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What To Do First

What To Do When Someone Dies

Our guide about what to do when someone dies has been put together to help people know what to do when the time comes. Knowing what to do first can ease stress at an already difficult time.

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Changes Due to Covid 19.

Due to the current C19 restrictions, the MCCD ( Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death)will be emailed to the Registrar, who will then contact you to make an appointment with you to register the death.

This will be done over the phone, and your copies of the Death Certificate will be posted to you, the forms that we need as your Funeral Directors will be emailed to us.  If you need anymore information please give us a ring on 01793814602.

 

 

What To Do First

When a person dies there are four main steps that must be followed. These are:

  • Obtaining a medical certificate of the cause of death so you can register the death
  • Registering the death
  • Obtaining a certificate to authorise the burial or cremation
  • Making funeral arrangements
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doctor issuing a medical certificate

Obtaining a Medical Certificate

The medical certificate will record the cause of death. You must have a medical certificate in order to register the death with the local authority. The circumstances under which a person has died can influence who issues the certificate and when you receive it.

The Death Occurred At Home

If the death occurred at home and the cause of death is clear and not open to investigation, the attending doctor will be able to issue the medical certificate.

The Death Occurred At A Hospital Or In A Nursing Home

Similarly to if a person died at home, as long as there are no mitigating circumstances and the cause of death is clear, the attending doctor will be able to issue the medical certificate

When The Coroner Becomes Involved

If the death was unexpected, sudden or happened under suspicious circumstances the doctor may need to report the death to the coroner. The coroner will arrange for the deceased to be transported to the hospital mortuary to establish the cause of death. The coroner may instruct an inquest into the death. Once the coroner has recorded the cause of death, the medical certificate will be issued.

Registering The Death

Once you are in possession of the medical certificate that states the cause of death, you must visit the registry office to record the death. In England and Wales, the death must be registered within 5 days. If you live in Scotland the death must be registered within 8 days. It is important to note that the death needs to be registered at the local Registry Office in the district where the death took place.

If the coroner has become involved then the mitigating circumstances may mean you cannot register the death within the timescales outlined above. If this happens, we advise notifying the Registry Office of the circumstances. Once HM Coroner issues the death certificate you will be able to register the death.

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Certificate For Burial Or Cremation

When you register the death, the registrar will issue the certificate to authorise the cremation or burial. This form is also known as a ‘green form’. As soon as you are in possession of the green form, you must pass it to us so we can begin to make the funeral arrangements with you.

Making Funeral Arrangements

Once we are in possession of the certificate to authorise the burial or cremation, the funeral arrangements can be finalised. We will consult with you regarding the funeral planning and confirm the date of the ceremony. The planning consultation can take place at our premises or we can visit your home if you prefer.

If your loved one was in possession of a Funeral Plan, then the funeral arrangements will have already been instructed and the funeral will be carried out according to the pre-agreed Funeral Plan.

Contact Mead Family Funerals

For more information and advice about what to do when someone dies, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01793 814602.

Customer Reviews

RK, Wroughton
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‘It was the best decision we ever made to choose our local funeral directors, Jem and Karen. From the moment I met them the whole burden was lifted from me and they took care of everything for the whole ten days before the funeral. There were endless consultations and they paid such incredible attention to detail. I couldn’t imagine how anyone could have done it better. On the day itself they ensured the funeral was absolutely perfect. And their advice about ashes and all the follow up was perfect too. I couldn’t recommend them enough.’
SC, Wroughton
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‘Words cannot express our heartfelt thanks for everything you have both done for our family. You both made such a heartbreaking time for us a bit easier to bear with your caring respectful way. We are forever grateful.’
DR, Stratton
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‘Can’t thank you enough for making what could have been a traumatic day easier for me and my family. I will never forget the kindness shown to me.’
LS, Swindon
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‘We all wanted to thank you for the way you handled Dad’s funeral, it was like he was one of your own family. You both made a difficult situation much easier to bear. Thank you both so much.’
GM, Wroughton
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‘Thank you so very much for all your help and kindness throughout such a difficult time.’
WD, Wootton Bassett
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‘You did Dad proud, thank you for all you have done in going that extra mile. For all your kindness too.’
EB, Old Town, Swindon
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‘On behalf of myself and the family, we would like to say a very sincere thank you for making the funeral a special and memorable day for us all. Your help and support leading up to and including the service was outstanding. The dignity and respect you showed was very much appreciated.’
KB, Isle of Wight
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‘A massive thank you for all your help with looking after Dad and us all. You did us proud and I know Dad would have been too, everything was perfect.’
KT, Wootton Bassett
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‘Many thanks for everything you have done/organised and sorted for us. All said what a great service you provided. Only one shot…you nailed it!’
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