BREAVEMENT LEAFLET

We acknowledge the pain and distress that are felt after the death of a loved one and offer our sincere sympathy to you, your family and friends who are affected by this sad loss.

This leaflet outlines practical information and guidance following the expected death of a loved one. If you need further guidance and help, you will find contact details of local bereavement support at the end of the leaflet. We hope that you find this information useful and that it will, in some small way, reduce the anxiety and distress you feel at this difficult time.

Practical information and guidance

When someone dies, many decisions and arrangements need to be made. Dealing with the practicalities can feel overwhelming. It is important to take some time to gather your thoughts, to cry, or to talk. You might find it helpful to seek support from another family member or someone outside the family whom you trust.

Expected Deaths

If the death was expected, perhaps due to a terminal illness, you should contact the deceased's GP or the Out of Hours Doctor explaining that the death is expected. If it happened during the night, you do not need to contact the doctor until the following morning unless you want to.

If the death was expected then the GP will issue the medical cause of death certificate to allow you to register the death.

If a doctor has confirmed an expected death you may call a funeral director of your own choice when you are ready to do so. Funeral directors provide a service any time of day or night to move the deceased to a funeral home.

If the doctor is unsure about the actual cause of death even if it was clearly from natural causes, or if the deceased died suddenly and had not been under a doctor's care during the past 14 days, or the death is unnatural, they will contact the coroner. The coroner may order a post mortem examination to determine the cause of death and then issue the documents allowing the death to be registered.

Unexpected Death

If the death was unexpected, you should dial 999 and ask for an ambulance and police immediately. You will be told what to do by the operator to establish whether you can try and resuscitate the person. The paramedics will carry out resuscitation or will confirm the death. Leave the area untouched apart from any attempt at resuscitation.

The police will arrange for the body to be moved by a funeral director acting for the coroner if the death is unexpected.

Overview

There are 3 things you must do in the first few days after someone dies.

  1. Get a medical cause of death certificate from a GP or hospital doctor. You’ll need this to register the death.
  2. Register the deathwithin 5 days. You’ll then get the documents you need for the funeral.
  3. Arrange the funeral–

If the death has beenreported to a coroner you can’t register the death until the coroner gives permission.

Registering a death

You should register the death within 5 days. You will need to telephone the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages to make an appointment.

You can go to anyregister officebut if you use the one in the area where the person died you’ll be given the documents you’ll need on the day.

If you use a different register office the documents will be sent to the office in the area where the person died before they’re issued to you. This means you’ll usually wait a few days.

Registering the death will take about 30 minutes - you might need to make an appointment.

Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages,

Basildon Library,
St Martin's Square,
Basildon, Essex,
SS14 1EE

Monday to Friday:
9am to 5pm
Saturday (births only) 9am to12pm

Tel:0345 603 7632

Who can register the death

You can register the death if you’re:

  • a relative
  • someone present at the death
  • an administrator from the hospital
  • the person making arrangements with the funeral directors

What you need to do

Take the medical certificate showing the cause of death (signed by a doctor) with you.

If you have the following documents available (but don’t worry if you cannot locate them), please take these as well, the person’s:

  • birth certificate
  • Council Tax bill
  • driving licence
  • marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • NHS medical card
  • passport
  • proof of address (eg utility bill)

You’ll need to tell the registrar:

  • the person’s full name at the time of death
  • any names previously used, eg maiden name
  • the person’s date and place of birth
  • their last address
  • their occupation
  • the full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
  • whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits

You should also take supporting documents that show your name and address (eg a utility bill) but you can still register a death without them.

Documents you’ll get

When you register a death you’ll get:

  • a Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the ‘green form’) - gives permission for burial or an application for cremation
  • a Certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8) - you may need to fill this out and return it if the person was getting a State Pension or benefits (the form will come with a pre-paid envelope so you know where to send it)

Bereavement support Organisations

Age UK Essex

The regional branch of the national charity, helping people aged 50 and over and providing social opportunities. Tel: 01245 346106

Bereavement Benefit

Information and advice to access bereavement benefits: Funeral Grants, Bereavement payment etc. Tel: 0345 606 0265

Bereavement Advice Centre

Helpline and web-based information service giving practical information and advice on issues faced after the death of someone close. Tel: 0800 634 9494

Bereavement Register

Free registration scheme to prevent direct mail being sent to the deceased. Tel: 0800 082 2233

British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy

Professional association and accrediting body for counsellors. Tel: 01455 883300

Citizens Advice Essex

Provides free confidential advice on legal and financial matters. Tel: 03444 770 808

Cruse Bereavement Care

Provides a nationwide service of bereavement counselling, advice, information and social contact through its headquarters and more than 196 local branches, to anyone bereaved by death irrespective of age, race, religion, gender or sexual preference. Tel: 0808 808 1677

Macmillan

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer whether they have been diagnosed themselves or are a family member, carer or friend. Tel: 0808 808 0000

London Friend

Offers support and advice to lesbians and gay men bereaved by the death of a same-sex life partner. All members are comfortable with their own gayness and are well trained and supervised. Tel: 0207 837 3337

The Compassionate Friends

Gives support to parents whose son or daughter has died. Tel: 0845 123 2304

The Lullaby Trust

For parents of a baby who has died suddenly and unexpectedly. Has leaflets and information for bereaved parents and health professionals. Tel: 0808 802 6868

The Samaritans

For someone you can talk to who will give you support. There are over 180 branches that are open 24 hours a day. Tel: 0845 790 9090

The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS)

Offers support to parents bereaved through pregnancy loss, stillbirth or neonatal death. Tel: 0207 436 5881

The Terrence Higgins Trust

A charity providing practical support, help, counselling and advice for anyone with or concerned about, AIDS or HIV infection. Tel: 0808 802 1221

The WAY Foundation

Provides help and support for the widowed and young. Tel: 0870 011 3450