When someone dies, the process involves immediate and long-term tasks, beginning with medical verification of the death and extending to registering it with the appropriate authorities. The subsequent steps can include everything from making funeral arrangements and navigating legal issues like wills and powers of attorney to managing financial matters such as closing accounts and settling funeral costs.
The process varies based on where the death occurred, be it at home, in a hospital, or abroad, and in these emotionally taxing times, a well-planned checklist can be invaluable in guiding you through each crucial step.
Support From Simple Send-Offs
If you are based in Wirral, Bebbington, Bromborough, Birkenhead and the surrounding areas, Tom and Liz here at Simple Send-offs can offer much-needed support through the entire process and steps to follow when someone dies.
As well as an experienced guiding hand during difficult times, we offer funeral solutions which can be more affordable than traditional high street funeral directors. We are focused on making the funeral process as straightforward as possible and our mission is to support our clients with a quality service with value in mind.
Call 0800 246 5292 or (0151) 630 0050 to Discuss your funeral options with our friendly team.
Read on for more details on the essential steps to take when someone close to you passes away.
The Immediate Steps After A Person Died At Home vs. Hospital
When someone dies, you’ll have a series of immediate tasks to handle, and the procedures can vary based on where the death occurs.
When Death Occurs at Home
Confirming the Death
The first step when someone dies at home is to get a medical professional to confirm the death. This could be your family doctor or a qualified practitioner. Until this is done, no other steps can legally move forward. If someone dies at home unexpectedly, the police must also be informed.
Removal of the body
If the death was expected and once the death has been confirmed, you will have to decide who your chosen funeral director will be and you must contact them to arrange for the deceased to be collected and taken to their premises to be cared for.
In the event of an unexpected death, the police will have to be called and the coroner will decide whether or not an autopsy is required. If so, the body will therefore be transported to the hospital mortuary by ambulance in the interim. You will then need to engage a funeral director who will help to guide you through all of this and advise you of the people you will need to speak to.
Informing Close Family and Friends
After the necessary medical procedures are in place, it’s time to inform close family and friends. This is an emotionally difficult task, but it’s essential that loved ones are aware of the situation as soon as possible.
When Death Occurs in a Hospital
Hospital Procedures
When a loved one dies in a hospital, the staff usually handle many initial tasks like confirming the death and taking care of the immediate paperwork and they might ask you whether you’ve got a preferred funeral director.
Collection of Personal Belongings
You’ll likely be asked to collect the deceased’s personal belongings from the hospital. This can include clothing, jewellery, and any other items they had with them. It’s a small but significant task that might require emotional stamina.
Decisions on Post-Mortem
If the cause of death is unclear or needs further investigation, a post-mortem may be required. In these cases, the hospital staff will inform you and seek your consent unless it’s a legal requirement. Knowing this in advance can help you be prepared for the conversation.
Navigating the Legalities: Registering a Death
After the immediate medical procedures are sorted, you’ll need to navigate through some legal requirements. These steps are crucial and should be addressed promptly.
Registering a Death with Government Departments
Who Can Register?
In the UK, the death needs to be registered within five days. The person registering the death can be a relative, someone present at the death, or an administrator from the hospital where the death occurred. It’s important to identify who will be responsible for this step.
You can find a list of registry offices around the UK here.
Necessary Documentation: Medical Certificate
To register the death, you’ll need certain documents like the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from a doctor. It’s also good to have the deceased’s NHS number, birth certificate, and proof of address.
Timeframes to Consider
Although it’s a difficult time, try to register the death within five days. This is crucial for obtaining the Death Certificate, which you will need for legal procedures like closing accounts and applying for probate.
How To Handle The Death Certificate: Why and How Many?
Legal Necessity
The Death Certificate is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a legal document you’ll need for various processes involved in settling the deceased’s estate. It proves that the death has been officially registered.
Applying for Multiple Copies
It’s often advisable to get multiple copies of the Death Certificate. Many organisations will require an original certificate, not a photocopy, to close accounts or transfer assets. Each copy will incur a fee, so consider how many you might need.
By understanding these legal requirements and timeframes, you can avoid unnecessary delays and complications during a time that’s already stressful.
Understanding Wills and Powers of Attorney
It’s important to have a grasp of things like wills and powers of attorney to ensure a smooth transition of assets and responsibilities.
Locating a Will
The will outlines the deceased’s wishes regarding the distribution of their estate. It’s crucial to locate this document as soon as possible. The will may be stored in a safe deposit box, with a solicitor, or among personal files. Make sure you know where to look for it.
Understanding the Role of Executor
The will usually designate an executor—someone responsible for carrying out the deceased’s wishes as outlined in the will. The executor has several duties, including organising the funeral, settling debts, and distributing assets. If you’re named as the executor, be aware of the responsibilities that come with it.
Powers of Attorney: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Powers of attorney allow someone to act on behalf of the deceased before they pass away. If your loved one had arranged for a power of attorney, it’s important to know how this might affect decisions made after their death. While the power usually becomes void upon death, it can affect actions taken just before the death, such as medical or financial decisions.
It’s crucial to tackle these aspects promptly to ensure you’re complying with the deceased’s wishes and legal requirements.
Financial Matters: The Costs Involved
Even when dealing with the emotional impact of loss, there’s also the practical matter of costs to consider. Funerals can be expensive, so understanding the financial aspects ahead of time can help.
Funeral Expenses
Average Costs in the UK
In the UK, funeral costs can vary widely based on location and the type of service you opt for. On average, you might be looking at anywhere between £4,000 to £10,000. These costs can include the funeral director’s fees, burial or cremation fees, and additional elements like flowers and a memorial.
Low-Cost Alternatives
Simple Send-offs: Affordable Funerals in Wirral
For those looking for an affordable option without compromising on dignity or care, Tom and Liz at Simple Send-offs offers low-cost fixed-price cremation services and various options around funeral services. Opting for a low-cost but respectable funeral can help to ease the financial burden during a time of grief.
Funeral Planning: Making it Personal
While funeral planning is inherently a challenging task, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one in a way that reflects their unique personality and wishes. Here’s how you can make the service more personal.
Choosing Between Cremation and Burial
The choice between cremation and burial is often influenced by religious beliefs, personal preferences, and sometimes even environmental considerations. Both options have their pros and cons, and you’ll need to decide what aligns most closely with your loved one’s wishes and your family’s needs.
Personalising the Service
A funeral doesn’t have to be a standardised event. Many families choose to personalise the service by incorporating elements that reflect the deceased’s life, hobbies, and interests. This can include anything from the choice of music and readings to the style of the coffin or urn. Think about what would have been meaningful to your loved one and try to incorporate those elements into the service.
In planning a funeral, the objective is to honour your loved one in a way that’s both meaningful and personal. Even in a low-cost service, you can make the ceremony special by focusing on what truly matters.
What If Someone Dies Abroad?
Dealing with a death is challenging enough, but the complexities multiply if someone passes away while abroad. There are additional procedures and legalities you will need to consider.
Reporting to Local Authorities
The first step is to report the death to the local authorities in the country where the person died. This is crucial for obtaining the necessary legal documents to move forward, such as a foreign death certificate. Contact the nearest British Consulate for guidance and support during this process.
Repatriation Costs and Procedures
The cost of repatriating a body back to the UK can be significant and is generally not covered by standard travel insurance. Make sure to understand what’s involved in the repatriation process, both logistically and financially, so you can make informed decisions.
What Are Some Commonly Overlooked Steps in Handling a Person’s Financial Affairs?
As you navigate the immediate challenges that come with the death of a loved one, friend, spouse or civil partner, certain often-overlooked responsibilities also need to be addressed to ensure a seamless transition of affairs. These range from mundane tasks like remembering to notify government departments and cancelling subscriptions to more complex processes like sorting out utility accounts and housing benefits.
Closing Accounts with Utility Companies
While your focus may be on immediate concerns, utility accounts in the deceased’s name must not be overlooked. Contact utility companies to close or transfer accounts for electricity, gas, water, and internet services. They usually have procedures in place for these situations, including options to settle final bills.
Cancelling Subscriptions and Child Benefit
Subscriptions to magazines, streaming services, or memberships can accumulate unnecessary costs if left unattended. Be sure to cancel these as soon as possible. Additionally, if the deceased was receiving child benefit, it’s crucial to inform the relevant government department to stop payments.
Dealing with Social Media Profiles
The digital footprint of a person can live on long after they have passed. Each social media platform generally has its own set of guidelines for memorializing or deactivating accounts of deceased users. Consider contacting these platforms to manage the online presence of your loved one.
Informing Council Tax and Housing Benefit Authorities
Local government agencies overseeing council tax and housing benefits should be informed of the death to update records and adjust or terminate benefits. These are not automatic processes, and failure to inform them could result in legal complications.
How to Inform Council Housing Services
If your loved one was living in council housing, informing the council housing services is a necessary step. This will facilitate the transition of the housing contract, either ending it or transferring it to an eligible relative. Failure to do this could result in unwanted complications in sorting out your loved one’s estate.
Whether dealing with deaths that occur abroad or navigating these commonly overlooked steps, being thorough and diligent can help ease some of the complexities that accompany the passing of a loved one.
In Summary: What Happens When Someone Dies
Navigating the path after a person’s death and the loss of a loved one can be emotionally and practically challenging. From immediate steps such as confirming the death and alerting authorities, to longer-term concerns like handling legalities and funeral expenses, being prepared and informed can make a significant difference.
At Simple Send-offs, we are committed to making this journey a bit easier for you with our straightforward, affordable funeral options. For a more detailed guide on what to expect and how to prepare, please visit our FAQs page.
