What to do when someone dies
What do I need to do first?
Many people feel lost or unsure about what to do after a bereavement.
Whether it’s contacting a funeral home, letting people know, arranging the funeral, or trying to understand the legal steps - it can all feel overwhelming.
At Coop Funeral Care by Argent, we’re here for you at every step of the way.
We’ll guide you through each part of the process with care, clarity and compassion. Below is a simple overview of what usually happens, which many people find reassuring.
And remember - you’re never alone in this.
If you have any questions or simply want to talk things through, our friendly team is always available to help.
Immediately after the death
Contact the deceased’s GP or on-call doctor
If the death occurs within the community, death will need to be certified by a General Practitioner or verified by a nurse.
If the death takes place in a residential or nursing home or hospice, the staff will usually assist with contacting a doctor on your behalf.
Contact the funeral director of your choice.
You may wish to spend some time with your loved one before they are taken into care - the funeral director or nursing staff will advise you.
If the death occurs in hospital, your loved one will first be taken to the hospital mortuary. If the death has occurred within the community, your loved one will be taken to our premises.
If the death occurs within the community, is unexplained, sudden and there is police involvement, the Law Officers (Coroner) may require your loved one to be taken to the hospital mortuary.
Law Office intervention
If a death is sudden, unexplained or happens in suspicious circumstances, the Law Officers of the Crown are legally required to investigate.
If there are no concerns requiring further investigation and the death is confirmed to have been from natural causes, it is unlikely that an inquest will be needed.
In these cases, the Law Office will instruct the release of the deceased, from the hospital mortuary, and into the care of the funeral director.
If an inquest is required, there may be a delay before the funeral date can be confirmed.
Where possible, the Law Office will arrange an initial hearing to open the inquest, as soon as possible and request that the body be released “Sine Die” to allow for burial/cremation. If the body cannot be released within a suitable timeframe, a family can still arrange a funeral, but the body cannot be released for burial/cremation until it has been formally released by the Royal Court.
The full Inquest Resumption will then take place once investigations have been completed.
For more information, visit www.gov.gg or contact the States of Guernsey Greffe on +44 (0) 1481 725277 or by email at registrar@guernseyroyalcourt.gg.
Making the funeral arrangements
Make an appointment with the funeral director
While you are not legally required to use a funeral director, many families find it reassuring to have professional support to ensure a respectful and dignified farewell.
Check whether your loved one left a will or any written wishes for their funeral.
Your funeral director will guide you through every step, help with decisions, register the death, and handle any required documentation on your behalf.
The funeral usually takes place around seven to ten days after the death, although this can vary depending on family wishes and other circumstances.
Administration of the estate
Contact a Solicitor or Judicial Greffe
Contact a solicitor or the Judicial Greffe to confirm who is legally responsible for administering the deceased’s estate.
They will guide you through the legal requirements and next steps.
Inform organisations
There will be several local and national organisations that will need to be informed about the change in circumstances:
Banks and financial services
Pension providers/insurance companies
Social Security, Income Tax, Housing and parish authorities
Utilities and service providers
Any organisations connected to entitlements or benefits
