Supporting You Through the First Steps
When a death occurs, it can be hard to know where to turn or what needs to happen next. At A G Butler & Son, we are here to help, gently and without pressure, at every step, from the very first phone call.
Supporting you every hour of every day.
Here for you whenever you need us, 24/7.
Call us on: 0208 590 1740
(or your local AG Butler & Son office)
What to do first
Our clear, step-by-step guide helps you manage the immediate details and necessary arrangements, walking you through every stage with care.
We’re here when you need us most
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call us any time on: 020 8592 0164
(or your local West & Coe office)
What to do when someone dies
Our step by step guide helps you navigate the immediate steps and the essential arrangements that need to be made during this difficult time.
Download our checklist
A helpful printable list of key things to remember in the days following a loss — from who to notify, to documents you may need.
What to Do When Someone Dies
Following a death whether at home, hospital or care home, any trained healthcare professional (i.e. Doctor, Registered Nurse or Paramedic) can confirm a person has died.
If someone dies at home
After a death has been confirmed, we are able to be with you whenever you prefer.
Most families would require us to be with them shortly afterwards, some however may wish to spend more time with their loved one. Whatever the wishes, our professional and caring staff will be with you anytime, day or night to move back to our Chapel of Rest. We will also be on hand to guide you through the registration process.
Is Unexpected
When a death is unexpected and the cause is unclear or of a sudden nature, an accident or industrial disease, the coroner is legally bound to become involved. In most cases their involvement is a formality and although an examination may be necessary to ascertain the cause of death, this should not delay the funeral taking place. In circumstances where the coroner can not establish the cause of death or is a result of an industrial disease or accident a formal inquest may be held. In this case you will be informed by the coroner and advised of the necessary procedures.
Following a death whether at home, hospital or care home, any trained healthcare professional (i.e. Doctor, Registered Nurse or Paramedic) can confirm a person has died.
In a Nursing and Care Home
Once a death has been confirmed, our professional and caring staff are able to attend and remove your loved one back to our Chapel of Rest. On most occasions the duty manager at the home will contact us on the family’s behalf.
We prioritise discretion and sensitivity when attending a nursing or care home, priding ourselves on maintaining the highest level of respect for your loved one, the staff, and other residents .
Following a death whether at home, hospital or care home, any trained healthcare professional (i.e. Doctor, Registered Nurse or Paramedic) can confirm a person has died.
In a Hospital
When a death occurs in hospital, the medical staff will take care of arrangements and have the deceased taken to the hospital mortuary. Following the completion of necessary documentation, we will be able to move your loved one back to our Chapel of Rest.
When a death occurs abroad
We are fully aware of all legal processes and requirements and are pleased to advise at any time.
Guidelines
Contact the deceased’s insurance company
- Check for travel, medical, or life insurance policies.
Many policies cover repatriation costs and may provide support for documentation and coordination and may notify the local authorities.
Contact local authorities
- Report the death to the local police or relevant authority in the country where it occurred.
- They will issue an official local death certificate, which you’ll need for all further steps.
Contact the British Embassy or Consulate
The embassy or consulate can:
- Help notify the deceased’s family (if you are not next of kin).
- Provide a list of local funeral directors in the country of death.
- Assist in arranging repatriation (returning the body or ashes home).
- Help you translate and authenticate documents (e.g., death certificate).
- Issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad (in U.S. cases, for example), which can serve as an official record back home.
Obtain documentation
You will typically need:
- The local death certificate (translated and possibly apostilled or legalised).
- The deceased’s passport and identification.
- A certificate of embalming and certificate of sealing the coffin (if repatriating a body).
- A letter from the consulate authorising the transport of remains (if required by airlines or border authorities).
Register the death in the UK
Once you have the foreign death certificate, register the death in the UK. The coroner will need to be informed to verify the cause of death.
- They will advise where and how you register the death in the UK
- and will require translated, legalized copies of documents.
Following a death whether at home, hospital or care home, any trained healthcare professional (i.e. Doctor, Registered Nurse or Paramedic) can confirm a person has died.
If someone dies at home
After a death has been confirmed, we are able to be with you whenever you prefer.
Most families would require us to be with them shortly afterwards, some however may wish to spend more time with their loved one. Whatever the wishes, our professional and caring staff will be with you anytime, day or night to move back to our Chapel of Rest. We will also be on hand to guide you through the registration process.
Is Unexpected
When a death is unexpected and the cause is unclear or of a sudden nature, an accident or industrial disease, the coroner is legally bound to become involved. In most cases their involvement is a formality and although an examination may be necessary to ascertain the cause of death, this should not delay the funeral taking place. In circumstances where the coroner can not establish the cause of death or is a result of an industrial disease or accident a formal inquest may be held. In this case you will be informed by the coroner and advised of the necessary procedures.
Following a death whether at home, hospital or care home, any trained healthcare professional (i.e. Doctor, Registered Nurse or Paramedic) can confirm a person has died.
In a Nursing and Care Home
Once a death has been confirmed, our professional and caring staff are able to attend and remove your loved one back to our Chapel of Rest. On most occasions the duty manager at the home will contact us on the family’s behalf.
We prioritise discretion and sensitivity when attending a nursing or care home, priding ourselves on maintaining the highest level of respect for your loved one, the staff, and other residents .
Following a death whether at home, hospital or care home, any trained healthcare professional (i.e. Doctor, Registered Nurse or Paramedic) can confirm a person has died.
In a Hospital
When a death occurs in hospital, the medical staff will take care of arrangements and have the deceased taken to the hospital mortuary. Following the completion of necessary documentation, we will be able to move your loved one back to our Chapel of Rest.
When a death occurs abroad
We are fully aware of all legal processes and requirements and are pleased to advise at any time.
Guidelines
Contact the deceased’s insurance company
- Check for travel, medical, or life insurance policies.
Many policies cover repatriation costs and may provide support for documentation and coordination and may notify the local authorities.
Contact local authorities
- Report the death to the local police or relevant authority in the country where it occurred.
- They will issue an official local death certificate, which you’ll need for all further steps.
Contact the British Embassy or Consulate
The embassy or consulate can:
- Help notify the deceased’s family (if you are not next of kin).
- Provide a list of local funeral directors in the country of death.
- Assist in arranging repatriation (returning the body or ashes home).
- Help you translate and authenticate documents (e.g., death certificate).
- Issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad (in U.S. cases, for example), which can serve as an official record back home.
Obtain documentation
You will typically need:
- The local death certificate (translated and possibly apostilled or legalised).
- The deceased’s passport and identification.
- A certificate of embalming and certificate of sealing the coffin (if repatriating a body).
- A letter from the consulate authorising the transport of remains (if required by airlines or border authorities).
Register the death in the UK
Once you have the foreign death certificate, register the death in the UK. The coroner will need to be informed to verify the cause of death.
- They will advise where and how you register the death in the UK
- and will require translated, legalized copies of documents.
Not sure what to do first?
We are here to support you completely and gently guide you through every choice. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 by phone whenever you need a reassuring voice or immediate advice. When you are ready, we can arrange everything at our welcoming offices or in the comfort of your own home.
Call us 24/7 on 0208 590 1740
Understanding the Death Certification Process
Following national changes introduced in 2024, every death in England and Wales is now independently reviewed by a medical examiner. This process is designed to give you complete accuracy, openness, and reassurance.
Please be assured that while a trained healthcare professional (such as a doctor, nurse, or paramedic) can confirm a death immediately, the formal registration cannot take place until the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is issued. We are here to help you navigate each of these steps smoothly.
This will take the following steps:
Step 1: Draft the Medical Certificate
The initial stage involves the attending doctor outlining the formal cause of death. Regulations allow a GP with direct knowledge of the person’s medical background to prepare this paperwork, regardless of how recently they met. The doctor is no longer required to personally visit or examine the deceased before creating this document.
Step 2: Independent Clinical Review
Once written, the certificate and relevant medical files travel to the Medical Examiner’s office for independent vetting. This service is staffed by experienced, impartial senior doctors who played no part in the person’s previous medical treatment. They evaluate the paperwork to ensure total accuracy.
Step 3: Speaking With the Family
A representative from the Medical Examiner’s office will reach out to the next of kin. This conversation gives you a dedicated space to talk through the stated cause of death, ask any outstanding questions, or discuss concerns regarding the care provided.
Step 4: Registering the Loss
Following the review, the Medical Examiner’s team uploads the paperwork directly to the local registrar. You will receive an official notification confirming the transfer. At this point, you can schedule an appointment with the Register Office to formally record the passing.
When the Coroner is Involved
A death is typically referred to the coroner if the passing was unexpected, sudden, or if the medical cause remains unclear.
Routine Reviews
In most cases, the coroner’s involvement is a standard formality that will not delay funeral plans. After a brief medical review, they will issue the necessary paperwork so you can officially register the death.
If an Inquest is Required
If the coroner needs to open a formal inquiry (an inquest), the process takes a little longer:
The Funeral: The coroner will usually release your loved one to our care so we can begin preparing for the funeral service.
Registration: The final, formal death registration is paused until the inquest concludes.
Interim Documentation: The coroner will issue an interim death certificate in the meantime, which you can use to manage the estate and handle urgent paperwork.
Throughout this time, the Coroner’s Office will contact you directly to explain each stage and guide you through the process.
Registering the Death
Once the registrar has received the electronic MCCD from the Medical Examiner’s office, you must make an appointment to register the death.
Registering the death
A death in England must be registered within five days at the Register Office for the district where the death occurred.
Who Can Register the Death:
- A relative of the person who passed away.
- A partner who lived with them long-term.
- Anyone present at the time of death.
- The person in charge of the building where it happened (i.e. a manager of a care home)
- The person arranging the funeral (such a family member and/or the executor of the Will)
The Registrar will require:
- Full name of the deceased (including any former names)
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Usual address of the deceased
- Occupation of the deceased
- National Insurance number
- Name and date of birth of any surviving or late spouse or civil partner
Information You Will Need:
The procedure for registering a death is a simple interview with a registrar who will require the following details about your loved one:
- Full name (including any maiden names)
- Date and place of birth and death
- Last known home address
- Occupation
- Martial status
If married, the spouse’s details (name, date of birth, and occupation) - National Insurance Number
While not always mandatory, bringing a birth certificate or marriage certificate can help ensure all details are recorded accurately.
Documents You Will Receive:
At registration you may purchase certified copies of the death certificate (approximately £12.50 each). We recommend obtaining three or four, as banks, insurance companies, and government departments typically require originals.
The Registrar will also issue the ‘green form’ (the Certificate for Burial or Cremation) electronically to us, which is required before the funeral can take place. The Tell Us Once service
The Government’s ‘Tell Us Once’ service lets you report a death to multiple government departments in a single appointment. It notifies HMRC, the DWP, the Passport Office, the DVLA, the Local Council, and other relevant bodies. Your Registrar will explain how to use this service at your registration appointment.
The Death Certification Process
As of 2024, all deaths in England and Wales are now subject to an independent review by a Medical Examiner to ensure accuracy and transparency for families. Following a death any trained healthcare professional (i.e. doctor, registered nurse or paramedic) can confirm a person has died. However, before a death can be registered, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) must be issued. This will follow the following steps:
The Doctor’s Role:
A doctor who looked after your loved one will draft the certificate stating the cause of death. Under current regulations, a GP can complete this form based on their knowledge of the person’s medical history, regardless of when they last saw them. There is no longer a legal requirement for the GP to physically attend or view the deceased after death before the certificate can be issued.
Medical Examiner Review:
Every MCCD is now independently reviewed by a Medical Examiner. They are senior doctors who were not involved in the patient’s care. The GP will send the MCCD to the Medical Examiners office with the deceased medical history. The Medical Examiner will then review.
Next of Kin Notification:
A Medical Examiner or their office will then contact the next of kin. This is an opportunity to ask questions about the cause of death or raise any concerns.
Proceeding to Registration:
Once this review is confirmed the certificate (MCCD) is sent electronically (by the Medical Examiner’s office) to the Registrar. Once you have been notified by the Medical Examiner that the paperwork has been transferred, you can then contact the Register Office to book an appointment and register the death in the usual way.
If the Coroner is Involved
In certain circumstances, such as an unexpected death or where the cause is unclear the death may be referred to a Coroner.
- The coroners involvement is normally a formality and should not cause delay. Following an examination, they will issue a cause of death certificate for you to register the death of the deceased.
- Occasionally an inquest is deemed necessary. If this happens the deceased is normally released to your chosen funeral director, however the registration will only take place after the inquest has been completed.
- The Coroner’s Office will guide you through each stage of the process and advise you on all necessary procedures
Registering the Death
Once the Registrar has received the electronic MCCD from the Medical Examiner’s office, you must make an appointment to register the death.
When to Register:
By law, a death must be registered within five days in England and Wales. This period begins once the Medical Examiner or Coroner has completed their review and released the necessary paperwork.
Where to Register:
You should normally register at the Register Office in the district where the death occurred. Information can also be found by using the GOV.UK Register Office Finder. Most offices require a pre-booked appointment, which can often be scheduled online or by phone.
Who Can Register:
- Any relative of the deceased.
- A Partner: A long-term partner who was living with the deceased in an enduring relationship.
- Someone Present at the Death: This can include a friend, neighbour, or carer who witnessed the death or was present during the final illness.
- The owner or person in charge of the building: If the death occurred in a house, hospital, or care home, the person in charge of that building (e.g., a care home manager or hospital administrator) can register.
- The Person Arranging the Funeral: If no relatives or witnesses are available, the person taking legal responsibility for the funeral arrangements (often the executor of the will) can register.
Information You Will Need:
The procedure for registering a death is a simple interview with a registrar who will require the following details about your loved one:
Full name (including any maiden names)
Date and place of birth and death
Last known home address
Occupation
Martial status
If married, the spouse’s details (name, date of birth, and occupation)
National Insurance Number
While not always mandatory, bringing a birth certificate or marriage certificate can help ensure all details are recorded accurately.
Documents You Will Receive:
- The Green Form: This certificate allows the burial or cremation to proceed. It is usually sent directly to the Funeral Director by the Registrar.
- Death Certificates: You may wish to purchase several certified copies (currently £12.50 each) for banks, insurance, and other legal matters. Normally 3-4 copies are adequate as most organisations will need to see the original and then return. You are also able to obtain further copies at a later date.
- Tell Us Once Service: To save you from contacting multiple departments individually, the Registrar will offer you the Tell Us Once service. You will receive a unique code for the government’s Tell Us Once service, which notifies multiple departments (such as the DWP or DVLA) simultaneously.
Important to Know
Our clear, step-by-step guide walks you through the immediate actions and essential arrangements you need to make right now.
Speak with your local team
We are here for you 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped
