What to do When Someone Passes

Call Now 08442250740
A Step-by-Step Guide

What to Do When Someone Passes Away

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of handling arrangements. As of 9th September 2024, new UK regulations regarding death certification have been introduced.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to do when someone passes away in Devon, ensuring that all legal, practical, and emotional aspects are handled with care.

Call Now 08442250740

1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

If the Death Occurs at Home

  • Contact the deceased’s GP if the death was expected.
  • If it occurs outside GP hours, call NHS 111 for guidance.
  • A medical professional will attend to confirm the death and provide further instructions.

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home

  • The hospital or care home staff will handle initial procedures and notify you about the next steps.
  • They will arrange for a doctor to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
  • A medical professional will attend to confirm the death and provide further instructions.

If the Death Was Sudden or Unexpected

  • Call 999 immediately.
  • The police and paramedics will attend, and if necessary, refer the case to the coroner.

2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact a funeral director to begin making arrangements.

At Devon Direct Cremation, we provide compassionate support and guidance throughout this process. Our team will:

  • Arrange the dignified transfer of your loved one into our care.
  • Assist with all legal and paperwork requirements.
  • Provide support with planning the cremation or other funeral services.
Call Now 08442250740

3. Understanding the Death Certification Process

With the new 2024 regulations, every death must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate is issued.
How the Process Works:

  • Medical Examiner Review –The Medical Examiner will check medical records and consult with the attending doctor
  • Doctor or Coroner Decision –The Medical Examiner will decide if the attending doctor can sign the death certificate or if the coroner must be involved.
  • Inssuance of Death Certificate –If no further investigation is required, the certificate will be issued.
Call Now 08442250740

4. Registering the Death

By law, the death must be registered within five days (or eight days in Scotland) at the register office in the district where the death occurred.

Who Can Register the Death?

  • A relative of the deceased.
  • A person present at the time of death.
  • The person responsible for funeral arrangements (not the funeral director).

Documents & Information Needed:

  • Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) (sent electronically if a coroner is involved).
  • Full name, date of birth, and last address of the deceased.
  • Occupation and marital status.
  • Name and details of the deceased’s spouse or civil partner (if applicable).
  • Information about any state pension or benefits.

Devon Register Offices

Exeter Register Office

  • Address: Larkbeare House, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX24NG

  • Phone: 03451551002

  • Website: devon.gov.uk

Torbay Register Office

  • Address: Cockington Court, Cockington, Torquay, TQ26XA

  • Phone: 01803207130

  • Website: torbay.gov.uk

Legacy Trail

Help with the practical matters after a death

Alongside the emotional impact of losing someone, there is often a great deal of practical administration to deal with. This can feel overwhelming, especially when energy and concentration are limited or when there is no clear record of accounts and organisations involved.

We can introduce families to Legacy Trail, a specialist service that supports people with the practical aspects of loss. They help trace financial accounts, notify organisations such as banks, insurers and utility providers, and provide clear guidance on what still needs attention.

As part of our relationship with Legacy Trail, families we refer can access the service at a reduced, agreed-upon cost compared with approaching them directly. When using the service, please quote CHRISTOPHERS26.

Find out how Legacy Trail works

5. Arranging the Funeral

Once the death is registered, you can proceed with making funeral arrangements.

At Devon Direct Cremation, we offer simple, dignified, and affordable direct cremation services, ensuring your loved one receives a respectful farewell.

We provide:

  • Local care –Your loved one remains in Devon, never transported across the country..
  • Compassionate support –Direct access to experienced funeral directors, not a call centre.
  • Transparent pricing –No hidden fees, all-inclusive cremation packages.
Call Us Today to Discuss Arrangements

6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

Following the funeral, you will need to address legal and financial affairs, including:

  • Notifying institutions –Contact banks, insurance companies, pension providers, utility companies, and other relevant organisations.
  • Wills & Probate –If the deceased had a will, the executor will need to apply for probate. If no will exists, the estateis handled under intestacy laws.
  • Tell Us Once Service –This government service notifies HMRC, DVLA, DWP, and other agencies in one step.
  • Find out more: gov.uk
Call Us Today to Discuss Arrangements

7. Coroner Involvement

A Coroner may investigate the death if

  • The cause of death is unknown.
  • The deceased was not seen by a doctor in the last 14 days.
  • The death was sudden, violent, or unexplained.
  • The death occurred during surgery or medical treatment.

If the coroner orders a post-mortem, the death cannot be registered until the results are confirmed. If an inquest is required, an interim death certificate will be issued.

Devon Coroner Offices

8. Bereavement Support & Additional Contacts

Grief can be overwhelming, and support is available to help you through this difficult time.

Local Bereavement Support Services in Devon

Cruse Bereavement Support
Samaritans
Mind Mental Health Support

Local Hospitals in Devon

Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital

  • Address: Barrack Road, Exeter, EX25DW

  • Phone: 01392411611

Torbay Hospital

  • Address: Lowes Bridge, Torquay, TQ27AA

  • Phone: 01803614567

Final Thoughts

We are here for you during this difficult time

For assistance, contact us 24/7

Handling the death of a loved one is never easy, but knowing what to do can help ease the burden. At Devon Direct Cremation, we are here to provide support, guidance, and dignified care every step of the way.

Call Now 08442250740