When someone dies
At Lake View Bereavement Centre we are here for you. If you need guidance, have any questions, or would simply like to speak to someone, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What to do when someone dies
Losing someone close to you can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know where to begin. The information on this page is designed to gently guide you through the first steps, depending on the circumstances.
At Lake View Bereavement Centre, we are here to offer support, reassurance, and guidance whenever you need it.
At home
If someone dies at home, you will need to contact their registered GP, who will confirm the death. Once the death has been verified, the Medical Examiner will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. During this period, you can contact your chosen funeral director, day or night, who will be able to offer support and advice.
In hospital
If the death takes place in hospital, the bereavement office or patient affairs team will guide you through the next steps and arrange the necessary documentation.
Your funeral director will work closely with the hospital to transfer your loved one into their care when you feel ready.
Nursing homes or hospice
In a nursing home or hospice, staff will contact a GP or on-call doctor to confirm the death.
If you have chosen a funeral director, the team can contact them on your behalf to make the arrangements, helping to ease some of the pressure at this time.
Unexpected death
If the death is sudden or unexplained, it will be referred to the Coroner, who may decide that further examination is needed.
During this time, your funeral director can support you and begin to make provisional arrangements, keeping you informed throughout.
If someone dies at home, you will need to contact their registered GP, who will confirm the death. Once the death has been verified, the Medical Examiner will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. During this period, you can contact your chosen funeral director, day or night, who will be able to offer support and advice.
Registering the death
Once the medical certificate has been completed, it will be sent directly to the registrar. We advise you to contact the registrar’s office within 5 days of the medical certificate being issued to arrange an appointment to register the death.
You will be asked to provide some details about your loved one, including their name, address, occupation, date and place of birth, and any information relating to a spouse, civil partner, or state benefits. The registrar will issue the documents needed for burial or cremation, along with copies of the death certificate if required.
The death will need to be registered at the registrar’s office.
Managing practical details
Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and alongside the emotional impact of grief, many people suddenly find themselves faced with a mountain of paperwork, letters, bank statements, accounts, and official documents. It can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days following a bereavement.
The good news is that you do not have to deal with everything at once. Taking things one step at a time and knowing what support is available can make the process more manageable.
Important documents
Start by gathering important documents
Keeping everything in one place can make it easier when speaking with banks, solicitors, utility providers, and government departments.
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Pension information
- Insurance policies
- Bank account details
- Savings account details
- Mortgage or tenancy documents
- Utility bill
- Credit card statements
- Property deeds
- Vehicle ownership documents
Finances
Start by gathering important documents
Keeping everything in one place can make it easier when speaking with banks, solicitors, utility providers, and government departments.
Birth and marriage certificates
Pension information
Insurance policies
Bank account details
Savings account details
Mortgage or tenancy documents
Utility bill
Credit card statements
Property deeds
Vehicle ownership documents
Bills and accounts
In a nursing home or hospice, staff will contact a GP or on-call doctor to confirm the death.
If you have chosen a funeral director, the team can contact them on your behalf to make the arrangements, helping to ease some of the pressure at this time.
Start by gathering important documents
Keeping everything in one place can make it easier when speaking with banks, solicitors, utility providers, and government departments.
Birth and marriage certificates
Pension information
Insurance policies
Bank account details
Savings account details
Mortgage or tenancy documents
Utility bill
Credit card statements
Property deeds
Vehicle ownership documents
Practical support is available
You do not have to navigate the practical side of bereavement alone. There are several organisations that offer guidance and support:
The Tell Us Once Service
The government’s Tell Us Once service allows you to report a death to several government departments at the same time, reducing the number of separate notifications required.
Funeral directors
Many funeral directors are experienced in supporting families with practical matters and can offer guidance on what needs to be done next.
Solicitors and probate specialists
Where estates are more complex, professional advice can help families understand their responsibilities and ensure everything is managed correctly.
Be kind to yourself
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that there is no rush to understand everything immediately. Grief affects concentration, memory, and energy levels. It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by paperwork and administration after losing someone you love.
Take things one step at a time. Ask for help when you need it. Accept support from family, friends, and professionals. The paperwork can be dealt with gradually, but caring for yourself during this difficult time is just as important. Remember, you do not have to have all the answers straight away. Many people have walked this path before you, and support is available whenever you need it.
Organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Support and The Good Grief Trust provide emotional support, practical information, and helpful guidance for those coping with loss.
We have gathered some useful information and resources for you.
We have gathered some useful information and resources for you.