registrars
When the death is registered the informant must be prepared to give the registrar the following particulars relating to the deceased:
- date and place of death
- name and surname of the deceased and any other names he/she have been known by
- maiden surname (for married women)
- date and place of birth
- last occupation
- name and occupation of spouse or civil partner
- usual address
- whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds
- if the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the date of birth of the surviving widow/widower/civil partner
It is also advisable to take with you your passport or driving licence as a proof of identification.
Documents received from the Registrar
- The registrar’s Certificate for Burial or Cremation (this form is green in colour). This form should be handed to us as your chosen funeral director, which we will hand to the appropriate authority in due course;
- Social Security Certificate to be handed in at the DWP offices with any pension books
- Copies of The Entry of Death for bank, insurance, solicitors etc. can be purchased at this time
We do advise to request multiple copies so that you can close bank accounts, insurance policies etc.
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When you feel the time is right you can contact us on 01543 677494 and or use our contact form.
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