Completing the funeral paperwork following a death can feel like the last thing you want to do when in the grieving process, but it is a legal obligation to do so.
First, before any paperwork can be completed you will need to register the death or you won't be able to arrange a funeral. From here you will be able to obtain a cremation or burial form.
In our article, we'll guide you through the process to try to make things as easy as possible during the most difficult of times.
It's easy to get a little overwhelmed at the sight of all the funeral paperwork that needs to be completed and all the jargon that you might encounter.
So here are a few quick definitions to make things easier:
After a death, knowing what to do when someone dies, the steps you'll need to take, and the order in which to take them, can feel daunting.
So can knowing what funeral documents you need to complete and when to complete them.
To help break the process down of what to do, below is a step-by-step process and a few further resources that may help.
A medical professional will need to confirm the death as soon as possible. They will be able to answer any questions you may have. Once this has been done, and the cause of death is clear, you will be handed a medical certificate of cause of death and you can begin to make funeral arrangements.
In the case of an unexpected death or if the death is suspicious, the deceased may need to enter the care of a coroner first who’ll investigate the cause of death. Funeral arrangements can still be arranged, but the funeral will likely be delayed. Once the coroner's inquiry is over, they will issue a Cremation 6 form
Contact the registry office to register the death within 5 days in England and Wales and within 8 days in Scotland. This is a legal requirement and allows funeral proceedings to take place. An appointment will be needed and you'll be required to take certain documents such as your loved one's passport and birth certificate with you. If the death was expected, the registry office will issue a Death certificate / Green form.
You’ll need to complete a Cremation 1 form or a burial form before arranging a funeral. A medical professional will need to complete the Cremation 4 form. If the death was referred to a coroner this will be a Cremation 6 form. Our expert team at Distinct Cremations or a funeral director of your choice would be able to help with this. Once these are complete, they are submitted to the crematoria.
Once the paperwork has been approved by a medical professional, the cremation can take place.
Below are three articles that will help detail what to do when someone dies in a care home, hospital and at home.
As opposed to those who die in a hospital or care home, at home you won't have anyone to guide you through the process. That’s why it’s important to know what you’ll need to do before that happens.
What to do when someone dies at home
When someone dies in a care home, it’s slightly different to a home or a hospital, but the steps you’ll need to take are mostly the same. However, it's always important to ensure you are sufficiently prepared.
What to do when someone dies in a care home
When a loved one dies in a hospital, you’ll likely be made aware that death is imminent and be able to prepare for it although it doesn’t take away the impact of the loss. Here's what you need to do when someone dies in hospital.
What to do when someone dies in hospitalHere at Distinct Cremations, we have created a free checklist for you to download which lets you know what you need to do when someone dies.
Occasionally, the doctor can’t give you the medical certificate of cause of death immediately as they’re unsure of the precise cause or circumstance of death.
In this case, the doctor will refer the deceased to a coroner to investigate the death which may involve a post-mortem or inquest. Usually, the coroner will issue an interim death certificate so you can go ahead with funeral arrangements.
A coroner is a government official responsible for investigating and determining the cause of death in cases that are sudden, suspicious, violent, or unexpected.
A coroner will hold an inquest into the death and when necessary conduct autopsies, review medical records, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to determine the cause of death. The cause of death could be due to natural causes, an accident, or undetermined factors.
Coroners play a crucial role in the legal and justice systems by providing information necessary for criminal investigations, insurance claims, and public health monitoring.
When a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, without a clear cause then they are often reported to the coroner. This includes deaths that happen at home, in public places, or in situations where the deceased was not in care.
Deaths that result from accidents, homicides, suicides, or any other form of violence are often reported to the coroner so a thorough investigation can be conducted.
Deaths that occur under unexplained or suspicious circumstances, even if they are not immediately perceived as violent, may also be reported to the coroner.
And finally, in cases where a death is believed to be a result of medical error or negligence, it may be reported to the coroner for further investigation
The will is maybe the most important funeral document to be aware of when someone dies. The will is intended to distribute the estate of the deceased including personal possessions, property and finances, but it also may include information about how the deceased would like to have their funeral or information about a prepaid funeral plan.
Where can I find someone's will after they have died?
A loved one's will can likely be found in their home, their bank, accountant or solicitor, or it can be found online. If you are unable to locate the will, those who live in England and Wales can use the government's service which allows you to search for a will online for £1.50.
What do I need to do with the will?
The first thing that needs to be done is arrange an interview with the probate registry where they will go over legal documents and paperwork, setting up the executor (the person named in the will to sort out the estate) to deal with the affairs of the will. The executor will then work to distribute any assets and clear off the debts of the deceased.
When is the will available to read?
Once probate has been granted, the will becomes a public document and can be read by everyone mentioned in the will. The executor will usually arrange a date for this to be read collectively.
Whether a loved one has died or you're pre-planning, our customer service specialists will be on hand to help provide you with some guidance around all the funeral paperwork. Our team will:
Not only are our low cost funerals carried out with love and care, but we also offer one of the UK’s best value services.
From your very first phone call, right through to the hand delivery of the ashes, you can rest assured that you will be in the most caring and attentive hands with Distinct Cremations.
Our team will be on hand to help you complete the necessary paperwork as easily as possible.
Rhiannon Pearson
Team Leader
Below are a few further articles that you may be interested in.
At Distinct Cremations, we provide no fuss funerals which are simple to arrange, affordable and delivered with care, dignity and respect. Prices start from just £1,199 if you need to arrange a funeral today.
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It’s an unfortunate reality that when someone dies, there are legal formalities that need to be completed shortly after. In most cases, registering a death is straightforward. Let us guide you through each step you need to take.
How to register a deathBelow are a selection of reviews from those who have purchased a funeral through Distinct Cremations.
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