Fuze Foundation guidance

When someone dies, there are important steps to take—often at a time when you may be feeling shocked or overwhelmed. This leaflet explains what to do first, how to register a death, and what happens if a coroner (or Procurator Fiscal) is involved.

You do not need to read everything at once. Take your time and return to sections as needed.

The First Steps

Before you can organise a funeral, the death usually needs to be registered and a death certificate issued.

This must happen unless HM Coroner (England and Wales) or the Procurator Fiscal (Scotland) requires a post-mortem examination or an inquest.

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

When a person dies, a doctor completes a document called the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

What happens next depends on where the death occurred:

England & Wales

• The Medical Certificate is sent to a Medical Examiner
• The Medical Examiner independently reviews the cause of death
• They may contact you if you have questions or concerns
• Once confirmed, the certificate is sent to the registrar
• You will be told when you can register the death
• The death must be registered within 5 days of this notification

Scotland

• The Medical Certificate is sent directly to the registrar or given to the person registering the death
• The death must be registered within 8 days

Northern Ireland

• The Medical Certificate is sent to or given to the person registering the death

The death must be registered within 5 days

Using a Funeral Director

If you decide to use a funeral director, they usually cannot collect the body until the death has been registered (unless the coroner or Procurator Fiscal is involved).

Who Can Register a Death?

A relative should usually register the death.

If no relative is able to do this, someone else can register if they:

• Were present at the death
• Are a hospital administrator (if the death happened in hospital)
• Are responsible for making the funeral arrangements

Making an Appointment to Register a Death

You must make an appointment with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You can find your local registrar here:

🌐England and Wales: https://www.gov.uk/register-a-death

🌐Scotland: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/registering-a-death/

🌐Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/registering-death-district-registrar

Documents to Take With You (If Available)

Take the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and, if possible, any of the following belonging to the person who died:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Passport
• Medical card or NHS number
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)
• Council Tax bill

Also take proof of your own address.

Information You Will Be Asked For

You will need to provide details about the person who died, including:

• Full name (including any previous names)
• Date and place of birth
• Last address
• Last occupation
• Whether they received a State Pension or benefits
• Spouse or civil partner’s full name, date of birth, and occupation

What You Receive After Registration

At the end of the appointment, you should receive:

• Death certificate (official copy of the register entry)
• Certificate for burial or cremation (often called the green form)
  • In Scotland, this is called the Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14)

These documents allow the funeral to go ahead and help with practical matters such as dealing with banks or benefits.

Cost of Death Certificates

You usually need to pay for copies of the death certificate.

• England & Wales: £12.50 per copy
• Scotland:
  • First copy: £12
  • Additional copies ordered at the same time: £10 each
• Northern Ireland:
  • £8 per copy (or £15 if ordered later; additional copies £8)

It is often useful to buy more than one copy, as many organisations require an original.

When a Coroner Is Involved

Sometimes a death must be referred to a coroner, for example if:

• The cause of death is unknown
• The death was sudden or unexplained
• The death occurred in custody or prison

What may happen

• If the cause is clear, the coroner issues a certificate so the death can be registered
• If not, a post-mortem may be required
• This can take several weeks
• Once completed, the body is released for the funeral

Inquests

In some cases, an inquest is held.

• The death cannot be fully registered until the inquest ends
• An interim certificate is issued so the funeral can take place
• You may still be able to access money from the estate

In Scotland: Procurator Fiscal

In Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal carries out the same role as the coroner.

The process is similar, and they will advise you on:

• Post-mortems
• Release of the body
• Registration and paperwork

A Final Reassurance

Registering a death can feel daunting, but support is available and registrars are used to helping people at a difficult time. You can ask questions, take someone with you, and take things one step at a time.