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FAQs

Answers to Your Questions

We hope you’ll find the answers to some of your questions below. We know how difficult these moments can be, and hope this section will help you get a better understanding of next steps.

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We can assist with all of the above situations and scenarios and answer any questions that you have.

What do I do when a death occurs?

The procedure after a person has passed away depends on where and how the death occurred:

1. At home

  • Expected death: The GP usually refers the case to the medical examiner to establish the cause of death.

  • Unexpected death: This may need to be reported to a coroner, who could request a post-mortem or inquest to determine why the person has passed away.

2. In hospital

  • The hospital takes care of issuing the death certificate and advising on next steps.

  • The person who has passed away is generally kept in the hospital mortuary until collected by the funeral director.

3. Abroad

  • The death must be registered according to the local regulations of the country.

  • It should also be registered with the British Consulate.

How do I register a death?

You will be advised of next steps by the medical examiners/coroner in respect of when an appointment can then be made at the local registry office to register the death and obtain a certificate. 

You will be issued with a certificate for burial or cremation depending on your choices and this then needs to be given to your funeral director.

How much does a death certificate cost?

This is now £12.50 in England and Wales.  Each additional copy costs the same amount or a Solicitor can be contacted to obtain certified copies, but there are obviously costs associated with this.

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