Clear guidance when you need it most
What to do when
someone passes away
When someone dies, it can be difficult to know what to do first. This guide explains the immediate steps and what happens next, calmly and clearly.
- Available 24 hours
- Local funeral professionals
- Clear, practical guidance
- No obligation to proceed
Before anything else
Take your time. You do not need to arrange everything at once.
The first action depends on where the person died and whether the death was expected.
If you are unsure what to do, telephone our team. We can listen to what has happened, explain who needs to be contacted and begin discussing the funeral whenever you feel ready.
If there is an immediate dangerIf anyone else may be at risk, or you believe urgent medical help could still be needed, call 999 straight away.
The immediate first step
What to do, depending on where the death occurs
These are general steps for England. The medical professionals involved will guide you if anything different is required.
Contact the care team
Telephone the person’s GP, community nursing team or the number given by their palliative care team. Outside normal hours, call NHS 111 unless you have been given different instructions. A qualified professional will attend to verify the death.
Call 999
If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 999. The ambulance service and police will explain what happens next. Do not move the person or disturb the surroundings unless you are told to do so.
Staff will guide you
The staff will confirm the death, explain the medical examiner process and tell you when your chosen funeral director can bring the person into their care. You may contact us at any stage for advice.
Important: You do not normally need to call an ambulance following an expected death at home. Follow the instructions given by the person’s GP, community nurse or palliative care team.
What happens next
A simple guide to the practical arrangements
Some stages may happen in a slightly different order, particularly if the coroner is involved. We will help you understand the process throughout.
The Death Is Verified
A qualified medical professional confirms that the person has died. In a hospital or care setting, the staff arrange this for you.
Choose a Funeral Director
You can call us before the paperwork is complete. We will answer your questions and arrange for your loved one to come into our local care when permitted.
Medical Examiner Review
The doctor refers the proposed cause of death to an independent medical examiner. Their office may contact you to explain it and ask whether you have any concerns.
Register the Death
Wait until the medical examiner’s office confirms that registration can take place. In England, the death should normally be registered within five days of that confirmation.
Arrange the Funeral
We discuss the funeral options, complete the necessary arrangements and liaise with the relevant organisations on your behalf.
Notify Organisations
Use Tell Us Once for government departments, then contact banks, insurers, pension providers, utilities and other organisations as required.
Understanding the medical examiner
A routine independent check of the cause of death
The medical examiner is a senior doctor who was not involved in the person’s care. They review the proposed cause of death and the medical records before the paperwork is sent to the register office.
The medical examiner’s office may offer to speak with you, explain the cause of death and give you an opportunity to raise questions about the care received.
“The medical examiner process is now a normal part of death certification in England and Wales.”
Registering the death
The register office will explain what information is needed
Wait until the medical examiner’s office tells you that the death can be registered. You will then make an appointment with the register office for the area where the person died.
It is helpful to have the person’s details available, including:
- Full name, including any previous names
- Date and place of birth
- Last address and occupation
- Details of a spouse or civil partner, where applicable
- National Insurance number, if available
The registrar will confirm exactly what to bring, as arrangements can vary.
If the coroner is involved
Try not to be alarmed if the death is referred
A death may be referred to the coroner when the cause is unknown, the death was sudden or unexpected, or there are other circumstances that must be investigated.
The coroner’s office will explain whether a post-mortem examination or inquest is required and when your loved one can be released into our care. You can still contact us and begin discussing the funeral while you wait.
Read the official coroner guidanceCommon questions
Clear answers at a difficult time
Every situation is different. If you are uncertain about any step, our local team is available 24 hours a day.
Can I call a funeral director before registering the death?
Yes. You can contact us as soon as the death has occurred. We can explain the next steps and begin discussing arrangements before registration is complete.
How soon will my loved one be brought into your care?
This depends on where the person died and whether the relevant medical or coroner’s authority has given permission. We will arrange the transfer as soon as it is appropriate and lawful to do so.
What if the person had a funeral plan or left instructions?
Look for any funeral plan documents, a letter of wishes or instructions kept with the Will. Tell us what you find and we will help establish what arrangements have already been made.
Do I have to decide on the funeral immediately?
No. The first conversation can simply be for guidance. We will give you time to consider the options and will not pressure you into making an immediate decision.
What is Tell Us Once?
Tell Us Once is a government service that can notify departments such as HMRC, DWP, DVLA and HM Passport Office about the death. The registrar will explain how to use it.
Useful official services
Practical help after a death
These official services can help with registration, government notifications, financial support and the estate. Each link opens in a new window.
Register a Death
Find the correct register office and check the current registration process.
Open GOV.UKTell Us Once
Notify several government departments about the death through one service.
Open GOV.UKFuneral Support
Check whether help with funeral costs or bereavement benefits may be available.
Open GOV.UKProbate and Estate
Find guidance on valuing the estate, probate and dealing with property and finances.
Open GOV.UKBereavement support
You do not have to manage grief alone
Grief affects everyone differently. Support may be helpful now or at a later time, and asking for it is never a sign of weakness.
Cruse
Information, one-to-one support and a national bereavement helpline.
Call 0808 808 1677Samaritans
Free emotional support at any time of the day or night.
Call 116 123Your GP or Local Council
Your GP can discuss how grief is affecting your health. Your council may also list local bereavement services.
Find local supportHere when you need us
Speak with our local funeral team
Whether the death has just occurred or you are preparing for what may happen, we will listen, answer your questions and explain the next step clearly.