What to do on Bereavement

In bereavement, it is the role of the funeral director to advise and support clients at what is often a very confusing time, as well as a very painful one.

Today, the legal procedures surrounding death certification and the work of Coroners’ offices can be complicated and take several days to resolve before firm funeral arrangements can be put in place. For this reason, it is important that those upon whom the responsibility of making funeral arrangements falls should make early contact with the funeral director of their choice. Once we have had the opportunity of meeting and speaking with you, we can fulfill our role as your support, advisors, and agents as matters progress.

Procedures and documentation vary according to individual circumstances but some apply in all cases:

Registration of Death

A death must normally be registered in the district where it occurred, rather than where the deceased lived or where the funeral will take

place. Thus, if a person dies whilst on holiday in Spain, the death certificate will be issued in Spain even though the subsequent funeral may take place in the UK.
A funeral director is not permitted to register a death on their clients’ behalf and, along with certain parts of the Coroners’ procedure, these are the only aspects of funeral arrangement in which your funeral director cannot act for you.
We will, however, fully advise you of when and where to register and what documentation will be required in your particular circumstances.

Again, it is important to engage your chosen funeral director at an early stage in order to clarify what needs to be done and to receive appropriate support and guidance. Your funeral director will make an early appointment to meet with you either at our offices or in your own home.