Where the person dies determines what steps need to be taken:

When someone dies at home or in a nursing home a Medical Certificate of Death is needed. The Deceased’s doctor must be called and, providing the doctor is completely satisfied with the cause of death, a Medical Certificate of Death is issued.  Should someone die in hospital, staff will arrange for a doctor to prepare a Medical Certificate of Death.  If death occurred unexpectedly a Coroner will be called upon to establish the medical cause of death. Only until the Coroner is satisfied with the cause of death is a Medical Certificate of Death issued.

Usually the Next of Kin, Executor or close relative who obtains the Medical Certificate of Death, will register the death at the local registry office.  At this stage is it important to locate the Deceased’s Will. The Executor of the Will can then act on the Deceased’s instructions.  The Executor will then be able to make arrangements with a local funeral director. For details of reputable local independent funeral director and for advice on conducting probate, call us on 0800 028 2837.

If the Deceased died without a Will (intestate) the Next of Kin along with family members can make arrangement for the funeral with an appointed funeral director.  The Next of Kin is the primary person who must sort out the affairs of the Deceased.  Depending on the size of the Deceased’s estate the Next of Kin needs to prepare to apply for a Grant of Representation (i.e a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration).  Before doing anything we recommend talking to one of our Probate Advisors to discuss your needs.  Alternatively email us at info@probatebureau.com.

Judy Giltrow.
Probate Advisor.

The Probate Bureau offers a impartial free Probate advice.  If this is something you would like to discuss further, please call our Probate helpline, on 0800 028 2837 for free Probate Advice.