Independent funerals guide
Introduction
It is often assumed, quite wrongly, that funerals can be
arranged only with the services of a funeral
director. Some people, however, find great
comfort from being involved, partly or totally, in the arrangements
for the funeral of a loved one.
Allerdale Bereavement Services do not wish to promote any
particular type of arrangement and the information we provide aims
to give simple advice, basic guidance and widen the choices when
making funeral arrangements.
When a death occurs
If the death occurs at home, contact the general practitioner
who attended the deceased during their last illness. The GP will
confirm the death and issue a certificate stating the cause of
death. The GP may give you the certificate straight away or advise
you to collect it from the surgery later
If the death occurs in hospital, normally the doctor attending
will issue the certificate to you or via the hospitals
administration office.
When a death occurs and the doctor attending is unable to state
the cause of death, or where a medical practitioner had not
recently attended to the deceased, the Coroner will be
informed.
Registering a death
The next of kin or person arranging the funeral must take the
certificate issued by the doctor to the Registrar of Births and
Deaths within five days of the death. Most Registrars' operate an
appointment system, so it is worthwhile telephoning your local
district office first.
When you register the death, make sure that all the details are
given fully and correctly, as it is very difficult getting any
changes made later. It is also advisable to obtain extra copies of
the death certificate at this time in order to be able to claim the
deceased's assets at a later date.
If the Coroner has been involved, and an inquest is to be held,
then they will issue a form to the Registrar who will issue a
Coroners Order for burial.
When an inquest is not held, the nearest surviving relative can
register the death only when the Coroner has confirmed the cause of
death to the Registrar.
Statutory forms
Before any burial can take place, certain forms are required by
law to be submitted to the burial authority. Please contact the
Bereavement Services office to discuss exactly what is
required.
Care of the body until the funeral
If the death occurs in hospital, the mortician may agree to keep
the body in the hospital mortuary until the day of the funeral,
possibly at no charge.
If the death occurs at home, a local funeral director may agree
to provide the mortuary facility.
The body could be kept in a well ventilated, cool room and could
be wrapped in ice.
Transportation
Many people do not wish to collect the body of the deceased
themselves, or may lack a suitable vehicle. This part of the
funeral can be contracted out to a funeral director.
Where the body has to be removed from a hospital, remember to
contact the mortician first and check the documentation required.
If you intend to use an estate car or van, ensure the coffin or
container will fit in it. You will need help to handle the coffin.
It is advisable to have at least three people.