What to Do When Someone Dies

We Understand This Is a Difficult Time

When someone you love passes away, it can be hard to know what to do first. At Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors, we are here to support you from the very beginning. Whether the death occurs at home, in hospital or in a care setting, our experienced team will gently guide you through the steps you need to take.

If the Death Happens at Home, in a Nursing Home or Hospice (England & Wales)

1. Verification of Death

A qualified healthcare professional must confirm the death — usually the deceased's GP or, outside GP hours, NHS 111 or an out-of-hours doctor. Once verification is complete, please call us and we will arrange to transfer your loved one into our care. A list of branches and phone numbers is provided below.

2. Medical Examiner (ME) Notification

If the death is expected and not reportable to the coroner, the GP notifies the local Medical Examiner’s Office. All non-coronial deaths must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner or referred to a coroner.

3. ME Review and Family Contact

The ME reviews the GP’s proposed cause of death and the medical records, then contacts the next of kin within 24–72 hours to explain the cause of death and answer any questions. They may also record any concerns.

4. Certification and Submission of MCCD

An attending doctor (e.g., the GP who saw the deceased during life) completes the MCCD. The ME confirms the cause of death, signs the MCCD, and submits it electronically to the Registrar.

5. Referral to the Coroner (if applicable)

If the ME identifies concerns (e.g., sudden or unexplained death), the case is referred to the coroner, who may order a post-mortem or inquest. No funeral arrangements can proceed until this is resolved.

6. Registration and Funeral Arrangements

Once the MCCD is submitted, the Registrar will arrange registration with the next of kin or person responsible for registering the death. If there is no investigation being conducted by HM Coroner, and there is to be no post-mortem examination, the registrar will issue:

• A certified copy of an entry into the register of deaths (“The Death Certificate”).
• A certificate for burial or cremation (“The Green Form”) – now scanned electronically to the funeral director.
• A certificate of registration of death (Form BD8) – issued for social security purposes.

In some cases, HM Coroner will issue special documents permitting burial or cremation. We will guide and assist with these requirements if needed.

If the Death Happens in Hospital (England & Wales)

1. Verification of Death

Once the death is verified, the deceased is transferred to the hospital mortuary and cared for there until after the death has been registered.

2. Referral to the Coroner (if applicable)

If concerns are raised (e.g. sudden or unexplained death), the ME refers the case to the coroner, which may delay proceedings.

3. New MCCD Completion

The attending doctor fills out a revised Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which includes new fields like ethnicity and implant information.

4. Cause of Death Agreement

The ME collaborates with the attending doctor, confirms the cause of death, and may speak with the family.

5. MCCD Submission

The ME signs off the MCCD and submits it directly to the registrar.

6. Registration and Funeral Arrangements

Once the MCCD is submitted, the Registrar will arrange registration with the next of kin or person responsible for registering the death. If there is no investigation by HM Coroner and no post-mortem examination, the registrar will issue:

• The Death Certificate – used for estate and administration purposes.
• The Green Form – electronically scanned to the funeral director.
• Form BD8 – for social security purposes.

Once the funeral director has received the green form, the branch caring for the deceased will contact the hospital to arrange collection, usually the next working day.

Branch Contact Information

• Willenhall: 01902 937572
• Oxley: 01902 271 748
• Brownhills: 01543 378022
• Lichfield: 01543 221248
• Hednesford: 01543 406315
• Walsall (Park Hall): 01922 438503

Practical Matters

There are lots of practical things that have to be dealt with when someone passes away and it can be difficult to think of them all. We’ve started by listing some of the most common things to make a start. You may also get further support from the Department of Work & Pensions, contact 0800-085-7308. They produce a “Tell Us Once” form which may also be useful.

Organisations and businesses:

• Car insurance – if the policy is in the name of the deceased any ‘additional drivers’ named on the policy are no longer insured once the policy holder has died so make sure the documentation is changed to reflect the new situation.
• Social services/district nurses – if there is equipment belonging to either of these it must be returned.
• Hospital and/or family doctor – any outstanding appointments will need to be cancelled.
• Employer or professional association
• Inland Revenue
• Social Security – form 344/BD8 needs to be completed to cancel any direct payments into the deceased’s bank account. This white certificate is provided by the Registrar of Deaths.
• Local council – cancel any housing/rate benefits and council tax.
• Utilities – gas, electric, water, telephone and cable companies.
• Post Office – arrange redirection of mail.
• Credit and store cards – cancel cards and settle accounts.
• Banks and Building Societies – accounts need to be closed and any joint accounts need to be amended. Any debit cards should be returned or destroyed.
• Investment, insurance and pension policies – premium bonds are not transferable. The Post Office will issue you with a form that needs to be sent to the Bonds and Stocks Office. For further advice we suggest that you consult an independent financial adviser or accountant.

Items/services you may need to cancel:

• Newspapers
• Meals on Wheels
• Home help/cleaner
• Dentist
• Optician
• Doctor
• Hairdresser
• Gardener

The Bereavement Register will be of help in stopping unwanted mail to the deceased. https://www.thebereavementregister.org.uk

Items to be returned

• Passport – return to The Passport Office, UK Passport Agency, 5th Floor, India Building, Water Street, Liverpool
• Driving Licence – return to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.
• Vehicle registration documents to change name of ownership – return to DVLA as above to be amended.
• Television licence – to change name or apply for a refund.
• Season tickets and club membership cards – refunds may be available. Check with the clubs on an individual basis.
• Library card and books on loan – return to the library.
• National Insurance papers

If the property is unoccupied

Security & Safety: Make sure all windows, doors, cat and door flaps are secured and/or locked. Don’t forget the garage and any sheds or outbuildings. In winter, leave the heating on to prevent the pipes from freezing. It may be advisable to leave a key with a trusted neighbour to remove any free newspapers and post to stop them building up and to adjust the blinds or curtains every couple of days to give the impression of the house being occupied. Timers can be purchased from most hardware stores to turn lights on and off automatically at certain times of the day and night.

Garden/Plants: Household plants should be removed or arrangements made for them to be attended to. It’s also worth arranging to have the lawn mown every couple of weeks if it’s summertime.

Food/Bins: Dispose of any food in the freezer/fridge and make sure bins are emptied.