An Independent Family Funeral Service established 1897

REGISTRATION OF DEATH

You are legally required to register a death. You need to register a death to obtain documents so the funeral director can proceed with the arrangements and to handle the legalities of a deceased's estate.

The following people, in order of preference, are legally required to register the death:

• a relative
• a person present at death
• the occupier of the premises where the death occured (if he/she was aware of the death)
• the person arranging the funeral (this does not relate to the funeral director)

When registering a death, you must take the following documents:

• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (signed by the deceased's doctor) OR
• HM Coroner's Certificate to enable registration

The following documents should also be taken, if available:

• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• NHS Medical Card
• National Insurance Number

Information you'll need to tell the registrar:

• the person's full name at time of death
• any names previously used, including maiden surname
• the person's date and place of birth (town and county if born in the UK and country if born abroad)
• their last address
• their current/last occupation
• the full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving spouse or civil partner
• if they were getting a state pension or any other state benefit

• What to do Next?
• Registering A Death
• Documents and Certification
• Local Registrars Office
• The Coroner
• Letting People Know
• Department of Work & Pensions
• Wills & Probates