What to do when someone dies

Witnessing a death or encountering a dead body can be a very emotional and stressful time, but it is important to deal with the practical and legal matters quickly when someone dies.

It is important that if you believe that the deceased has been murdered or killed in dangerous circumstances, you need to move to a safe location and call the emergency services immediately on 999.

If someone dies at home and their death was expected

You should contact the family doctor (or the local GP) and nearest relative. An ‘expected death’ could be due to a terminal illness or other known risk factors and should be registered as soon as reasonably possible. In most cases, the doctor will issue a certificate of the cause of death, allowing you to register for a death certificate.

If someone dies at home and their death was not expected

You should call 111 and ask for advice immediately. Unexpected deaths may need to be reported to a coroner if they do not warrant an investigation, and the coroner may call for a post-mortem examination or inquest to determine the cause of death. Investigations can take a good deal of time, so you may have to delay the funeral.

If someone dies in the hospital

In most cases, the hospital will issue a medical certificate and formal notice. They should support you with the next steps, or at least refer you to someone else who can help. The body is usually kept in the hospital mortuary until a funeral director or relative arrange transport.

If someone dies abroad

You should register the death according to the regulations of the country and notify the British Consul in the country, so you can get a consulate death certificate and keep record of it in the UK.

Contact us?

For more advice and guidance on how best to proceed after a death, contact a member of our specialist Will and Probate team directly on 0115 824 1700.