Tasks which must be done when someone dies

• Obtain death certificate(s). Two doctors must sign the notification of death for a cremation.
• Contact your local clergy, minister or religious or secular leader.
• Appoint a funeral director and agree arrangements. Find out if there is a Pre-paid Funeral Plan.
• Register the death. You may need to book an appointment with the Registrar. (You will need details of the date and place of birth of the person who has died.)
• Return pension, allowance or benefit books to the D.S.S.
• Choose whether to have flowers and/or donations to charity.
• Place announcements in newspapers if wished. Tell friends, relations, fellow club members and business colleagues.
• Agree the details of the service with the person who will lead it and anyone else taking part. Get an order of service printed if needed.
• Pay the funeral director. Fees for the cemetery or crematorium, the clergy and doctors’ certificates fees must be paid in advance. The balance usually has to be paid within one month of the fumicral.
• Begin to discuss whether there is to be a permanent memorial.
• Begin to think about what to do with the ashes. You do not need to decide immediately. You could ask the vicar if they may be stored in the church.