What to do when death occurs- a guide

Written by Lilies Funeral Directors of Sutton Coldfield

“What do I do when a death occurs?” is a question that isn’t talked about as openly as it should be.

The loss of a loved one is a profoundly challenging and emotional experience, and during such times, it can be overwhelming to navigate the practicalities of dealing with their passing. There are specific procedures and legal requirements to follow when someone dies. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what you need to do when someone dies in England or Wales, helping you through this difficult period with clarity and support.

If The Death Occurs at Home

If a death occurs at home, please call a medical professional such as a paramedic or local doctor/nurse. Once the medical professional has certified your loved one has passed away, they will give you a letter to confirm the time the death was verified, this letter is to be given to your registered doctors surgery.

If The Death Occurs at a Hospital, Hospice or Care Home.

If a death occurs at a Hospital, Hospice or Care Home, there will be a medical professional arranged for you to certify your loved one has passed away. The medical professional will then send the death verification letter to the doctor who last cared for your loved one, you will not need to take this letter yourself.

The Medical Certificate

There has been an update to the process of obtaining the medical certificate. Previously you had to collect the medical cause of death certificate from the hospital or local doctor, then take it to the registry office to register the death. This has now changed; the hospital or local doctor will email the medical cause of death certificate to the registry office so you no longer have to take the original copy.

Register the Death

To register a death in Sutton Coldfield or Birmingham, you will need to complete a ‘Pre-Registration Form’ on the Birmingham Council website. Once you have done this, and the hospital or local doctor has sent the medical cause of death certificate, you will receive a text or email instructing you to book an appointment to register the death at the registry office.

In the UK, you must register the death within five days (eight days in Scotland). It's essential to provide accurate information during this process, as the death certificate will be required for various legal and administrative purposes.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements are a crucial aspect of what needs to be done when someone dies. You can begin making these arrangements as soon as you are ready after the death of your loved one. Consider the deceased's wishes, if known, or consult with other family members to plan the funeral or memorial service. As trusted funeral directors in Sutton Coldfield we can guide you through the process and assist with any wishes you may have.

Choosing the right funeral director can help a difficult time go that little smoother.
Lilies Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day to help with anything you need and will guide you through every step of your journey in a respectful and dignified manner.  Their Contact information is at the bottom of this guide.

Notify Relevant Authorities and Organizations

Informing the relevant authorities and organizations is an important step. You should contact:

• The deceased's employer or pension provider
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to deal with tax affairs.
• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for any benefits or pensions
• The deceased's bank and financial institutions
• The local council to cancel services such as housing benefit or council tax reduction.

Most of the above organisations can be informed via the council’s ‘Tell Us Once’ service, this is a great service that helps notify government and council organisations about the death of your loved one. Ask your registry office about this service when you go to register the death.

Arrangements for the Deceased's Estate

If the deceased had a will, the appointed executor would handle the estate. If there is no will, an administrator will be appointed by the court to distribute the assets according to intestacy laws. You should gather information about the deceased's financial assets, debts, and possessions to facilitate this process.

If you are unsure about any element of Probate, Lilies Funeral Directors in Sutton Coldfield have an inhouse probate specialist who can answer any questions for you. Their contact information is at the end of this help guide.

Notify Friends and Family

It's important to inform friends and family members of the death. This can be emotionally challenging, so consider enlisting the help of close friends or relatives for support. You can also place an obituary in local newspapers to notify a broader audience.

Your funeral director may have a free online obituary page that you can share online to help notify people without you having to make difficult calls. Lilies Funeral Directors offer a free online obituary page that can share the details of the funeral, the ability to collect donations for a specific charity and gives friends and family the opportunity to write messages of condolence for you to read when you are ready.

Arrangements for the Deceased's Estate, Probate and Legal and Financial Matters

If the deceased had a will, the appointed executor would handle the estate. If there is no will, an administrator will be appointed by the court to distribute the assets according to intestacy laws. You should gather information about the deceased's financial assets, debts, and possessions to facilitate this process.

Dealing with the deceased's legal and financial matters can be complex. It's advisable to seek legal advice or consult with a probate specialist to navigate this process efficiently. Some key aspects include:

• Settling outstanding debts and bills
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries as per the will or intestacy laws
• Filing inheritance tax returns if applicable
• Closing bank accounts and investments
• Inheritance Tax

Inheritance tax may be payable on the deceased's estate if it exceeds the threshold (which can change annually). It's essential to understand the inheritance tax rules and regulations and ensure compliance. Seek professional advice to minimize tax liabilities legally.

If the estate is substantial or complex, you may need to apply for probate, which grants you legal authority to deal with the deceased's assets and debts. The process involves applying to the Probate Registry and providing the necessary documentation.

If you are unsure about any element of Probate, Lilies Funeral Directors in Sutton Coldfield have an inhouse probate specialist who can answer any questions for you. Their contact information is at the end of this help guide.

Bereavement Support

Grief is a complex and individual experience, and it's crucial to seek support during this challenging time. Many organizations offer bereavement support services, including counselling, support groups, and helplines. Reach out to these resources to help you cope with your loss.

We recommend:

Cruze Bereavement Support – 0808 808 1677

SANDS (loss of a child) - 0808 164 3332
 

Losing a loved one is an emotionally hard experience, and knowing what to do when someone dies in the UK can provide some clarity during a difficult time. While this guide offers a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps, it's important to remember that each situation is unique, and you may encounter specific circumstances or requirements. Seeking professional advice and support, both legally and emotionally, can make the process more manageable. Ultimately, by following these steps and leaning on your support network, you can navigate the practical aspects of a loved one's passing while focusing on honouring their memory and finding solace in the midst of grief.

This guide was provided by Lilies Funeral Directors of Sutton Coldfield.

Lilies Funeral Directors
10 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5DA
0121 321 3446