What to Do When Someone Dies

What to Do When Someone Dies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. At AJ Lloyd Funeral Directors, we understand that the first steps after a death can be confusing and overwhelming. We are here to guide you through the necessary actions, providing compassionate support along the way.
This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process, from confirming the death to arranging the funeral, while also offering resources for grief support and practical help.

Step 1: Confirming the Death

At Home

If your loved one passes away at home, contact the person’s GP or call NHS 111 if it is outside of normal office hours. They will advise on the next steps, which may include sending a doctor to confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
In a Hospital or Care Home

If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will arrange for a doctor to confirm the death and issue the necessary documentation.
Unexpected Death

If the death is sudden, unexplained, or there are concerns about foul play, you will need to contact 999. The police and paramedics will attend, and the Coroner may need to get involved.

Step 2: Contacting a Funeral Director

Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact AJ Lloyd Funeral Directors. We are available 24/7 to provide you with professional, compassionate support. Our team will:

Collect your loved one with care and dignity.
Manage all required paperwork, including the death certificate and necessary authorisations.
Guide you through the next steps for the funeral arrangement.

Contact Details

Allesley

656 Allesley Old Road, CV5 8GB
Tel: 024 7627 4444
Keresley

38 Wallace Road, CV6 2LX
Tel: 024 7633 1900
Ernesford Grange

14 Quorn Way, CV3 2JU
Tel: 024 7627 4444

Step 3: The Medical Examiner and Coroner

From September 2024, all deaths in England will be reviewed by a Medical Examiner to ensure the death is correctly certified. Here’s what to expect:

Medical Examiner

A Medical Examiner will review the cause of death by assessing the medical notes and speaking to the attending doctor. If they are satisfied, they will approve the death certificate.
Coroner’s Involvement

If the death was sudden, unexplained, or there are concerns regarding the cause of death, the Coroner will need to investigate further. The Coroner may order a post-mortem or an inquest if necessary. During this time, registration of the death may be delayed, but interim certificates can be issued if required.

Midsection of judge writing in paper while sitting on table

Step 4: Registering the Death

You must register the death within 5 days. To register, you’ll need to visit the local Registrar's Office. Here’s what to bring:

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
Full name, date, and place of birth of the deceased.
Last known address and occupation of the deceased.
Name and occupation of the spouse or civil partner, if applicable.
NHS number (if available).
Birth or marriage certificates (if available, but not essential).

Local Registrar Offices within Coventry (15-mile radius)

Coventry Register Office

Cheylesmore Manor House, Manor House Drive, CV1 2ND
024 7683 3141

Book an appointment online

Solihull Register Office (West Midlands)

The Council House, Solihull, B91 3QB
0121 704 8002

Book an appointment online

Hinckley Register Office (Leicestershire)

The Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, 1 St Mary’s Road, Hinckley, LE10 1EQ
01455 255791

Step 5: Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service allows you to notify several government departments about the death with one contact. The service will notify:

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
DVLA (for vehicle registration and driving licences)
Passport Office
Local council (for services like housing benefit, council tax, and electoral roll)

To use this service, the registrar will assist you during the death registration appointment.

Step 6: Arranging the Funeral

After the death is registered, you can begin the funeral arrangements. We will work closely with you to:

Choose the type of funeral service (burial, cremation, or memorial).
Select the location, time, and date of the service.
Manage all necessary logistics, such as transportation, floral tributes, and order of service.

Step 7: Legal and Financial Matters

After the funeral, you may need to:

Notify banks, utility providers, and insurance companies of the death.
Begin the probate process if there is a will or follow intestacy laws if there isn’t one.
Seek professional advice if necessary, especially for estate management, property matters, or handling debts.

Grief Support Services

Grieving can be a difficult and isolating experience. It's important to seek support if you need it. Below are some local grief support services:

Cruse Bereavement Care

Samaritans

NHS Bereavement Support

Helpline

0800 2600 400

Winston’s Wish (Support for grieving children)

We're Here When You Need Us

At AJ Lloyd, we offer expert guidance and compassionate care throughout the entire process. Whether you need immediate assistance or are planning for the future, our team is always here to help. Contact us at any of our Coventry locations, and we will be there to support you every step of the way.