The death of a loved one is something that sadly most of us will experience at some point in our lives.
Knowing what practical steps you need to take following a loved one’s death can feel overwhelming at an already challenging time.
Here are the immediate steps you need to take in the days and weeks following a loved one’s death.
Obtaining a medical certificate
To register a death and complete the necessary administration, you first need to obtain a medical certificate confirming the cause of death.
Although this may be challenging, it is important to obtain the certificate as soon as possible in order to proceed with the necessary arrangements.
The medical certificate should be obtained on the day of the death, where possible.
Register the death
Once you have the medical certificate, you can register the death.
This needs to be done within five days of the date of death, unless a coroner is involved.
To register a death, you will need to attend an appointment with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Make note that you should take proof of your identity (including proof of address) to the appointment, along with the following documents relating to the person that has died:
- NHS card.
- Birth certificate.
- Driving licence (if applicable).
- Marriage, civil partnership, and/or divorce certificates (if applicable).
- National Insurance number, and that of a surviving spouse or civil partner (if applicable).
- Passport.
- Proof of address e.g. a council tax bill or utility bill.
When the death has been registered, you will be given a Green Form for burial or cremation which you need to provide to the Funeral Director.
You will also be able to purchase certified copies of the death certificate. It is a good idea to obtain a few additional copies because you will need these to administer the deceased’s estate.
Locate the will
You will need to locate the most up to date Will, as this may include your loved one’s wishes as to whether they are buried or cremated, plus any other funeral preferences.
If the Will is not located at the deceased’s home, it may be stored with their solicitor, an accountant or by a bank that offers Will drafting and storage services.
If you have been unable to find a Will, the estate will need to be administered under the assumption that the deceased didn’t leave a Will.
This is called dying intestate and the estate is administered by the next of kin under the rules of intestacy.
Arrange the funeral
Find out whether your loved one had a pre-paid funeral plan in place and, if so, contact the provider who will handle the arrangements.
If not, contact a local funeral director and they will help you to plan the funeral.
You’ll be asked if the deceased had any funeral preferences, which is something you may already know, or it may be recorded in the Will.
Rotherham Taylor: With you every step of the way
Once you’ve completed the initial steps above, it will be time to apply for probate and administer the estate, if you are the Executor.
At this stressful and emotional time, some families find it easier to appoint a professional to assist them with handling probate and other duties of an Executor.
At Rotherham Taylor, we’re here to support you every step of the way and lift some of the practical administrative burdens from your shoulders.
