When Someone Dies

1. There is a legal requirement to register every death with the Registrar or Births Deaths and Marriages. If the person who has died has made a Will the Will should be found and the advice of a Solicitor should be sought.
2. If the person who died did not leave a Will it is equally necessary to seek legal advice about how the Estate should be distributed because there are strict laws which apply to how a deceased person’s Estate should be distributed.
3. If the family doctor has not already been informed of the death he or she should be.
4. You will need to notify a Funeral Director to make arrangements for the funeral.
5. If you are the person responsible for the deceased you will need to start to organise the deceased’s personal papers because the Executor or the Solicitor who advises the Executor or deals with the Estate will need these.
6. You will need to notify all organisations of the deceased’s death, i.e. Local Authorities, utility providers etc., Banks, Building Societies, Insurance Companies and the Department of Works & Pensions (DSS).
7. If the deceased’s home is to be sold then a provisional appointment with an Estate Agent should be made so that the property can be valued with a view to placing it on the market. We will always be happy to assist you in appointing an Estate Agent to deal with a sale.

• The deceased’s full name and age
• The deceased’s occupation
• The deceased’s religion
• Whether the body is to be buried or cremated
• Any documents concerning an existing grave
• The selected cemetery and/or place of burial
• Any specific details regarding the deceased’s wishes so far as the funeral is concerned

The Funeral Director will provide medical forms for a doctor to sign for cremation. A Statutory Declaration will be needed if a cremation is to take place

1. If a death has occurred in a private home or in a public building the following people can register the death and their order of priority is as follows:
• A relative of the deceased person present at the death
• A relative of the deceased person who has been present during the deceased’s illness
• A relative not present at the death or during illness who lives near to the deceased
• A non-relative present at the death
• An occupier of the building in which the death occurred if he or she knows the deceased and has details of the death
• Another occupier or resident of the building if that person knows the details of the death
• The person responsible for the disposal of the deceased’s remains other than the Funeral Director
2. If the death occurred other than at a private home or public building, any relative of the deceased who knows of the death.Any person who was present at the death.
3. The person who found the deceased’s body.
4. The person who has charge of the body.
5. The person responsible for the disposal of the deceased’s remains other than the Funeral Director.

1. Medical Certificate of Death

Details of the deceased’s:

Date of birth
Place of birth
Last address
Maiden name or other names used
Medical card
Occupation
Partner’s date and place of birth (if relevant)
State benefit details
National Insurance number

2. The Registrar will provide the Death Certificate, Disposal Order/Funeral Director’s form, advice on the Probate process and Department of Works & Pensions form

• The Will
• Bank Accounts and Statements both current and savings
• Birth Certificate
• Car ownership papers
• Credit card statements
• Utility bills
• Driving Licence
• All insurance policies
• All investment statements
• A list of personal property, i.e. boats, caravans, jewellery, antiques etc. and their values
• Loan account details
• Medical Card
• Organ Donor Card
• Marriage Licence
• Tax Returns/details
• Pension Plans and policies
• Property Deeds including second properties or rental accommodation
• Social Security number