The death of a loved on comes as a great shock to us all. On receipt of the first call, it is our policy to take complete responsibility for all details involved so that relatives have no more worry than is absolutely necessary at this difficult time.

If death occurs at home or in a rest home, the doctor must first be notified. He will sign the  necessary certificate, and allow the removal to take place. Our staff are on call 24 hours a day, to take care of this duty.

If death occurs in a hospital, a doctor there will sign the certificate. Please contact us to make an appointment to see you.

However, if a doctor is unable to issue a certificate, the Coroner will be informed. He may order a post mortem, and even an inquest if necessary. His permission is required to carry on with the funeral.

A death must be registered in the district in which it occurred, normally within 5 days, and in any event before the funeral can take place. The Registrar will require for the deceased:

• the certificate from the Doctor or Coroner
• the birth certificate
• medical card
• any marriage certificate

The Registrar will issue documents authorising the burial or cremation which we require, and copies of the entry in the register can be purchased for legal and insurance purposes.

If the deceased has a solicitor, contact him or her as soon as possible. If not, check whether the deceased has a will. If no will can be traced it may be advisable to see a solicitor.