There are a number of funeral documents to be aware of which need to be completed before a funeral can take place. Whether the death was sudden or expected, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next, and completing the funeral paperwork following a death can feel like the last thing you want to do when starting the grieving process.
The paperwork is a legal obligation and completing it sooner rather than later will ensure that your funeral arrangements run smoothly, and your loved one can be laid to rest.
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, detailing which forms you need to complete and how our team of compassionate experts can help.
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, we’ve compiled some simple tables, for both cremation and burial, presenting the important documents you might receive and/or need to complete, and their purposes, to make things easier.
Since January 1, 2009, new forms are required to arrange and authorise the cremation of a loved one. While some crematoria will provide these forms to doctors and funeral directors, they are also available on the Ministry of Justice's website, along with guidance for all involved.
If you have any concerns about the stated cause of death, please discuss them with the doctor who issued the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death before visiting the Registrar of Deaths. To inspect the forms, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Crematorium Office.
Therefore, it's crucial to provide your funeral director with your contact details so you can be notified as soon as the forms arrive. You then have 48 hours to review them, so please consider these time frames when planning the funeral date.
| Paperwork | Purpose | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Certificate of Cause of Death | This is the certificate the doctor gives to the family when the cause of death is clear, enabling the deceased’s family to register the death. | If the death is not clear, then the certificate won't be issued straight away, and the death will be referred to the coroner. The appropriate form will then need to be collected from the coroner by the funeral director, or the family. |
| Death certificate | A death certificate is a document that you obtain after registering a death in the UK. It states the date, place of death, and name of the deceased. | The death certificate is an essential document that’s required before arranging any type of funeral, whether that’s a burial or cremation. Read more about how to register a death. |
| Certificate for Burial or Cremation / Green form | Authorises the burial or cremation | Provided with the death certificate when a death is registered and gives permission for the deceased to be cremated or buried. This form needs to be given to the funeral provider. If the death is investigated by a coroner, an Order for Burial or Cremation form 6 (see below) will be issued instead of a Green form. |
| Cremation 1 form | Application for the cremation of a deceased person. | If you or the deceased have specified a cremation as the preferred funeral, this form is to be completed by the nearest relative or executor of the will. |
| Cremation 4 form | This form is for registered medical professionals to complete, to release a body for cremation. | The form is filled in by the registered medical professional who completed the MCCD, to be used alongside the Cremation 1 form. |
| Cremation 6 form | This form is for coroners to complete, to release a body for cremation. | If the death is being investigated by the coroner, the coroner’s permission will be required before the cremation can take place and this will be provided through this form. |
A significant change that occurred under the new process, implemented in 2009, is that families now have the right to inspect the Cremation 4 form completed by medical staff. Your funeral director will inform you about this, but it is important to let them know if you wish to exercise this right.
| Paperwork | Purpose | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Burial form | To purchase a grave or reopen an existing plot. | This form will be completed by a funeral director or the family can request one from their local council if they decide to arrange a funeral without a funeral director. |
| Order for Burial / Form 101 | Similar to a Cremation 6 form, this form is for coroners to complete to release a body for a burial. | In the event that a coroner conducts an investigation into the death, prior approval from the coroner will be necessary before proceeding with the burial. This approval will be granted via the completion of this form. |
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 and 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.
Download our checklist below or speak to our expert team on 01543 211997 today
Download free checklistOccasionally, 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, with their bank, accountant or solicitor or 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.
In the UK, typically, a close relative of the deceased will register the death and obtain the necessary documentation. If no relatives are available, certain other individuals can step in to register the death. These include:
In these challenging times, it’s important to know there are people who can help ensure everything is properly handled. At Distinct Cremations, our experts will guide you through the process with care and understanding, helping to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and correct.
If you have any questions or need support, we’re here to assist you around the clock during this difficult time, providing both practical help and emotional support.
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 followed their instinct with Distinct and chose to buy a funeral with us.
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