What to do when someone dies
When someone dies it can be hard to know what to do and who to turn to.
Choosing a funeral director
The death of a loved one is one of the most upsetting experiences we have to go through. So, when choosing a good funeral director, what should you be looking out for?
How to register a death
Before you can begin to plan a funeral for your loved one you will need to register the death at the Registrar’s Office. It’s important that this is carried out within 5 days of receiving the medical certificate. Here we will explain how to register a death in Essex.
Probate & the will
What is Probate? And what happens if you can’t find a Will?
Our brief guide should help put your mind at rest.
Help with funeral costs
Bereavement is, without doubt, a devastating experience that can increase financial strain. If you’re in a position where you can’t afford to pay for a funeral, there are options available and you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund.
Simple & affordable probate services
Laurelo are committed to making probate simple, straightforward and affordable. Winners of several awards including Probate Provider of the Year 2022 and 2023 they provide a friendly probate service tailored to your needs.
Who to notify
Having to deal with the affairs of the deceased immediately after their death can be complicated and upsetting, however, sorting out these issues is an essential task that we can guide you through. If you are worried about who to tell when someone has died, our simple checklist will act as a handy guide to help you through the process.
Useful contacts
REGISTRAR’S
Essex Registrar
Tel: 0345 603 7632
Find your nearest registration office when registering a death
Coroner
Essex Coroners Office
Chelmsford: 0333 013 5000
Email: coroner@essex.gov.uk
Essex & Thurrock: 01245 506837
Southend: 01245 506806
Funeral price options
We are pleased to offer a number of price options, which include Unattended Cremation, Simple Cremation, and the Traditional Funeral package.
How to simplify the death notification process
Life Ledger a free, easy-to-use, service helping the recently bereaved inform businesses across the UK of the death of a loved one. Their platform reduces the administrative burden around death and simplifies the death notification process for both the bereaved and the companies they need to inform.
“Bennetts provided a friendly, efficient service. They made the whole process easy and stress-free, things which are so very important at such a time. We want to particularly thank Martyn for being such an excellent contact, who completely understood us and our needs. He is a great asset to the company.”
Mrs W
from Romford
What to do when someone dies, a simple step-by-step guide
What to do when someone dies at home
Daytime: should your loved one die during the day and the death was expected, such as from a terminal illness, contact their GP or the NHS helpline (dial 111) as soon as possible.
Night-time: If your loved one passes away at night, call the NHS helpline (dial 111) for guidance. You can wait until morning to contact their GP.
Once a medical practitioner confirms the death, you should contact a funeral director immediately. They will take your loved one into their care.
If you are not the next of kin or a close relative, notify them right away.
When the cause of death is known, the doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This allows you to register the death.
Once the cause of death is known, the doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The certificate will allow you to register the death.
Unexpected death at home
If the cause of death is unknown, leave the area untouched except for any resuscitation attempts. The Police will arrange for a funeral director to collect the deceased and transfer them to the hospital on behalf of the local HM Coroner’s department.
Sometimes a medical professional cannot determine the cause of death. Even if it appears natural, or if the death was sudden or unnatural, they must contact the HM Coroner’s office. The Coroner’s Officer may request a post-mortem examination to identify the cause of death and issue the necessary documents for the funeral. A funeral cannot take place until the HM Coroner’s office completes their investigation and confirms the cause of death.
Has someone passed away at home?
Bennetts Funeral Directors will arrange for your loved one to be collected and brought into their care. This will be at the soonest available time, so long as a medical practitioner has confirmed the death.
What to do when someone dies in hospital
In case a loved one passes away in the hospital, the hospital staff will immediately inform the next of kin or closest family members. Many hospitals in the UK have bereavement specialists who explain procedures and next steps. If no specialist is available, the ward staff will provide this information.
Will the hospital issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?
When the cause of death is known, a hospital doctor will usually issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. However, if the cause is unknown or unconfirmed, HM Coroner’s office may get involved.
Should the doctor be uncertain about the cause, even in natural death cases, or if the death was sudden or unnatural, they will contact HM Coroner’s Office. The Coroner’s Officer may order a post-mortem examination to determine the cause. Once investigations are complete, they will issue the necessary documents for the funeral. A funeral cannot take place until HM Coroner’s Office confirms the cause of death.
In the event that a cremation is planned, inform the doctor or bereavement office, as additional forms must be completed.
Where is my loved one kept if they die in hospital?
When the funeral director collects your loved one, they coordinate directly with the hospital to ensure safe transport to their chapel of rest, keeping you informed throughout the process. You may need to sign an authorisation form, allowing the funeral director to take your loved one into their care
What happens to my loved one’s possessions if they die in hospital?
Has someone passed away in hospital?
What to do when someone dies in a care home or hospice
In the event that your loved one passes away in a care home, the staff will guide you through the necessary steps. They understand the process and will provide the support and advice you need.
Immediately after death
When death was expected
In the event that death is unexpected
Care home staff often assist in notifying us and coordinating on your behalf. We will collect your loved one, transfer them safely to our care facilities, and keep you informed every step of the way.
What happens to my loved one’s body if they die in a care home?
Staff at the care home will have received training to properly look after your loved one. They usually welcome families to spend time with their loved one after death. Some may use this time to sit peacefully, say goodbye, or share memories, while others may follow important cultural or religious customs.
Has someone passed away in a care home?
Bennetts Funeral Directors will be able to arrange for your loved one to be collected and brought into their care at the soonest available time.
What to do when someone dies abroad
It can be a challenging and emotional time when someone passes away. However, what to do when someone dies abroad may seem even more distressing.
This guide will advise you on what to do when someone dies abroad; whether you’re at home and you find out that your loved one has died overseas, or if you’re abroad with them when they pass away.
If you’re abroad together
If someone passes away while you are traveling or on holiday abroad, take these steps:
• Contact the nearest British embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.
• Inform the tour organisers if you are on an organised trip.
• Notify a resort representative if you are staying at a holiday resort.
Most holiday resorts and travel organisations have welfare representatives who can assist you during this difficult time. Reach out to family at home for support if you’re unsure of what to do.
Should you be staying in accommodation not booked through a travel company, consider contacting your family first. Local police can help you reach the nearest British embassy.
If they’re abroad and you’re not
If a holiday representative or tour operator informs you, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. They will keep you updated on the situation and help you make necessary arrangements.
Learning about a loved one’s death from afar can be overwhelming and confusing. There are important steps to take in this situation, and you don’t have to handle them alone—reach out to family or close friends for support.
How do I register a death abroad?
You must register your loved one’s death in the country where they died.
If you’re unsure about how to do this, your nearest British embassy will be able to help you. It’s important to note that you must also register the death with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The British embassy can help you get hold of this information.
Learn more about registering a death abroad.
Obtain an English translation of the Death Certificate.
Get permission to bring the body home. A coroner or equivalent authority in the country where your loved one passed away usually grants this permission. A local funeral director can assist with the process.
Contact your UK funeral director. They will guide you and coordinate with the funeral director in the country where your loved one died. The local funeral director will also handle communications with HM Coroners and Registrars once your loved one’s body arrives home.
How to bring cremated remains home after an overseas funeral
- Death certificate
- Certificate of Cremation
Each country has different regulations for this process, so check the specific requirements. Since rules can vary significantly, ask your funeral director for assistance.
How do I bring a body back from abroad for a UK funeral?
When a loved one dies abroad, most families choose to bring the body or ashes home for a funeral in the UK. This process, known as body repatriation, involves returning the deceased to their country of origin.
In some cases, families prefer a burial abroad in their native country, requiring repatriation from the UK. Bennetts Funeral Directors can provide guidance on taking a body abroad for burial if this is something you wish to consider. However, be aware that this process can be expensive, especially without insurance.
After obtaining all necessary documentation and permissions, you can arrange to bring your loved one’s body home. Whether repatriating to or from the UK, our full repatriation service ensures a smooth process and provides expert support every step of the way.
Do you need further information about what to do when someone dies?
When someone has died, it can be overwhelming to think about everything that needs to be done. To help support you Bennetts Funeral Directors provides help and advice on topics such as registering a death, arranging a funeral, bereavement support, applying for probate and the will and many other practical and emotional issues.
If you need immediate assistance Bennetts Funeral Directors will help.
Call 01277 210104 and 01277 627492 we are here to help.