Advice and Guides
What To Do When Someone Dies
When someone dies, it can be hard to know what to do first.
The steps you need to take depend on where the death has happened.
Below you’ll find simple guides for the most common situations. If you are ever unsure, please call us and we will talk you through everything.
1. Verify the Death
When someone passes away, it is important first of all, that a medical professional confirms the death. What happens next will depend on where the person has passed away.
3. Registration
The death will need to be registered with the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths in the county where it took place.
A doctor familiar with the person who has died will email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to an independent medical examiner. The medical examiner will then contact the next of kin to explain the proposed cause of death and provide an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns. If everything is agreed, the relevant paperwork will be sent to the registrar, and you will be advised that you can make an appointment to register the death. This must be done within five days. Registration must be completed in person at a Registrar’s Office; it cannot be done by phone or online.
You should only book to register if you have been told to do so by a Medical Examiner's Office or the Coroner has advised you to register.
Once you know the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) has been forwarded, you can book an appointment by phone on 0344 800 8020 or online by clicking here
The registrar will ask you nominate a funeral director before the appointment.
You will find all the information you need by following the above link. There are many questions and answers provided. However, if you need further advice - we are always here.
In Suffolk, there are two ways to make an appointment to register:
If the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) has not been completed, you can fill out a ‘pre-registration’ form online. They will then make contact once the MCCD has been received so that you can make an appointment.
If the MCCD has been completed you can fill out and online form to make an appointment or you can contact a registrar’s office directly.
You will find all the information you need by following the this link. There are many questions and answers provided. However, if you need further advice - we are always here.