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Whether it is your first time planning a funeral or not, knowing what to do when a loved one dies can be a struggle. This is true both emotionally as well as practically and not everyone will be aware of what to do for a funeral in the initial stages.
From the moment you are in touch with us and throughout the funeral service; we are here for you. When someone dies, we understand how difficult this can be. There’s so much to think about. There will be paperwork and never ending funeral checklists, and this can be overwhelming.
Please remember we are available 24 hours every day and you will not be greeted by a call centre but get directly through to either Carl, Joanna or Catherine. We are here to make much of the processes easier and we can also point you in the right direction for support groups and communities that will provide comfort through your sadness and loss.
If the death has been referred to the coroners, you cannot register the death until the coroner has given their permission. To help you when filling out forms you may want to make a note of essential information such as the deceased’s date and place of birth and marriage, National Insurance number and tax reference numbers.
The coroner may issue an interim death certificate to allow a funeral to take place whilst they continue investigations, in any case, they will keep you informed at every step.
There is a useful funeral planning checklist and support via www.bereavementadvice.org . There is also helpful support at the government’s website. (www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies) and don’t forget you can also contact us to point you in the right direction of what you need to do first and we can be there for you for each step of the process.
Step One
Get a medical certificate from a GP or hospital doctor. You need this to register the death. Currently, we request this document on your behalf as it is sent electronically to the registrars and you do not need to organise this yourself.
Step Two
Register the death within 5 days and you will receive important documents that you need to arrange the funeral. In Ashford, the registry is at the Gateway. Once the registrars receive the medical cause of death certificate, you need to make an appointment to see them face to face (unless you live far away then you need to request a ‘Declaration of Death’ with your local registrar).
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Step Three
Arrange the funeral. We can talk you through all of your options at our office or at a place of your choosing and at your pace. Inform the registrar which funeral director you are using and they will send the required authority for burial or cremation to this chosen company.
