What to do when someone dies

Who to contact after a death and information about funeral arrangements and memorials.

Immediately after a death
If somebody dies in hospital, the doctor attending the patient will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You will need this certificate when you register the death.
Contact a funeral director
When the death has been confirmed, a funeral director will need to be contacted to remove the deceased person.
When someone dies abroad
When someone dies outside of England or Wales and needs to be brought back for a funeral - this is called repatriation.
Register a death
You must register a death within 5 days of it occurring, unless it was referred to the coroner.
Tell government about the death
The Tell Us Once service allows you to inform all the relevant government departments when someone dies.
Arrange a funeral
If you have chosen a funeral director, they will discuss cremation and burial options with you and offer support throughout the process.

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