Bereavement
In the unfortunate event that a person has passed away, there are three things that must be done in the first few days;
-Get a medical certificate from your GP or Hospital doctor (This is necessary to register the death).
-Register the death within 5 days. You will then receive the necessary documents for the funeral.
-Make the necessary funeral arrangements.
Register the death
A death should be registered within 5 days, Unless the coroner is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The death should be registered at the registry office in the same district where the person died.
Find out more about How to register a death at Abingdon Registry Office.
Death Certificate
On average 6 copies are required – these are currently charged for at £12.50 including postage for standard service. Banks are legally authorised to make a photocopy and the DWP do not need a copy, just the death reference number.
Arrange the funeral
The funeral can usually only take place after the death is registered. Most people use a funeral director, though you can arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral Directors
Choose a funeral director who is a member of one of the following:
-National Association of Funeral Directors
-National Federation of Funeral Directors
-Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
These organisations gave codes of practice – they must give you a price list when asked.
Some local councils run their own funeral services, for example for non-religious burials.
The British Humanist Association can also help with non-religious funerals.
Finding a Funeral Director ( Undertaker )
Arranging a funeral yourself
Contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council to arrange a funeral yourself.
Funeral costs
Funeral costs can include:
-Funeral director fees
-Things the funeral director pays for on your behalf ( called ‘Disbursements’ or ‘Third-party costs’), for example, crematorium or cemetery fees, or a newspaper announcement about the death.
-Local authority burial or cremation fees
Funeral directors may list all these costs in their quotes.
Counselling
Get help with grief after bereavement or loss
