Assisting you with registering a death
The loss of a loved one is a shock under any circumstances, and the amount of administration involved in registering a death may seem like a daunting task. With J T Byrne Funeral Directors, you will not be navigating paperwork and documentation alone. As experienced, independent funeral directors operating in Thornton-Cleveleys and Fleetwood, we are able to provide advice and support throughout the process of registering a death no matter your circumstances.
When the death occurs in hospital
If your loved one passes in a hospital, the staff will contact the person named as next of kin. The body will be kept in the hospital mortuary until the executor arranges for it to be brought to us, where we will begin to make the appropriate funeral preparations. In this case, the hospital staff will advise you on the next steps, including how to apply for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
When the death occurs at home
If your loved one passes at home, you first need to inform the family doctor of the situation. They may be able to write a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death upon visiting the house, or you may need to visit the surgery to obtain this.
When the death occurs in a nursing home or hospice
The staff of the nursing home or hospice will inform you of the death if your loved one passes in their facility. They will help you apply for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. They will also provide advice and support on the next steps until you choose to make funeral arrangements with us.
Planning all aspects of a funeral
In certain circumstances a death may be referred to the coroner. This means you will not be issued with the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death immediately and will not be able to register the death until the coroner gives their approval. J T Byrne Funeral Directors will be at hand to offer advice and support to minimise your distress at this time.
Registrar procedure
The registrar will ask several questions in order to record the death effectively. This will include:
The full name and address of the deceased
The place and date of birth
The date and place of death
The deceased’s last known occupation
Whether the deceased was receiving any state benefits or pension
In the case of the deceased being a married female, her maiden name
The full name, address and occupation of the person registering the death
Visiting a registrar
Although a death is an incredibly traumatic time for the family and friends of the deceased, there are certain administrative procedures which must be followed. One of these is registering the death with a registrar – there are several across Thornton-Cleveleys and Lancashire, and we will advise you on which one is right for your location and circumstances. J T Byrne Funeral Directors will be with you every step of the way: making the appointment, taking you to register the death and providing a courtesy car for your use.
Official documents and administration
You will receive a number of official documents and paperwork which may seem confusing at first. However, J T Byrne Funeral Directors are at hand in Thornton-Cleveleys and surrounding areas of Lancashire to guide you through the entire process. We can help you with filling in any forms, or simply be there to provide emotional support.
These documents may include:
1. A Green Certificate, which is needed for a burial or cremation to take place
2. Certified copies of the entry of death
3. BD8 Form, supplied by the Department of Work and Pensions and concerning the state pension of the deceased
4. Bereavement Registration Form, which will help to remove the deceased’s name from mailing lists and protect against identify fraud
5. Information booklet “What to do after a death” issued by Job Centre Plus, which will become an invaluable point of reference through the coming weeks