What to do when someone dies A step-by-step guide

Transcription

1 What to do when someone dies A step-by-step guide

2 Our Heritage We ve been supporting local communities in and around Coventry for over a century, testament to our strength of reputation in providing an exceptional funeral and customer experience over the years. As one of Coventry s longest established funeral directors, we pride ourselves on anticipating and responding to our customers needs in a respectful and trustworthy way. Our Founder, Henry Ison, started his working life as a wheelwright before moving into the funeral business at the turn of the 20th century. Today we re still based on Binley Road where Henry first started. As his business expanded, a second premises was opened on Allesley Old Road in Chapelfields at the Old Watchmakers Factory. This branch relocated more recently to incorporate a chapel of rest just a short distance away on the same road. As well as our original premises in the Stoke area of Coventry, we now have local branches in other parts of Coventry, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth. As highly experienced funeral directors, you can rely on us to get the details right, guiding you through the practical and legal requirements, whilst recognising the sensitive and emotional nature of some of our conversations. We will listen to, and understand, your needs enabling you to make better and informed choices, creating a personalised funeral experience. We ve been arranging funerals for over 100 years, but we still remember it might be the first time you ve had to deal with one. You ll find lots of useful information in this step-by-step guide but please remember you can pick up the phone at any time and talk to one of our experienced team. What s more, you can always call into one of our branches for a longer discussion and we re happy to visit you at home if that s easier. At Henry Ison & Sons our aim is to provide a service based on our long established experience and traditional values whilst understanding the changing wishes of today s community. We ve been supporting local communities in and around Coventry for over a century, testament to our strength of reputation in providing an exceptional funeral and customer experience over the years. As one of Coventry s longest established funeral directors we pride ourselves on anticipating and responding to our customer s needs in a respectful and trustworthy way.

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4 The first few days

5 This booklet provides a step-by-step guide on what to do and what to expect after a death. This knowledge helps support you in making better and more informed choices, helping to create a personal and special funeral that is specific to your needs and wishes. Depending upon when and where the death occurs, the immediate series of events will be slightly different. If the death occurs in hospital If someone dies in hospital, then the nursing staff will ensure that you or the next of kin are informed as soon as possible. Being in hospital does mean that the staff can help with the immediate practicalities. They will arrange for a doctor to certify the time, date and cause of death, enabling them to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Once you are in receipt of the Medical Certificate you will be required to register the death at your local Registrar s Office. The person who has died will be taken to the hospital mortuary and the hospital staff should ensure the safe return of any of their personal belongings. You will then need to decide which Funeral Director you wish to undertake the funeral, and once all the necessary paperwork is complete they will arrange to take the person who has died into their care, whilst you make the necessary funeral arrangements. If the death occurs in a residential or nursing home A very similar procedure will be followed; however the nursing home may have an arrangement with a local Funeral Director for the interim care of the person who has died in their mortuary or Chapel of Rest. This Funeral Director does not have to undertake the funeral; nor should they aggressively canvass your business. Always ask if you are unsure as to what the homes local practices or arrangements are. If you have not made any prior arrangements, the home will be able to put you in touch with local Funeral Directors so you can decide who you wish to use. You will be under no obligation until you have confirmed the arrangements, understand the costs involved and have signed a confirmation document (contract).

6 At home If the death occurs at home then the procedures are usually relatively straightforward. Death can be very quiet and peaceful, so if you suspect that someone has died, you should contact your local doctor. If this is out of normal hours, it is up to you whether you want to call an emergency number immediately or just take some time to sit for a while in the peace and tranquillity of home. However, you must contact a doctor as soon as is practical. If the doctor is satisfied that the death resulted from natural causes, they will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, this will not be issued immediately, you will need to check with the surgery when this is ready to collect. Once the doctor has confirmed the death you can then contact a local Funeral Director to come and take the person who has died into their care, ahead of making the funeral arrangements. If you have not already made prior arrangements, local funeral directors details can be found in telephone directories or by doing a web search. However you choose which local funeral director to use, you are under no obligation until you have confirmed the arrangements, understand the costs and signed a confirmation document. In cases of sudden or unexpected death, you should call the ambulance service and police. The paramedics will confirm the death and the police will arrange for the person who has died to be taken to the local coroner s mortuary by a nominated funeral director, acting on behalf of the coroner. The coroner will usually order a post mortem to be undertaken to discover the cause of death, the consent of the next of kin is not required for this. It is the coroner, rather than the doctor, who issues the required documents, which enable you to proceed with registering the death. Other circumstances If the death occurs away from home, and not in a hospital or care home, the chances are that you will be informed of it by the police. This should be done in a sympathetic and supportive way and the officers will assist you with finding details of your local funeral directors. They will almost certainly ask if there is anyone who can be with you if you are alone, as the shock usually sets in very quickly.

7 If the person dies abroad, and you are with them, you should contact the nearest British Embassy or High Commission in that country. The death will need to be registered there, with a local death certificate being provided. Once the death certificate is issued, you will need to arrange for the person who has died to be repatriated. If there is travel insurance, you should call the emergency number and follow their guidelines. Otherwise you will need to liaise with the Embassy or High Commission to arrange repatriation. This is more difficult if you are doing this remotely but it should still only take between three to ten working days. Removing a person who has died from England or Wales A person can be moved within England and Wales, for burial or cremation, but if they need to be moved to Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or overseas, you will need to tell the Coroner for that district. You can do this by filling out a form, which you can get from your local Coroner or Registrar. You will need to give the completed form to the Coroner, along with any certificate for burial or cremation. Permission can take up to four days but if it is an urgent situation, the process can usually be fast-tracked. Your Funeral Director will be able to assist you with this paperwork.

8 Registering a Death

9 Registration of a death should always take place ahead of arranging the funeral and is usually carried out by a relative of the person who has died. If no relative is available then the registration can be carried out by any person who is present at the death, the occupier of the premises where the death occurred, or the person accepting responsibility for arranging the funeral. Whilst the death needs to be registered at a Registrar s Office within five days, there is no need to rush there the next morning. Take your time to collect yourself and gather all the documents and information required, as this will make the process much easier for you. The death should be registered in the area where it occurred, but if you cannot get to a Registrar s Office in that area, you can register it at one of your choice, this is called Registry by Proxy. The various certificates will then be forwarded to the Registrar where the death occurred. However, bear in mind that this will mean a delay in the issuing of the certificates, and the funeral arrangements cannot be finalised until the certificates have been obtained. The Registrar will need to know the following details about the person who has died: Full name and any previous names used Date and place of death Date and place of birth Occupation Last address If married, full name, date of birth and occupation of the surviving spouse If they were in receipt of any state pension or benefits And they will need the following documents The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death The NHS medical card of the person who has died (if available) The Birth certificate of the person who has died The Marriage or civil partnership certificate of the person who has died (if applicable) Upon receipt of all these documents the Registrar will issue you with the following Certificates, allowing you to start arranging the funeral and sorting out the affairs of the person who has died.

10 Certificate for Burial or Cremation also known as the green form This certificate is free of charge and needs to be given to the funeral director as soon as possible, as it gives permission for the person who has died to be buried or cremated. In cases where the coroner is involved, this certificate may not be issued. Instead a separate certificate will be issued directly to the Funeral Director. Certificate of Registration of Death also known as the white form and called a BD8 Another free certificate, this is used where the person who has died was in receipt of any state pensions or benefits. This form is used in all cases and should be sent to the address on the back of the form, along with any relevant pension books. Death Certificate A Death Certificate (know as a certified copy of the death) is issued as legal proof of the death and is required to settle the affairs and estate of the person who has died. This is the only form requiring a payment to be made and it is recommended that you purchase several copies, as you will need one each time you deal with a bank, pension company, insurer or any other organisation relating to the financial affairs of the person who has died. Companies such as these will always require an original, not a photocopy of the death certificate, although they will almost certainly return it, if you prefer to use it more than once.

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12 Arranging a Funeral

13 Everyone assumes that when someone dies this is followed by a funeral service but there is no legal obligation to have one. In fact there are surprisingly few legalities surrounding death. The person who has died must be disposed of legally, which can only be done by cremation or burial, but there is no necessity to accompany this with a service or ceremony. However, almost all cultures and religions observe funeral rites, recognising that these fulfil many emotional and spiritual needs. As well as being a last act of love and respect towards the person, it also gives family and friends a chance to say goodbye and express their grief, acknowledging the death, which is an essential part of the grieving process. One of the first things to check is whether there is a pre-paid funeral plan in place. Not only will this cover most of the costs involved, but will also specify the wishes of the person who has died. Although you are under no obligation to follow their wishes, most executors would as a sign of respect. Another consideration is the type of funeral you would like. This is a highly personal decision and offers a chance to celebrate the unique qualities of the person who has died. One of the first aspects to be decided is whether the funeral is to be a burial or cremation, and where and when you would like it to be held. The funeral director will make all enquiries for you, checking availability and confirming the arrangements. Burial Burial used to be the only option available and is where the term laying to rest comes from. Many people still consider an interment to be a gentler and more natural process than cremation, offering a physical point of contact with the person who has died - a place to go and visit, helping the grieving process. It also offers greater choice over the favourite possessions that can be placed into the coffin and what the person who has died can wear. Churchyard and cemeteries are however, rapidly becoming full. Consequently, although most people who are buried are laid to rest in a churchyard or cemetery, you could consider burial at sea or a woodland burial. When considering burial some people usually already have an existing family grave (check there is space available), the Funeral Director will need to see the exclusive right of burial, known as the deeds for the plot to assist in their arrangements. Remember there will be fees for reopening an existing grave and amending the headstone.

14 The cost of a new grave plot will vary enormously across the country, and you buy the exclusive right of burial, a leasehold interest, in a particular plot for a period of time, no longer than 100 years. Your Funeral Director will be able to advise you on the local availability of plots and options. Natural and woodland burials Set in peaceful, natural countryside, woodland burials provide an alternative to traditional cemeteries and churchyards and appeal to people who prefer a more environmentally friendly approach. Whilst this can be an ethical option, there are other issues which need to be considered. Natural burial sites do not usually allow the grave to be marked with a permanent memorial. Those that do, allow you to plant a tree on the grave with a simple metal, wooden or slate memorial plaque. Usually, no other grave ornaments are allowed, which means that visiting the precise site of the grave may be difficult without the aid of GPS. With no headstones or other markers, the whole site acts as a memorial to everyone who is buried there, rather than just the grave itself, and retains the splendour of the surrounding landscape and helps enhance its biodiversity. However, for those who want a specific memorial, this will probably not be the option of choice. Cremation Cremation is not usually as expensive as a burial, and enables you to keep the cremated remains (often referred to as ashes) allowing you more choice after the funeral for a subsequent memorial event. It also avoids having to find a suitable burial plot, if one is not already reserved. Consequently, cremation is becoming increasingly popular and now accounts for around 70 per cent of all funerals in the UK. When choosing a cremation, you can opt for a church service followed by a short committal ceremony at the crematorium, or you can have just a service at the crematorium. Alternatively you can just have the cremation and have no ceremony at all, or have a ceremony and memorial at some later date with the cremated remains as the focal point.

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16 Due to the popularity of cremation, a specific time slot must be allocated to each service, leading some families to feel that they are in a queue, especially if they are met by the next group of mourners as they emerge after the service. In order to avoid this sense of being rushed, a double time slot can be booked, although this obviously involves an extra fee. Alternatively, you can choose to have a service in a church, with a separate memorial service elsewhere, and just attend the crematorium for the committal. What happens to the cremated remains? Your Funeral Director will be able to explain all your options, enabling you to decide what you would like to do. You can arrange to collect the cremated remains direct from the crematorium, or as some people prefer, ask the Funeral Director to collect them and hold them for a few weeks until you are ready to collect them in person. There are now increasingly imaginative ways for family and friends to remember a person s life through their cremated remains and your Funeral Director is there to help you decide what you would like to do. Other aspects of the funeral These will all be discussed with you when arranging the funeral with your chosen Funeral Director. However, some of the key elements to think about beforehand will obviously be around whether the person who has died expressed any preferences or pre-arranged any elements of the funeral. Would they want a religious, semi-religious or non-religious ceremony? What style of funeral would they have liked, elaborate or simple, traditional or bespoke? Do you want to express their unique personality in elements of the ceremony? How much family involvement would you like in the planning of the funeral and participation in the ceremony? Are there any ethical considerations a green funeral? It is a good idea to write things down as you think of them, as this will help in your discussions with the Funeral Director or Arranger, especially at a time when you will be very emotional and may not remember everything that is important to you or the person who has died. Remember, you don t have to wait until the death occurs, and may want to make some enquiries or visit a Funeral Director to have some initial discussion beforehand.

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18 Financial Considerations

19 What are the costs associated with a funeral? The majority of Funeral Directors are self regulated by a Code of Practice adopted by their particular trade organisation. This will be clearly displayed for you to see. This requires them to: Display their prices within their funeral homes Present you with an itemised estimate of costs based upon your discussion with them Ask you to sign a confirmation document of funeral securing their services, with an itemised bill included or attached The costs associated with a funeral fall into three main categories: Disbursements These are the costs incurred on your behalf by the Funeral Director and are usually paid in advance. They include: Doctor s fees associated with the issue of the Medical Certificate for cremation Minister or celebrant Obituary announcements in the local newspaper Cremation or burial fees Organist at the church Any other costs associated with third parties engaged as part of the funeral ceremony The Funeral Directors professional charges, products and services These should be explained and where charged separately, itemised for you, with a bill being invoiced after the funeral. They will also include the following, subject to the choices you make: A coffin Floral tributes Transport - hearse and limousines, horse drawn hearse or bespoke transport Cremated remains caskets Headstones and other memorial products Other bespoke items

20 Other costs associated with any catering or event after the funeral These are usually paid separately, the Funeral Director will be able to help you in the arrangement of these with local suppliers. The cost of the funeral will obviously vary, based upon the choices you make. For the majority of people cost is not the key determinant, and they will choose a Funeral Director based upon local reputation, recommendation and their own experience and rapport during the initial enquiry stage. Check to see if the Funeral Director s website has customer feedback or quality assurance scores from previous customers. If you are on a low income and need help to pay for the funeral you are arranging, you may be able to get a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund. You might have to repay some or all of it from the estate of the person who died. Visit and search under funeral payments for more information on how to claim or ask your Funeral Director for advice. Wills and Probate Dealing with the financial matters of someone who has died is difficult, but essential. Some elements will be more pressing than others and time delays can lead to unnecessary complications and cost. Hopefully, the person who has died made a Will appointing one or more executors, who can then apply for a Grant of Probate by contacting the local Probate Registry Office. Obviously if you are one of the named executors this will make life easier for you. This Grant is a legal document, which confirms that you have the authority to deal with the assets of the person who has died, such as property, money and possessions. The Grant can be used to show that you have the right to access funds, sort out finances, and collect and share out the person s assets, as set out in the Will. However if there is no Will, a close relative can apply to the Probate Registry to deal with the estate. In this case, they apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration. If the Grant is given, they are known as Administrators of the estate. Like the Grant of Probate, the Grant of Letters of Administration is a legal document which confirms the Administrator s authority to deal with the person s assets. Every situation will be different and every set of circumstance will

21 be unique to the individual who has died. Caution needs to be exercised when appointing professional help to assist you, as some providers have been criticised for being slow and expensive. Look for a provider who offers a fair and fixed price, with no hidden extras and a dedicated Case Manager who should ensure that the estate work is handled quickly. Your Funeral Director will be able to recommend a specialist who is known to offer the above.

22 Useful Contact Details

23 National Association of Funeral Directors Founded in 1905, this organisation was set up to represent the interest of both the bereaved and the Funeral Directors throughout the country. They continue to monitor the standards of both the facilities and the services provided by their members through their Code of Practice. The Funeral Arbitration Scheme This scheme is available for the security and benefit of customers of NAFD members. In the event of problems with the provision of the funeral service by a member, customers have access to this affordable arbitration scheme, which offers unbiased resolution of any complaint. The Bereavement Register The Bereavement Register was launched as a service to the general public and is specifically designed to remove someone who has died from databases and mailing lists. Directgov This is a useful UK government website for people in the United Kingdom, providing a single point of access to public sector information and services. It covers a wide range of information around what to do when someone dies, and dealing with other key areas of end of life planning. Cruse Bereavement Care Confidential help for those who have been bereaved. A funeral director will be able to provide you with other useful local contact details that you may need.

24 Checklist

25 To help you, we ve put together a simple checklist to guide you through the process. Some of these things can be done by a close relative or friend; others need to be done by the executor or administrator of the estate. These are people appointed to carry out the terms of a Will. Before you start, it is very useful to have the following information to hand about the person who has died. This will make the task of completing any forms or documents much easier. National Insurance number NHS number Date and place of birth Date of marriage or civil partnership (if appropriate) Child Benefit number Tax reference number What to do in the first five days Notify the family doctor Register the death at the Registrar s Office Find the Will - the solicitor of the person who has died may have a copy of this if you can t find one Begin funeral arrangements - you will need to check the Will for any special requests or if a pre arranged funeral plan is in place. If relevant, complete form BD8 which is given to you when you register the death and send to the local Jobcentre Plus or Social Security If the person who has died was receiving any benefits or tax credits, advise the offices that were making the payments. (If you can t find relevant correspondence, visit and use the links to the Tax Credit helpline and Jobcentre Plus below) If there is a Will Contact the executor if this isn t you to enable them to start the process of obtaining Probate

26 If there is no Will Decide who will apply to arrange or organise the affairs of the person who has died Contact the Probate Registry to apply for Letters of Administration if necessary. Who else to contact As well as informing relatives and friends, in many cases you ll need to close bank and building society accounts, or cancel or change insurance details, subscriptions, agreements, payments or direct debits. Here s a list to help you keep track: (just cross out the ones that don t apply) Relatives and friends Employer School Solicitor/accountant Bank and Building Society Utility Suppliers Phone and Broadband Provider Government organisations The relevant Tax Office National Insurance Contributions Office if they were self-employed (to cancel payments) Child Benefit Office (at latest within eight weeks) Local authority if they paid Council Tax, had a parking permit, were issued with a Blue Badge for disabled parking, or received social services help, attended day care or similar UK Identity and Passport Service, to return and cancel a passport DVLA, to return any driving licence, cancel car tax or return car registration documents/change ownership

27 Helpful Contacts Coventry Registrars Cheylesmore Manor House Manor House Drive, Coventry CV1 2ND T Rugby Registrars 5 Bloxham Place, Rugby CV31 3DS T Leamington Registrars Euston Square, Leamington Spa CV32 4NE T All deaths in Kenilworth are registered in Leamington Spa. Warwick Registrars Shire Hall, Old Square, Warwick CV34 4SA T Cruse Bereavement Care Albany Road, Coventry CV5 6JQ T Wilton House, South Bank Road, Kenilworth CV8 1LA T Guys Gift (child bereavement) PO Box 5125 Kenilworth CV8 9DA T Coroners Office - Coventry Little Park St. Police Station, Coventry CV1 2JX T Coroners Office - Warwickshire Warwickshire Justice Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4EL T Samaritans National Tel: Moor St, Earlsdon, Coventry CV5 6ER T Hamilton Terrace, Holly Walk, Leamington CV32 4LY T Citizen s Advice Bureau 4th Floor, Coventry Point, Market Way, Coventry CV1 1EA T

28 Serving the local community of Coventry and Warwickshire since Binley Road, Stoke, Coventry CV3 1FQ Daventry Road Coventry CV3 5HF Leam Terrace, Leamington Spa CV31 1BB Allesley Old Road, Chapelfields, Coventry CV5 8GJ Warwick Road Kenilworth CV8 1HE Jubilee Crescent, Radford Coventry CV6 3EX Henry Ison & Sons Funeral Directors is a trading style of LM Funerals Ltd. 16 St. James Street, Wolverhampton WV1 3LS Company No VAT No