When someone dies, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time, and knowing what needs to be done isn’t always easy. There are a few important steps that need to be taken in the days that follow, and while it might feel daunting, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our caring and experienced team is here to guide you with clear advice, gentle support, and practical help every step of the way. Below, we’ve outlined what to expect and the things you’ll need to do when the time comes.
At home
When someone passes away at home after being unwell (an "expected" death), you should first contact their surgery or the out-of-hours doctor. The doctor may come to confirm the death. If community or hospice nurses have been involved, they may also be able to verify the death.
Once the death is officially confirmed, we can take the person into our care, should you choose to do so. We are available 24/7, every day of the year.
In the following days, a registered medical practitioner who has previously attended to the person will be able to complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), as long as they can determine the cause of death to the best of their knowledge.
The doctor will then send the MCCD to the Medical Examiner (ME), who will review it along with relevant medical records. The ME will also offer bereaved families the opportunity to discuss the cause of death, ask questions, and raise any concerns regarding healthcare. Once satisfied, the ME will submit the MCCD to the registration service, so you can arrange an appointment.
If the death was sudden, unexplained, or the doctor is unable to issue the MCCD, the case may be referred to the Coroner for investigation. The Coroner’s team will typically take the person into their care, and you will be advised on the next steps.
The Coroner’s officer will then ask which funeral director you would like to appoint. If you choose us, please let us know so we can be prepared. We can usually hold a provisional date and discuss funeral arrangements while the investigation is ongoing.
In hospital or care facility
In a Care Home, Hospital, or Hospice, the Manager, Warden, or Matron will typically coordinate the necessary steps and advise you on which surgery should complete the death certificate. The Medical Examiner will still reach out to you, as described above.
In a hospital, the bereavement officers will provide emotional support and offer practical guidance on the next steps. They will inform you of the nearest Registry Office for death registration and may assist you in making an appointment there.
Once you contact us, we will work closely with the Care Home or Hospital to arrange for the person to be brought into our care.
Registration
It is not necessary to register the death before discussing funeral arrangements, but be cautious when confirming a funeral date until the registration is completed.
Once the Medical Examiner (ME) has sent the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) electronically to the registration office, they will notify you. Only then should you contact the registry office to make an appointment, either by phone or online. Typically, the appointment will be at the closest office to where the person passed away, rather than their home address.
You must register the death within 5 days of being contacted by the Medical Examiner’s office, including weekends and bank holidays.
When you attend the appointment, the registrar will confirm that you are a qualified informant and that they have received the MCCD. It’s helpful to bring the deceased person's birth or marriage certificates, if possible. The registrar will ask for details such as the person’s maiden name, date and place of birth, last occupation, spouse’s occupation, the date of birth of any surviving partner, and whether they were receiving state pension or other public funds.
At the appointment, the registrar will issue official copies of the death certificate, which you can use for banks, insurance companies, etc. They will also provide a green certificate, required for burial or cremation, which they will send electronically to us so the funeral can proceed.
If the death has been referred to the Coroner, it’s a good idea to contact us, so we can make provisional funeral arrangements while awaiting the Coroner’s permission for registration and burial or cremation.
Local registrars offices
East Sussex – 0345 608 0198 | www.eastsussex.gov.uk
Kent – 0300 041 5151 | www.kent.gov.uk
Registration can also be done by ‘declaration’ if you live out of the area and unable to attend the relevant Registrar’s Office. Please ask for information on how to do this.
Managing the deceased’s estate
If you had Power of Attorney or were responsible for the deceased’s finances, you may already have a good understanding of their estate. Alternatively, the deceased might have been well-organized, leaving behind a folder or filing cabinet with all the necessary information.
If you don’t have this kind of clarity, don’t worry—it may take some time to gather the details, but it’s manageable. Start by checking through any paperwork, looking for details on banking and financial matters. You’re mainly looking for names—don’t worry about whether accounts are open or closed at this stage. Helpful clues might include a debit or credit card, a bank statement, a utility bill, or even a memory of where they banked.
Notifying others
You’ll likely have more people to inform about the death than you anticipate, and it can be hard to remember everyone. To stay organized, consider creating two lists:
1. Personal contacts: Family, friends, colleagues, etc.
2. Professional contacts: Financial institutions, insurance companies, the family solicitor, accountant, financial advisor, etc.
You can then use these lists to track who you’ve informed and what’s still pending.
Determining if probate is needed
Remember, Probate is only required in certain cases. It’s not necessary just because a Will hasn’t been made or because the estate’s total value seems high. Whether Probate is needed depends on the value of individual assets within the estate. There are exceptions, so feel free to contact us for assistance in determining if it’s required.
The final steps
Once you’ve obtained Probate (if needed), you can arrange for any sole assets to be sold or transferred. Before distributing any funds to beneficiaries, make sure all debts are paid and Inheritance Tax is settled.
Once debts are cleared, you can:
• Follow the instructions in the Will to pay any legatees or beneficiaries.
• Or, distribute the estate according to inheritance laws.
It’s essential to keep detailed records of all transactions, including money coming in and out of the estate. This provides a clear paper trail showing how the estate has been handled. You can then compile these records along with the Death Certificate, Will (if applicable), and Grant of Probate (if needed) to form your estate accounts.
Helpful resources
For a simple checklist, visit www.bereavementadvice.org, which can guide you through the steps after a death.
Some tasks can be done by the executor or administrator, while others may be managed by family and friends.
Please note that this information is a general guide and may not apply to every case. When filling out forms or writing letters, it may be helpful to have key reference numbers on hand, such as the deceased's date of birth, place of birth, National Insurance number, and tax reference numbers.
Support for loved ones
Grief touches everyone differently, and it’s important to know support is available. We’ve put together a list of local and national groups offering care, guidance, and a safe space to talk, whenever you feel ready.
CRUSE Bereavement Care - call 0808 8081677 | www.cruse.org.uk
Bereavement counselling is available to everyone, regardless of how much time has passed since their loss.
Child Bereavement UK - 0800 0288 840 | www.childbereavementuk.org
The UK’s foremost charity dedicated to supporting families both in the event of a child's death and when a child is grieving.
Samaritans – 116 123 | www.samaritans.org
Providing emotional support for individuals experiencing distress.
Mind – 0300 102 1234 | www.mind.org.uk
Losing someone to suicide can present unique challenges during the grieving process.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide 0300 111 5065 | www.uksobs.org
This organisation provides support to adults affected by suicide loss, helping individuals connect and support one another.
The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) –
0345 230 6777/01279 726777 | www.saif.org.uk
SAIF Care provides a variety of support services for bereaved individuals aged 18 and over, including access to a freephone helpline, email assistance, and expert guidance from trained counsellors.
Tunbridge Wells Hospital – 01622 729000 | www.mtw.nhs.uk
Maidstone Hospital - 01622 22425 | www.mtw.nhs.uk
Eastbourne District General Hospital – 0300 131 4785 | www.esht.nhs.uk
Conquest Hospital – 0300 131 4500 ext 773292 | www.esht.nhs.uk
Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton – 01273 696355 ext 64611 | www.uhsussex.nhs.uk
Hospice in the Weald – 01892 820500 | www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk
East Sussex – 0345 608 0198 | www.eastsussex.gov.uk
Kent – 0300 041 5151 | www.kent.gov.uk
Wealden Crematorium – 01323 443400 | www.wealdencrematorium.com
Kent & Sussex Crematorium – 01892 523894 | www.kentandsussexcrematorium.com
CRUSE Bereavement Care – 0808 8081677 | www.cruse.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK – 0800 0288 840 | www.childbereavementuk.org
Samaritans – 116 123 | www.samaritans.org
Mind – 0300 102 1234 | www.mind.org.uk
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – 0300 111 5065 | www.uksobs.org
The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) –
0345 230 6777/01279 726777 | www.saif.org.uk
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