One of the few things the Funeral Director is
not permitted do for you, is the registration of the death. So here
is some advice for those registering a death. If you are in any
doubt, please call us for advice:
The registration should be carried out
by one of the following people:
- A relative, usually the closest one.
- Someone who was present at the death.
- Someone who is instructing the funeral director.
- In certain circumstances another person may qualify as an
informant but this is a very rare occurrence. If you think that
this may be the case then you should contact the Register Office
for further advice.
When you attend to register the death,
the Registrar will need to see the following
documents:
- A 'Medical Certificate of Cause of Death' (as issued by the
doctor who certified the death).
- If the doctor has had to inform the Coroner about the death,
the Coroner may need to issue another certificate and in that case,
the Registrar will need the Coroner's document in order to register
the death.
- The deceased's N.H.S. medical card (if available).
- Any pension book, certificate or document relating to any
pension or benefits that the deceased was receiving from public
funds.
- It is also useful if you have the deceased's passport, birth
certificate and (if applicable) marriage certificate to hand but
these documents are not essential provided you are able to give the
Registrar the correct information.
In addition the registrar will need to know the
following information:
- The date and place of death.
- The deceased's last (usual) address.
- The deceased's full names and surnames (and the maiden surname
where appropriate).
- The deceased's date and place of birth (town and county if born
in the United Kingdom, and country if born abroad).
- The deceased's occupation and the name and occupation of their
spouse, and of previous spouses (if appropriate).
- Whether the deceased was receiving a pension or allowance from
public funds.
- If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving
widow or widower.
- Other statistical information (some of which you are required
by law to give).