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Guide

What To Do When Someone Dies

Vale Family Advisors
28 May 20266 min read

In this article:

Losing a loved one is profoundly difficult, and the practical administrative tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. Please know that you do not have to manage everything at once. Below is a simplified guide to help you navigate the essential steps following a death.

1

Confirming the Cause of Death

The first step is for a medical professional to verify the death and confirm the cause.

Expected Deaths

If the person was under the care of a GP or in a hospital, a doctor will complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This is then reviewed by a Medical Examiner, who will contact you to confirm the cause and provide a formal notice explaining how to proceed with registration.

Unexpected or Unexplained Deaths

If the death was sudden or the cause is unclear, it must be reported to the Coroner. The Coroner will investigate, which may involve a post-mortem. While this can cause a delay in funeral arrangements, the Coroner's office will provide the necessary documentation to allow the funeral to eventually proceed.
2

Obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

Death in hospital

If the attending doctor is confident in the cause of death, they will issue an MCCD — typically handed to you in a sealed envelope with guidance on how to proceed with formal registration.

Death at home

If the death was expected and the GP had seen your loved one recently, they may be able to issue the certificate. You will either receive this in person or be asked to collect it from the surgery.

When a certificate cannot be issued

In some cases — such as when the cause of death is uncertain or unexpected — the case will be referred to the Coroner's office. The Coroner will typically issue an interim death certificate, which allows you to proceed with funeral arrangements and begin the probate process while the investigation concludes.
3

Registering the Death

Once you have the medical documentation, you must formally register the death.

Timeframe

In England and Wales, you are generally required to register the death within five days of receiving notification from the Medical Examiner or Coroner.

The Appointment

Book an appointment at a local register office — ideally the one in the district where the death occurred. The registrar will ask for details including the deceased's full name, address, occupation, and date/place of birth.

Certificates Provided

You will receive the Certificate for Burial or Cremation(the “green form”), which you must give to your funeral director to finalise arrangements. You can also purchase certified copies of the Death Certificate, needed to manage financial affairs.
4

Arranging the Funeral

While you technically need the formal green form to finalise burial or cremation, you can — and often should — contact a funeral director soon after the death.

Professional Guidance

A funeral director is an expert who can support you through this entire process. They can offer advice on legal requirements, explain their services, and help you begin planning a tribute that is right for your family.

Starting the Conversation

Many funeral directors are available 24/7 to help you move your loved one into their care. Don't feel pressured to have all the answers — simply reach out when you feel ready, and they will guide you through the next steps.

Useful Services

Tell Us Once

A government service that allows you to report a death to multiple departments (DWP, HMRC, Passport Office) in one go, saving you from notifying each agency individually.

Bereavement Support

If you are struggling with your loss, support is available through organisations like Cruse Bereavement Support or the Samaritans.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance. If you are ever unsure about the specific requirements in your local area, your funeral director or local Register Office can provide clear, localised advice.

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