What to Do When Someone Passes Away

A Step-By-Step Guide from Leeds Direct Cremations

Losing a loved one is an emotional and difficult time. Knowing what steps to take can help ease the burden. This guide provides clear instructions and useful resources for families in Leeds and surrounding areas, ensuring you have support every step of the way.

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1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

At Home:

  • If the death occurs at home, contact the deceased’s GP or call 111 outside of normal hours.
  • A doctor will confirm the death and provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

In a Hospital or Care Home:

  • The hospital or care home staff will take care of the immediate steps and guide you on what to do next.
  • They will also issue the necessary paperwork.
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2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death has been confirmed, you will need to arrange for your loved one to be taken into care. Leeds Direct Cremations provides compassionate, professional services, ensuring everything is handled with care, dignity, and respect.
We offer affordable direct cremation services with transparent pricing, and our team is here to guide you through the process with understanding and support.

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3. The Death Certification Process

Under current regulations:

  • A Medical Examiner will review the circumstances of the death and either approve the death certificate or refer the case to a coroner.
  • If referred, the coroner will determine whether a further investigation is needed.
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4. Registering the Death

A death must be registered within five days. You will need:

  • The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (issued by a doctor).
  • Personal details of the deceased (full name, date and place of birth, address, and occupation).
  • Details of a spouse or civil partner, if applicable.

Registration takes place at a local register office, and you will receive the death certificate and necessary paperwork to proceed with funeral arrangements.

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5. Arranging the Funeral

Once the death has been registered, you can begin making funeral arrangements. Leeds Direct Cremations offers a simple and dignified direct cremation service, ensuring your loved one is treated with care and respect.

Our service includes:

  • Collection and care of your loved one within a 30-mile radius of Leeds.
  • Completion of all necessary paperwork.
  • A simple unattended cremation at a local crematorium.
  • Ashes returned within five working days, or scattered at the crematorium if preferred.

We understand that saying goodbye is personal, and many families choose to hold their own memorial or celebration of life at a time and place that suits them.

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6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

  • Notify banks, insurance providers, and pension services about the death.
  • If there is a will, contact a solicitor or the Probate Office to begin the legal process.
  • If there is no will, intestacy laws will determine how the estate is distributed.

7. Seek Bereavement Support

Grief affects everyone differently, and support is available to help you cope. Reach out to family, friends, or professional bereavement counsellors.

Leeds Bereavement Forum

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Additional Guidance

Coroner Involvement

A coroner may be involved if:

  • The death was sudden, unexplained, or accidental.
  • The deceased was not under medical care.

If required, a post-mortem or inquest may take place before funeral arrangements can proceed.

Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service helps notify government departments about the death, including:

  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) (for pensions and benefits).
  • HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (for tax and National Insurance).
  • DVLA (to cancel driving licences and update vehicle ownership).
  • Passport Office (to cancel passports).
  • Local Council Services (to update records on council tax, Blue Badges, and electoral rolls).

This service is usually offered when you register the death.

Leeds Direct Cremations – Here to Support You

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Contact Us

Contact our caring team today to discuss your needs and let us help you create a farewell that truly honours your loved one.