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 De Gruchy, 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 happens at home and is sudden or unexpected, the police may also need to be informed. The doctor will guide you on this.
If the death takes place in a residential or nursing home, hospice, or the general hospital, the staff will contact 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 or a public place, your loved one will first be taken to the hospital mortuary.
You may be able to visit them at the hospital Chapel of Rest. Hospital staff can also help with collecting personal belongings.
If the death occurs in a residential or nursing home and the police are informed, the Viscount’s Department may require your loved one to be taken to the hospital mortuary.
If you already know the funeral will be a cremation, please let the nursing or hospital staff know, as additional documentation will be required.
Medical certificate or Viscount/Greffe involvement
This depends on the circumstances of the death.
If the doctor cannot confirm a natural cause of death, they must inform the police, who will contact the Viscount’s Department. In some cases, a family liaison officer will be assigned to support you.
Documents will then be issued to allow the death to be registered and for funeral arrangements to begin.
If the Viscount needs to investigate further, this may delay confirming the funeral date.
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 a number of 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
