What to do when someone dies in the UK

Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult experiences life brings. In the midst of grief, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do next — especially when you’re unsure of the formal steps to take. This guide provides a calm, clear overview of what to do when someone dies in the UK, helping you understand the process from the moment of death through to planning a funeral or cremation.

Whether the loss is expected or sudden, this step-by-step guide aims to support you during a challenging time.

1. Get a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

The first step after someone dies is to obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This confirms the cause of death and is issued by a medical professional.

Who issues the certificate?

  • At home (expected death): The GP or an out-of-hours doctor.
  • In hospital or a care home: Staff will arrange for a doctor to issue it.
  • If the death was unexpected or unusual: The death may be referred to the coroner, who may order a post-mortem before the certificate can be issued.

You will need this certificate to register the death.

2. Register the Death

In the UK, a death must be registered within 5 days (8 days in Scotland).
You should register the death at the local Register Office for the area where the person died.

What you’ll receive after registering the death:

  • Death Certificate (you can purchase additional copies)
  • Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the “Green Form”) — needed by the crematorium or funeral director
  • Tell Us Once details — a government service that notifies organisations such as HMRC, DWP, DVLA and the Passport Office in one go

3. Decide on a Funeral Director (or Arrange It Yourself)

Most people choose a funeral director to help with arrangements. They can guide you through each stage and liaise directly with the crematorium, clergy, celebrant, and other services.

If you prefer, you can arrange the funeral yourself — this is entirely legal and can be more affordable. Either way, it’s helpful to think about the person’s wishes:

  • Did they want a cremation or burial?
  • Did they express preferences for music, readings, or type of service?
  • Did they have a pre-paid funeral plan?

A cremation is often chosen for its simplicity, flexibility, and affordability. Our directory can help you find crematoriums across the UK, complete with contact details and information about each facility.

4. Check for a Will or Funeral Wishes

A will often includes important wishes, including:

  • Preference for cremation or burial
  • Choice of executors
  • Specific funeral instructions
  • Requests regarding ashes

If there is no will, the next of kin can make decisions.

5. Inform Family, Friends and Relevant Organisations

Beyond close family and friends, you may also need to notify:

  • The person’s employer
  • Banks, mortgage providers, pension providers
  • Utility companies
  • GP, dentist and health services
  • Social services (if the person received support)
  • Insurance companies

The Tell Us Once service helps lighten this administrative burden.

6. Arrange the Cremation or Funeral Service

If a cremation is chosen, you’ll need to provide the crematorium with:

  • The Green Form from the registrar
  • Additional forms depending on location (the funeral director can help)
  • Details for the service, music, readings and celebrant
  • Instructions for the ashes (scattering, interment, or collection)

Our website offers an easy-to-use directory of crematoriums across the UK, helping you compare facilities, locations, parking, accessibility and service options.

7. Consider Emotional and Practical Support

Grief affects everyone differently. It’s important to take time for yourself and seek support if needed.

Helpful organisations include:

  • Cruse Bereavement Support
  • Samaritans
  • Marie Curie Bereavement Service
  • Local council bereavement teams

There is no set timeline for grieving — be gentle with yourself.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to do when someone dies can bring clarity at a moment when everything feels uncertain. From registering the death to choosing a crematorium, each step becomes more manageable when you understand the process.

At Crematoria.uk our mission is to provide clear, compassionate guidance and help you find the right crematorium quickly and easily. Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with a recent loss, we hope this guide brings a sense of calm and direction during a difficult time.

If you need information about crematoriums in any part of the UK, our directory is here to support you every step of the way.