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Monday 04 July 2022

When Someone Dies

It is usual for people to be unsure of what to do after the bereavement. We will take you through the initial steps and provide advice on other things you may need to think about when someone dies.

Please contact us as soon as the Doctor confirms that he or she will issue the Cause of Death Certificate.

Registering a 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.

Who can register the death

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.

    At the Registrar’s 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)

    Caring for the Deceased

    Once you have entrusted the Deceased to our care we will look after them with respect and sensitivity.

    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.

    Viewing the Deceased

    Some people find it comforting to see the person who has passed away and like to bring a small gift or photograph to put in the coffin.

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

    Time to say goodbye in our chapel of rest will always be made available as part of our service.

    Chingford Mount Funeral Services

    90 Old Church Rd London E4 8BX

    020 8523 8868