What You Need to Know in Times of Bereavement

INFORM THE DOCTOR

As soon as possible inform the doctor that death has occurred. He/she may write out the Medical Certificate of Death when he/she visits the house, or may request you attend the surgery for this purpose.

When death happens in hospital the procedure is very similar. Apply to the hospital for the Medical Certificate of Death and not your family doctor.

THE CORONER

In cases where the death has been reported to the Coroner, the procedure is somewhat different. The Coroner and his officers are working in your interest. No doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Death. The Coroner will send this to the Registrar’s Office in the district where the death occurred, after contact has been made with the Coroner’s office.

HOW A DEATH IS REGISTERED

The death must be registered at the local office of Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the district where the death occurred, as soon as possible, usually within five days of the death (unless the Registrar extends this period). If the death has been referred to the Coroner, the procedure is slightly different - we will advise you concerning this.

Our local register office is based in the Town Hall, Dewsbury and the telephone number is: 01924 324733

WHO MAY GO AND REGISTER A DEATH

Regulations state that only certain people can register a death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Deaths in private residence, hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes, etc.

A relative of the deceased who was present at the time of death
A relative of the deceased, in attendance during the last illness
A relative of the deceased residing in the same local district
A person present at the time of death
The occupier, i.e. the Matron or Officer in charge of a nursing home or rest home, provided they knew of the illness before the death
The person causing the disposal of the body i.e. an executor, the solicitor or similar

WHEN YOU GO TO THE REGISTRAR

You should take the following:

The medical certificate of the cause of death
The deceased’s medical card, if possible
Any forms given to you if the death has been referred to the Coroner.
The deceased’s Birth certificate
You should tell the Registrar:
The date and place of death
The deceased’s last (usual) address
The deceased’s first names and surname (and the maiden name if applicable)
The deceased’s date and place of birth
The deceased’s occupation and the name and occupation of husband (if applicable)
Whether the deceased was getting a pension or allowance from public funds
If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower

THE TELL US ONCE APPOINTMENT

This is a free service offered by the Registrar to hand in government related documents.
If you have booked a Tell Us Once appointment, please bring the following to the appointment:
The deceased’s passport if a passport was held and still valid
The deceased’s driving licence and national insurance number
The details of the date of admission if the deceased died in a hospital or hospice
The surviving spouse’s national insurance number (if applicable)
The deceased’s blue badge or radar key (if applicable)

THE REGISTRAR WILL GIVE YOU

Certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as the Green Form) unless the Coroner has given you an order for Burial or a Certificate for Cremation.
The Funeral Director will need whichever form you are given so that the funeral can be held.

You will also receive a Certificate of Registration of Death.
This is for Social Security purposes only.
You will be able to purchase a Certified Copy of an Entry Certificate, which is needed for any pension claims, insurance policies and financial matters.
Normally three or four copies would be sufficient.