What To Do When Someone Passes Away

graveyard

A Step-by-Step Guide from Norfolk Direct Cremations

Losing someone you love is one of life's most difficult experiences. At a time of grief, knowing what needs to happen next can feel overwhelming.

At Norfolk Direct Cremations, we are here to guide you every step of the way. You do not need to have all the answers before calling us. Our experienced team will explain everything clearly, answer your questions and support you throughout the arrangements.

This guide explains the practical steps that usually need to be taken following a death.

We're Here Whenever You Need Us

One phone call is all it takes.

Whether your loved one has passed away at home, in hospital, a hospice or a care home, our experienced team is available to offer advice, guidance and immediate assistance.

You don't need to remember everything on this page.
That's why we're here.

Call Us
Email Us

Step 1 – Confirming the Death

If the death happens at home

If your loved one passes away at home, contact their GP during normal surgery hours or call NHS 111 outside of these times.

A healthcare professional will verify the death before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued.

If the death happens in hospital

Hospital staff will explain the next steps and liaise with the Medical Examiner before the required paperwork is completed.

If the death happens in a care home or hospice

The care team will support you through the initial arrangements and explain what happens next.

Step 2 – Contact Norfolk Direct Cremations

Once the death has been verified, contact our caring team.

We will:

  • Arrange to bring your loved one into our care.

  • Explain the Direct Cremation process.

  • Complete the necessary paperwork.

  • Liaise with hospitals, doctors and other professionals.

  • Guide you through every stage of the arrangements.

Your loved one will remain under the care and guidance of Shayne Stork Family Funeral Services, providing the reassurance of experienced local funeral directors throughout.

Step 3 – The Medical Examiner Process

Since September 2024, every death in England and Wales is independently reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued.

The Medical Examiner may:

  • Approve the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

  • Speak with the family if clarification is required.

  • Refer the death to the Coroner if necessary.

This additional review helps ensure every death is independently assessed before funeral arrangements continue.

Step 4 – Registering the Death

In most circumstances, a death should be registered within five days of the Medical Certificate being issued, unless the Coroner is involved.

You will usually need:

  • Full name of the deceased.

  • Date and place of birth.

  • Home address.

  • Occupation.

  • Details of any spouse or civil partner.

The Registrar will provide the documentation required for the funeral arrangements and explain the Government's Tell Us Once service.

Step 5 – Arranging the Direct Cremation

Once the paperwork has been completed, we will make all of the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

Our Direct Cremation includes:

  • Bringing your loved one into our care.

  • Professional care throughout the arrangements.

  • Completion of all documentation.

  • Provision of a simple coffin.

  • Complimentary chapel views during opening hours

  • Transportation to the crematorium in a traditional hearse.

  • Respectful unattended cremation.

  • Ashes returned to your family in a suitable container.

Families choosing Direct Cremation Plus also receive a 30-minute chapel service with a celebrant, music and complimentary chapel viewing during opening hours.

Step 6 – Take Time to Remember

One of the benefits of Direct Cremation is that there is no pressure to organise a funeral immediately.

Many families choose to arrange a memorial or celebration of life days, weeks or even months later, allowing everyone to gather when the time feels right.

Whether you choose a church service, family gathering, the scattering of ashes or another personal tribute, the choice is entirely yours.

Step 7 – Informing Organisations

Following the death, you may need to notify:

  • Banks and Building Societies.

  • Pension providers.

  • Insurance companies.

  • Utility companies.

  • Solicitors.

  • HM Revenue & Customs.

  • Department for Work and Pensions.

Many of these organisations can be notified through the Government's Tell Us Once service.

decorated-burial-urn-funeral-with-flowers

Tell Us Once

The Tell Us Once service allows you to notify several government departments in one step, including:

  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

  • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

  • Passport Office

  • Local Council Services

Your Registrar will normally explain how this service works when you register the death.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death

If the Coroner Becomes Involved

Sometimes a death must be referred to the Coroner.

This may happen if:

  • The death was sudden or unexpected.

  • The cause of death is unknown.

  • The death was accidental.

  • There are legal reasons requiring further investigation.

If this happens, the Coroner's Office will explain the process and keep you informed.

burning-candles-with-open-book-red-flower-dark-surface

Bereavement Support

Grief affects everyone differently.

If you would like additional support, the following organisations may be able to help.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Samaritans

Winston's Wish

Supporting bereaved children and young people.

Useful Local Contacts

Hospitals

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

James Paget University Hospital

Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn

Register Offices

Norfolk Registration Service

HM Coroner for Norfolk

People holding hands and supporting each other

Need Advice?

If you have any questions after reading this guide, please don't worry.

You don't have to remember every step.

Simply contact our caring team and we'll guide you through everything, one step at a time.

Norfolk Direct Cremations
Created by Shayne Stork Family Funeral Services

01603 702702
s.stork178@gmail.com