Bereavement

When to register the death

In most cases you will need to register the death within five days and it is best to visit the Register Office in the area in which the person died. This can help avoid delays getting the necessary documents.

If the Coroner is involved you will be advised when to register the death.

We can advise you on the procedure for registering a death. Below is a guide that can help, but please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

The following people can register a death:

• Any relative of the person who has died
• Any person present at the death
• A person who lives in the house where the person died
• The person arranging the funeral (this cannot be a Funeral Director)

A simple interview with the Registrar to register the death is carried out at the Register Office.

You should take with you the Medical Certificate issued by the doctor showing the cause of death and the deceased’s Medical Card.

You will also require the following information about the deceased:

• Full name
• Marital Status
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Occupation
• Maiden Name (if female and married)
• Spouse’s Name
• Spouse’s Date of Birth
• Spouse’s Occupation

The registrar will issue you with:

• A Certificate of Registration of Death, which you should fill in and send to the social security office for the area where the person died
• A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as a green form), which you should give to your funeral director as soon as possible
• Certified copies of the entry of death can also be issued by The Registrar, you will need these for official purposes such as Insurers, closing Bank Accounts and Pension Schemes etc

(Please be aware a charge is made by The Registrar for the certified copies)

Once you have entrusted the deceased to our care we will look after them with respect and sensitivity. They will rest with us until the day of the funeral or, if you prefer, they can rest at home or in church, if this is allowed.

We recommend embalming because it delays the natural processes that take place after death. This is particularly important if you want to visit the person in the chapel of rest.

We wash and dress everyone in our care. Some people like to provide us with items such as a favourite outfit.

Our funeral directors will carry out your wishes carefully and respectfully but, if you would like to help us look after your loved one, please let us know.

Some people find it comforting to see the person who has died and like to bring a small gift or photograph to put in the coffin. Others find it upsetting to see someone they loved who is now dead.

It really is a personal choice and we aim to help in any way we can.

You may wish to tell people about the death and the details of the funeral by putting an announcement in a newspaper whether local or national. We can help you with drafting and sending a death announcement to a newspaper.

We can also assist after the funeral with placing a message in the newspaper to thank those who attended and sent flowers or donations. We can if you wish take copies for you to keep.