Losing someone close to you can be overwhelming, and it’s often difficult to know what to do first. This simple guide explains the practical steps you’ll need to take and how we can support you throughout.
If the death was expected — for example, due to illness or old age — you should contact the deceased’s GP, the NHS helpline (by dialling 111), or palliative care team (if they have been assisting your loved one at home). A doctor or qualified nurse will need to attend to verify the death. Once this has been done, you can contact us, and we will bring your loved one into our care.
The death will then be referred by the doctor to the Medical Examiner. The Medical Examiner will contact you to discuss the cause of death. Once this phone call has taken place then you are able to book an appointment with the registrar to formally register the death.
If the death was unexpected or sudden, call 999 immediately. The police and ambulance service will attend, and the death may be referred to the coroner.
The staff will arrange for a doctor or suitably qualified person to certify the death. If the death occurs in a care home or hospice then the staff will liaise with you regarding your chosen funeral director, and they will contact us to arrange for us to bring your loved one into our care. If the death occurs in hospital then the patient affairs or bereavement team will be in touch with you over the coming days to discuss who your chosen funeral directors are and other items of an administrative nature.
The death will then be referred by the doctor to the Medical Examiner. The Medical Examiner will contact you to discuss the cause of death. Once this phone call has taken place then you are able to book an appointment with the registrar to formally register the death.
Sometimes a death must be referred to the coroner, especially if it was sudden, unexpected, or the cause is uncertain. The coroner may order a post-mortem examination or inquest to establish the cause of death. Your funeral director can guide you through this process and keep you informed about when the funeral can take place.
In most cases, a death should be registered within five days (unless the coroner is involved).
You’ll need to make an appointment with the Register Office in the area where the person died. The registrar will need:
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (which will be sent to them by the Medical Examiner, or in some cases, the Coroner)
Basic personal details about the deceased (full name, date of birth, place of birth, occupation, and marital status)
You’ll receive:
A Death Certificate (you can request multiple copies for legal and financial matters)
A Green Form (the Certificate for Burial or Cremation), which your funeral director will need to arrange the funeral - this will either be handed to you, or will be emailed to the funeral director from the registrar.
The “Tell Us Once” service allows you to report a death to several government organisations in one go.
If the death has occurred within West Sussex, then an appointment can be made with the registrar via the following link:
https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths/deaths/registering-a-death/
alternatively they can be contacted on 01243 642122.
Some families wish to wait until they have formally registered the death before proceeding with the funeral arrangements. In most cases, you are able to begin making arrangements before you have registered. If in doubt, please ask, and we can advise you.
You may already know your loved one’s wishes, or we can help you explore the options available — whether burial, cremation, religious, or non-religious.
We’re here to guide you through each step, helping you make arrangements that are personal, respectful, and meaningful.
We can offer advice on memorial masonry, ashes interments and scatterings, pre-planning, or ongoing support should you need it.
If you’re unsure what to do or simply need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you with compassion, clarity, and care — at any time, day or night.