The process for arranging a burial in the UK involves several key steps, primarily focusing on legal requirements, registering the death, and then organising the funeral service itself.
Step 1: Initial Steps & Certification
Obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD):
- A doctor (usually the GP or hospital doctor) completes the MCCD, which is then reviewed by a Medical Examiner.
- The Medical Examiner’s office will contact the nearest relative or person responsible to explain the cause of death and confirm that the certificate is being sent to the registrar.
Report to the Coroner (If Necessary):
- If the death was sudden, unexpected, or the cause is unknown, the death will be reported to a Coroner (or Procurator Fiscal in Scotland).
- A Coroner’s investigation (which may include a post-mortem) must be completed before the death can be registered. The funeral may be delayed until the Coroner issues a document permitting the burial/cremation.
Step 2: Registering the Death
- Timeline: The death must be registered at the local Register Office in the district where the death occurred within 5 days (8 days in Scotland), unless a Coroner is involved.
- Who can register: Usually a relative of the deceased, or sometimes a witness to the death, a hospital administrator, or the person arranging the funeral.
- Documents from the Registrar: Once registered, the Registrar will issue the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (often called the ‘green form’). This legal document must be given to the Funeral Director or the burial authority before the burial can take place.
- Death Certificate: You will need to purchase certified copies of the official Death Certificate for legal and financial purposes (e.g., closing bank accounts, claiming insurance).
Step 3: Informing Government Services
- Tell Us Once: After registration, the Registrar will typically offer you the Tell Us Once service (if available in your area). This free service allows you to report the death to multiple government organisations (like DWP, HMRC, DVLA, Passport Office, and local council services) in one go.
Step 4: Arranging the Burial and Funeral Service
Choosing a Funeral Director
- Most people hire a Funeral Director to handle the arrangements. They will:
- Collect and store the body.
- Guide you through the paperwork.
- Coordinate the cemetery/burial authority, clergy/celebrant, and other services.
- If you choose to arrange the funeral yourself, you will need to contact the Cemeteries and Crematorium Department of your local council for guidance and to arrange the necessary forms (like the Notice of Interment)
Step 5: Burial Logistics
- Burial Location: You will need to arrange for a burial plot in a cemetery, churchyard, or private/natural burial ground. This may involve purchasing a new grave plot or reopening an existing family plot (the Deeds for the plot may be required).
- Documentation: The Funeral Director will typically handle submitting the Certificate for Burial (green form) or, if a Coroner was involved, the Order for Burial (Form 101).
Step 6: The Service
- You will plan the service details, which typically include:
- Venue: A church, a place of worship, a graveside service, or another venue.
- Officiant: A minister of religion, a non-religious celebrant (like a humanist), or a family member.
- Content: Music, readings, eulogies, and pallbearer arrangements.
- The Day of the Funeral: The Funeral Director organises the transport of the coffin (usually via a hearse) to the service venue and then to the burial ground for the committal, where the coffin is lowered into the grave.
Step 7: Financing
- You, as the person arranging the funeral, are ultimately responsible for the costs.
- You should check if the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan or life insurance.
- Banks/Building Societies will usually release funds from the deceased’s accounts to cover the funeral invoice before the main estate (Probate) is settled.
- You may be able to apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government if you are on qualifying benefits and need financial assistance.
Step 8: Death of Minors
- Cost associated with the death of a minor (under 18) is supported by the UK Government.
- Link to website to submit a claim for financial support