Helpful Guidance

When someone dies, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do next—especially if the death was unexpected. Understanding the basic steps can help you navigate this difficult time.

If the person dies in a hospital, hospice, or care home, the staff will usually handle the immediate procedures and guide you through what needs to happen. If the death occurs at home, a doctor should be contacted as soon as possible to confirm and certify the death. In both situations, you will receive a medical certificate stating the cause of death, which is required to register the death.

If the cause of death is unclear, the doctor may refer the case to a coroner. This could result in a post-mortem examination being carried out before a medical certificate is issued.

If someone dies abroad, you should contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate for assistance and guidance.

In England and Wales, a death should normally be registered at a Registry Office within five working days, although this may take longer if a coroner is involved.

After registration, you will be issued with a death certificate. It is often useful to obtain several certified copies, as they may be needed when dealing with banks, insurance providers, and other organisations. The death certificate is also necessary for handling the deceased’s estate, including carrying out the instructions in their will.

You will also receive a document (often referred to as a “green form”) which must be given to the funeral director to allow the burial or cremation to proceed.

In some cases, you may also be given Form BD8, which is used to notify the relevant government departments if the deceased was receiving benefits or tax credits.