Three Things You Need To Do When Someone Dies

Many of us live our lives trying not to think about what happens when someone dies. But this can often mean that when the unthinkable happens, we feel unprepared, with no idea what to do next. One of the great injustices of grief is that in those early days — in the fog of shock and loss — there are still things we have to do.

In this guide, we’ve outlined the key practical steps to take when someone dies in the UK, keeping things as simple and clear as possible so as not to overwhelm. It can help to have a general sense of what needs to happen, even if you won’t need this information for a long time.

Because every situation is different, the guidance below follows a general rule of thumb. If you have experienced a recent loss, you are always welcome to call our small, friendly team. We can help guide you through the next steps.

While we do not arrange funerals in the same capacity as a funeral director, we are able to offer advice on the process. For direct cremations, we can also make arrangements on your behalf without the need to instruct a funeral director.

What to do when someone dies at home (UK)

Verifying the death

If someone dies at a private address, the first step is to have the death formally verified by a doctor or a district nurse. Funeral directors are unable to bring someone into their care until this has taken place.

In many cases — for example, when someone is at the end of life and their death is expected — the family will already be in contact with their local district nursing team. Otherwise, it will be a case of contacting the local GP surgery. In situations where the death is sudden or unexpected, the coroner’s office may become involved.

Arranging for the deceased to be brought into care

After this, the next step is to contact a funeral director, who will bring the person into their care.

If the deceased had chosen a direct cremation — or if this feels like the right option for your family — you can contact our team instead of a funeral director and we can arrange collection of the deceased and guide you through the next steps.

Obtaining the necessary paperwork

Once the death has been verified, a medical certificate stating the cause of death is issued (usually by the GP or attending doctor). This allows the death to be registered at the local registry office.

When registering the death, you can purchase copies of the official ‘death certificate’ (formally called a ‘Certified Copy of an Entry’), which you will need for administrative tasks.

The registrar will also issue a document commonly known as the ‘Green Form’ (officially the Registrar’s Certificate for Burial or Cremation). This must be given to the funeral director, who will pass it on to the crematorium or burial ground. We are unable to carry out a burial without it.

If the coroner is involved, this document is replaced by a ‘Coroner’s Order for Burial’.

These steps make up the main practical requirements. Once they are complete, you are then able to focus on planning a goodbye that feels right for the person who has died.

What to do when someone dies in hospital

If someone dies in a hospital, the main difference is that the hospital will care for them in the mortuary, so there is no immediate need to contact a funeral director to bring them into care.

Hospitals usually have a bereavement team who will guide you through the necessary paperwork and next steps. From this point onwards, the process is largely the same as described above.

A gentle note on planning ahead

While it can feel difficult to think about, planning ahead can make a huge difference to the people you leave behind.

When someone dies, their family is often navigating both grief and a number of practical responsibilities, as outlined above, at the same time. Making decisions about a funeral during this period can feel overwhelming. By thinking about your wishes in advance, you can help ease that burden.

This might include deciding whether you would prefer burial or cremation, choosing a place that feels right to you, and even securing your plot ahead of time. It means that when the time comes, your loved ones can focus on remembering you, rather than making difficult decisions on your behalf.

If you would like to talk through your options, our team is always here for a gentle, no-pressure conversation.