Bereavement

What to do when someone dies

The Medical Certificate

The medical certificate shows the cause of death and is normally issued by the Doctor who attended the deceased during their last illness (This is normally in a sealed envelope addressed to the registrar and is free of charge). We can advise you if you are unsure of where to collect this from.

What to do first

The death must be registered by the Registrar for Births and Deaths covering the area in which the death occurred. The death is usually registered by an executor or family member but can be registered by the person present at the time of death; if you are unsure if you have the authority to register the death we will be able to advise you. All Registrars require you to make appointment.

Information on local registrars can be found by clicking here >>

When you attend the Registrars you will need to take the following with you, if available:

• The Medical Certificate
• The Deceased's Medical Card
• Pension book
• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Civil Partnership Certificate

The registration procedure is a simple interview with the Registrar who will require the following information:

• The date and place of death
• The deceased's full name (including any names previously used ie. Maiden surname)
• The deceased last home address
• The Marital status of the deceased
• The occupation of the deceased
• The full name, occupation and date of birth of a surviving spouse or civil partner
• Whether the deceased was in receipt of a state pension or any state benefits

Once the death has been registered the Registrar will then issue you with:

• Certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as the 'green form'), giving permission for the deceased to be buried or for an application for cremation to be made.
• Certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8); issued for social security purposes if the deceased received a State pension or benefits (read the information on the back and complete and return it if it applies).

You will be able to buy one or more Death Certificates at this time. These may be required by the executor or administrator when sorting out the deceased person's affairs.