What to Do When Someone Dies
When a loved one passes away, it is a very distressing time which is why it is important to know what to do when someone dies. This process needs to be handled logically, professionally and with care. At Friendship & Sons Funeral Directors, we are available 24 hours a day for help and advice. We know how difficult these situations can be. For any questions you may have, give us a call today or visit our Taunton, Dulverton or Barnstaple premises.
You’re In The Right Place
You’re in the right place. When someone dies, it can feel overwhelming and unclear what should happen next. Our role is to gently guide you through each step and take as much of the practical responsibility as we can, so you don’t have to carry it alone. A simple phone call is all that’s needed, and we’ll explain everything clearly and at your pace, with no pressure or obligation.
The First Steps
The first steps involve informing the local authorities on the death as soon as possible. This process depends on where the death occurs. If it has taken place in a hospital, the staff may be able to help assist you in obtaining a medical certificate which you will need to register the death. The deceased will then be taken to the hospital mortuary, and the hospital will issue a certificate to authorise burial or cremation. At this point, you will need to inform us and we will take care of your loved one until the funeral takes place.
If the death happens at home or in a nursing home, you will need a doctor to attend and issue the medical certificate which you need to register the death. When you receive the certificate, you are free to instruct our services. We will transport your loved one to our funeral home and will care for them until the service.
These processes are subject to change if a coroner is involved. We will advise in these situations on a case by case basis.
Registering a Death
In most cases, a death needs to be registered within 5 days. The doctor or hospital will send the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death directly to the registrar electronically, and the registrar will then contact you to arrange a registration appointment. You usually won’t need to collect any paperwork beforehand, and we can guide you through what to expect.
At the appointment you will receive the documents needed for the next steps, including certified copies of the death certificate, which are often required for banks, pensions and legal matters, and the certificate for burial or cremation (commonly known as the green form) which allows the funeral to take place. If you are unsure how many copies to request, we will advise you — many families are uncertain about this and it’s perfectly normal to ask.
For more information on registering a death in Devon, please click here. You can also click this link for more information about registering a death in Somerset.
What Happens Over The Next Few Days?
Over the first couple of days, we will bring your loved one into our care and gently guide you through the registration process. When you feel ready, usually within the following week, we can meet with you (in person or by phone) to talk through the funeral arrangements at your pace. After that, we will take care of the practical organisation and keep you updated throughout. There is no need to rush decisions; you can take the time you need.
Arranging a Funeral
Once these first steps have been made, the funeral planning can begin. We can discuss our costs and plans with you during your consultation, and we offer support and guidance 24/7.
You don’t have to make any decisions today, and you won’t be expected to remember everything we talk about. It’s completely okay if you’re unsure what you would like to do at this time. We will go through things gently and as many times as you need, at your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is nothing to pay straight away. Our initial role is simply to help and bring your loved one into our care. We will clearly explain all costs before any arrangements are confirmed, and payment is usually discussed once the funeral details have been agreed.
You normally do not need to contact every organisation individually straight away. After the death is registered you can use the government’s Tell Us Once service, which notifies many departments at the same time.
Banks, insurers and pension providers can then be informed when you feel ready. This does not all have to be done immediately, and we can guide you through what is needed.
No. This decision does not need to be made on the first day or even the first meeting. We will explain the options gently and you can take time to think, speak with family, or wait until you feel ready.
In some circumstances, yes. If the death has occurred at home and the doctor has attended, your loved one may remain there for a short time if that is your wish. When you feel ready, we will come at a time that feels appropriate to bring them into our care.
Please don’t worry, many families have this concern. We can discuss simpler funeral options and explain available financial help, including government support where applicable. We will always be clear about costs and help you find an arrangement you feel comfortable with.
Call Us Any Time, Day Or Night
Don’t worry, you don’t need any information prepared, just call us. We will gently ask a few simple questions and explain what happens next, step by step. If you don’t know answers yet, that’s completely alright; we can always come back to things later. The first conversation is simply to help you understand what to do and to make sure your loved one is cared for.