The passing of a loved one can be extremely painful, more so if their death was unexpected or sudden. But in the midst of dealing with someone’s death, we also have to think of certain practicalities, including registering their death and informing authorities, getting the appropriate paperwork to facilitate funeral arrangements, and so on. There are some essential documents you need to procure after someone dies, and what are these necessary documents? At this difficult time, you need all the help and support you can get. Here’s a list of the most important documents that are required when someone passes away.
What you need to do right away
You need to get certain documents right away, as confirmed by funeral services such as www.carrollandcarrollfunerals.co.uk. The first document is the medical certificate, which is often issued by either the person’s doctor (if they were already terminally ill) or the coroner if they passed away unexpectedly. Keep this in mind as well: it may take time for a coroner to issue the medical certificate because they may ask for a post-mortem or an inquest to determine the real cause of death. If the person passed away in hospital, the hospital would be the one to give you the medical certificate.
When you receive the medical certificate, you should register the person’s death with the local registrar. Afterwards, you will receive a number of documents such as the death certificate and the cremation or burial certificate so you can plan your loved one’s funeral.
You do not need to think of the person’s will, property, or money straight away – you can deal with this when you and your other loved ones are ready.
The list of documents
- The medical certificate
As mentioned, the medical certificate can be issued by different authorities, namely the physician of the person, the coroner if the death was sudden, or the hospital where the person died. The medical certificate is free, and you can get it right away if the cause of death is already established.
- Documents related to the registration of death
When you have acquired the medical certificate, you need to file or register the death within five days if you are in England, Northern Ireland, or Wales, and within a matter of eight days if you are in Scotland. If the coroner has requested an inquest, there will be a delay of the registration until the end of the inquest.
To register the person’s death is free, but in order to acquire a certificate, you pay a fee of £11 in Wales and England, £12 if you are in Scotland and £15 if you are in Northern Ireland. The cost of the certificate may be greater if you decide to get copies later on, so it’s best to get copies as soon as you get the certificate as you may need it for the will at some point. When you register the death, you need to present the registrar with information such as the person’s full and complete name, place and date of birth, last known address, occupation, and the full and complete name of their civil partner or spouse.
Once you have registered, you can receive the cremation or burial certificate, the registration of death certificate or form BD8, and the death certificate.