When someone dies, the immediate practical steps depend on where the death has happened. The first thing to know is that nothing has to happen instantly. There is no rush. Below is the typical sequence.
If the death happens at home and is expected. Call the deceased's GP. The GP (or an out-of-hours GP service) will attend to verify the death and complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). Since September 2024, the MCCD is reviewed by a Medical Examiner — a senior doctor — before it is sent on to the register office. Once that paperwork is complete, you can call us on 0333 242 1405 and we will arrange for your loved one to be brought into the care of a local funeral director.
If the death happens at home and is unexpected. Call 999. The ambulance service and the police will attend. The death may be referred to the coroner, who will need to investigate before the body can be released. The coroner's officer will keep you informed. Once the coroner releases the body, our team can arrange collection from the coroner's mortuary at no Priority Care charge.
If the death happens in hospital. The hospital's patient affairs or bereavement office will contact the next of kin, usually the next working day. The hospital handles the MCCD and the Medical Examiner review internally; once complete, the paperwork is sent to the register office. Call us when you are ready and we will collect your loved one from the hospital mortuary at the £1,499 all-inclusive price.
If the death happens in a care home or hospice. The care home or hospice will know what to do — they will contact the GP to verify the death and complete the paperwork. They will also be able to advise on timing of collection. Call us once you have spoken with them and we will arrange collection (Priority Care collection applies, as care homes and hospices do not typically have full mortuary facilities to hold someone for an extended period). Maximum total with Priority Care: £1,749.
Registering the death. Once you have received notification that the MCCD has been sent to the register office, you (or another qualified person — usually a relative or the person arranging the funeral) must register the death within five days. You will need to book an appointment with the register office for the district where the death took place. The register office will then issue the certificate for cremation that we need to arrange the cremation.
Telling other people. The GOV.UK Tell Us Once service will notify most government agencies — DWP, HMRC, Passport Office, council tax — with a single submission, using the unique reference number the registrar gives you at the appointment. Banks, insurance companies and utility providers need to be notified separately.
Arranging the affordable cremation. Once the paperwork is in hand, call us on 0333 242 1405. We will walk you through everything: the date and time of the cremation, the local crematorium, the return of the ashes, and any specific wishes you would like to discuss. The standard service is unattended at £1,499 all-inclusive; if you would like to add something — a brief attended moment, a viewing, a small service — mention that when you call and we will introduce you to the local funeral director who can discuss the options. We are available 24 hours a day.