When a death occurs it is often the person who was in life closest to the deceased who has to
organise the disposal of the remains. In most cases this is also the person who will be suffering the
greatest shock and grief. For many the first experience of this is when a parent dies. It is something
that every one of us has to face sooner or later.
If a Funeral Director (FD) is to be used, it is still a good idea to have considered the options.
However, if the family wish to do some or all of the arranging, here is a brief outline of what they will need to do:
- Call the Doctor
This applies if the death occurs at home; the doctor will issue a certificate of Cause of Death.
If the death is accidental or in any way unexpected, or if the deceased has not been seen by a
doctor during the previous 14 days, the coroner must be informed; the procedure for doing
this can be ascertained by ringing the police.
- Register the Death
This must be done at the Registrar's Office in the district where the death occurred, and
within 5 days of its occurrence. The registration process will require full details of the
deceased, Cause of Death certificate, medical card and information about pension or other
state benefits received. If the police or coroner are involved, they will register the death.
Once all the details are recorded, the Registrar will supply certified copies of the Death
Certificate, which is the official entry in the Register of Deaths.
- Certificate for Burial or Cremation
In addition to the Death Certificate the Registrar will provide a Certificate
for Burial or Cremation. This is a green form without which the interment
or cremation cannot take place; it must be handed in to the Burial
Ground or Crematorium manager before or at the time of the funeral.
- Contact the Solicitor of the Deceased
It is advisable to contact the solicitor of the deceased prior to making funeral arrangements,
in case a letter of wishes has been left with the will, which might include instructions regarding
the funeral and burial.
- Arranging the Funeral
It is quite possible for the individual to do this without any professional help.
Either way, consideration will need to be given to the following:
- Burial or Cremation?
- Type of ceremony (if any) in church; at burial; or elsewhere
- Date and time of funeral
- Obtaining a coffin - traditional or biodegradable
- Coffin bearers - family and friends; or hired from FD
- Laying out the body - by FD; or other (NB. no embalming for green burial)
- Where is the body to be kept prior to the funeral? - hospital mortuary; at home; at FD's
- Transport of the body - hearse; FD estate car; other van, estate car etc.
- Arrangements for refreshments after the funeral
- Announcement of the death in the newspaper
- Donations to charity (if appropriate)