What To Do When Someone Dies

A simple guide to what needs to be done when someone dies in the UK.

Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult moments. Alongside the shock and grief, there are practical matters that need to be taken care of, often within a short period of time.

At Padmore Family Funerals, we understand how overwhelming this can feel. Our role is not only to arrange a funeral, but to gently guide and support you through each step with care and understanding.

If you would prefer someone to guide you through these steps, you are always welcome to call us. We will talk you through everything calmly and at your own pace.

Below is a simple guide to what usually needs to be done in the UK when someone passes away.

When a Death Occurs at Home

If someone passes away at home, the first step is to contact their GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible. A doctor will attend and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which is required in order to register the death.

Once this has been arranged, you can contact Padmore Family Funerals, and we will guide you through the next steps and arrange to bring your loved one into our care when you feel ready.

When a Death Occurs in a Hospice or Nursing Home

If the death occurs in a hospice or nursing home, the staff will usually assist you in obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

Your loved one will remain in their care until arrangements are made for them to be respectfully transferred to our funeral home. When you are ready, we will arrange this for you with care and dignity.

When a Death Occurs in Hospital

If the death occurs in hospital, the hospital’s bereavement services team will help you obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the hospital doctor.

Your loved one will usually remain in the hospital mortuary until the death has been registered. Once this has taken place, we will arrange to bring them into our care and begin supporting you with the funeral arrangements.

When the Death Is Referred to the Coroner

In some situations, the Coroner must be notified. This may happen if the death was sudden, unexplained, or if a doctor is unable to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

The Coroner’s Office will investigate the circumstances of the death and will issue the appropriate documentation once the cause of death has been established. This will then allow the death to be registered and the funeral arrangements to proceed.

1. Obtain the Medical Certificate

A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death must be issued before the death can be registered.

• If your loved one passed away at home, contact their GP or call NHS 111.
• If the death occurred in a hospital or care home, staff will normally arrange this for you.
• In some circumstances, such as a sudden or unexplained death, the coroner may need to be involved.

If you are unsure what to do at any stage, we are always here to offer guidance.

2. Register the Death

The death must be registered at your local Register Office.

This should normally be done within:

• 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• 8 days in Scotland

You will usually need:

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
• The full name, date and place of birth of the person who has died
• Their last address
• Their occupation
• Details of a spouse or civil partner (if applicable)
• Their NHS number (if available)

The registrar will provide:

• Death Certificates (you may wish to purchase several copies for legal and financial matters)
• The Certificate for Burial or Cremation, which your funeral director requires in order to proceed with the funeral arrangements.

We can guide you through this process if you need support.

3. Inform Government Departments

Many areas offer the government’s Tell Us Once service. This allows you to notify several departments at the same time, including:

• HMRC and tax services
• The Department for Work and Pensions
• The Passport Office
• The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• Your local council

The registrar will explain how to access this service when you register the death.

4. Locate the Will

If your loved one left a Will, it will name the executor responsible for managing their estate and carrying out their wishes.

If there is no Will, a close relative can apply to administer the estate.

5. Arranging the Funeral

This is where we walk closely beside you.

At Padmore Family Funerals, we take the time to listen carefully to your wishes and help you create a service that truly reflects the life being remembered.

You may wish to consider:

• Burial or cremation
• Religious, non-religious or personalised services
• The venue and order of service
• Music, readings and tributes
• Flowers and funeral notices

Every life is unique, and we believe every farewell should be too.

6. Managing the Estate

The executor or administrator will usually need to:

• Apply for Probate (if required)
• Value and distribute the estate
• Close accounts and services
• Settle any debts or taxes

This process can sometimes feel complex, and professional advice may be helpful.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Grief affects everyone differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Allow yourself time, surround yourself with support, and take each day at your own pace.

If you would like guidance towards bereavement support services, we are always here to help.

Need Help Right Now?

If someone has just passed away and you are unsure what to do next, you can contact Padmore Family Funerals at any time.

We will guide you through the next steps calmly and clearly, and arrange to bring your loved one into our care when you feel ready.

01902 970736

Here When You Need Us

During one of life’s most difficult times, you do not have to face everything alone.

At Padmore Family Funerals, we are committed to providing calm, respectful and compassionate support from the very first call. Whether you need practical guidance, help with arrangements, or simply a reassuring voice, we are here for you.

If you need assistance at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Local registrars

The Death Must Be Registered In The District In Which It Took Place In.

Wolverhampton City Council Registrars
The Register Office, Civic Centre, St Peters Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY
Tel: 01902 551234

Walsall City Council Registrars
The Register Office
Civic Centre, Hatherton Road, Walsall WS1 1TN
Tel: 0300 555 2847

Dudley Borough Register Offices
Priory Hall, Priory Park, Dudley DY1 4EU
Council Plus, Castle Street, Dudley DY1 1LQ
Stourbridge Building, Cemetery Road, Lye DY9 8AN
Tel for all: 0300 555 2345

Staffordshire Borough Registrars
Cannock Chase Council Offices, Beecroft Road, Cannock WS11 1BG
Boscobel Room, 1 Staffordshire Place, Stafford ST16 2DH
Civic Centre, Gravel Hill, Wombourne WV5 9HA
Tel for all: 0300 111 8001

Sandwell Borough Registrars
Highfields, High Street, West Bromwich B70 8RJ
Tel: 0121 368 1188