Registrations

This page outlines the necessary registration procedures when preparing for a funeral. John Garside and Son will be glad to assist in any of the following areas.

Registering a death

Circumstances will alter the time and place you can register the death. Some registrars’ offices are only open on a part-time basis and you will need to make an appointment. In terms of place, the simple rule is that a death must be registered in the registration district where the person has passed away. If death occurs a long way away, our funeral director will advise you on the best course of action.

If the death occurs at home, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible. Usually he or she will write the requisite medical certificate, before informing the coroner of the death. A local police officer will also take a statement.

If the death occurs in hospital, the procedure is much the same as above except that the doctor in attendance will issue the certificate. If he/she is unable to do so then you may be required to give a statement at the coroner’s office.

Registration with a coroner

Having ascertained the cause of death, and satisfied that an inquest is unnecessary, the coroner will forward the medical certificate to the registrar. You can then register the death in the normal way. If needed, the coroner will also forward a certificate for cremation to John Garside and Son.

If an inquest is to take place, the coroner will issue us with a certificate to enable the funeral to take place. The inquest would then be held at a later date, after which registration takes place in the normal way within 5 working days.

While you are awaiting the inquest an interim certificate can be issued by the coroner for benefits and so on.

In cases where the coroner is not involved, the registration has to take place prior to the funeral.

Help with Funeral Costs
The following information should be treated as a general guideline only.

If there is not enough money to pay for the funeral and you are responsible for making the funeral arrangements, you may be eligible for help from the Department of Social Services if you or your partner is receiving any of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Housing Benefit
  • Family Credit

If the Social Fund is satisfied that a grant is appropriate, they will help with the costs of a simple funeral within the United Kingdom. This service will include:

  • A simple coffin and a gown
  • Use of a hearse and one following limousine
  • Supplying the bearers
  • All the relevant administration costs
  • Most of the relevant disbursements and fees
  • Flowers from the person arranging the funeral
rose

Contact us on 01782 513210
and 01260 298829

What to take to the registrar

  • Medical certificate of death from the Doctor
  • Medical card
  • Birth certificate (if available)

Information required by the registrar

  • Date and place of death
  • Full name of deceased (Maiden name if applicable)
  • Date and place of birth (if birth certificate not available)
  • Occupation and home address
  • If a married lady, husband’s name and occupation

Who can register a death?

  • A close relative of the deceased
  • A relative in attendance during illness
  • A relative living in the district where the death occurred
  • A person present at death
  • The person overseeing the funeral arrangement i.e., the executor

Certificates available at the registrars

  • Disposal certificate (green) for the funeral director (no fee)
  • Social Security certificate (white) to be handed in at the D.S.S. Office with pension or benefit books (no fee)
  • Copy of Entry of Death

These certificates are used by banks, insurance companies, building societies, probate services etc.

Contact us today to discuss any aspect of funeral planning