INTRODUCTION
When someone dies emotions are running high and it is obviously difficult to keep a clear head and know what to do. There are several administrative tasks that need to be carried out. These include registering the death, arranging the funeral, paying initial expenses, and eventually administering and sorting out the Estate.MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
If the death was due to natural causes and if a doctor was treating the deceased at least 14 days prior to death then the doctor treating can issue a Medical Certificate free of charge. If there was no doctor providing treatment then the coroner may issue the Medical Certificate.ORGAN DONATION
If the deceased wanted to donate his organs then a Medical Certificate must first be obtained. The doctor or hospital must be informed as soon as possible, since organs deteriorate rapidly. Usually the relative will need to give their consent before any organs are removed. If the death has been reported to the coroner then his consent will be required.CORONERS
If the death was due not to natural causes then the Coroner may investigate the death. This is relevant particularly if the death was due to:- Accident or Injury
- Industrial Illness
- Sudden or Unexplained Events
- Undergoing Surgery
- While in Police Custody
- Violent or Suspicious Circumstances
A Coroner may arrange a post mortem examination without asking for the next of kin’s permission. A preliminary hearing will usually be held to identify the body, which can then be released for the funeral to take place. A Disposal Certificate will be issued to enable this to take place. A Cause of Death Certificate will also be issued to allow the death to be formally registered.
If the Coroner establishes that the death was not due to natural causes then an Inquest must be held. A formal and proper Inquest will be held a number of weeks thereafter. The deceased’s family are entitled to attend and if necessary be legally represented and ask questions of the witnesses giving evidence.
REGISTRATION
The death must be registered at the local Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages. Registration should take place within 5 days. Documents needed are a Medical Certificate or a Cause of Death Certificate. Also a NHS card, Birth and Death Certificate and Pension book. A Disposal Certificate will be issued (if not already provided by the Coroner) to enable the funeral to take place and, of course a formal Death Certificate will be issued.FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The deceased’s Will needs to be checked to see if there are any special instructions. However there is no legal obligation for the Executors to follow those instructions. It is always best to use a funeral director who is registered with the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) as they are bound by a code of practice.If you arrange the funeral you must pay for it although you reclaim the costs from the deceased’s Estate. If there are insufficient assets then an application can be made to the D.S.S.
HELP AND ADVICE
Most funeral directors will offer extremely valuable help and advice and will guide you through what is often a traumatic and difficult time.We can also help particularly with any legal issues that may arise. Please feel free to use our services.
