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Guidance to help you through the emotional and practical steps of losing a loved one, from coping with bereavement to arranging a funeral.
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What to do when someone dies

We take you through what you need to do when someone close to you dies, from how to register a death to what happens if a coroner is called in.

First steps when someone has died

5 min read

Read about the first steps that need to be taken immediately after someone has died, whether this was at home, in a hospital or in a care home.

Getting a medical certificate

3 min read

If the death was expected, and the cause of death is clear, a GP will need to issue a medical certificate to confirm the cause of death.

Preparing to register a death

3 min read

We explain how to formally register a death and what information you’ll need.

Registering a death

5 min read

After the medical certificate of death has been issued, the next stage is to register the death. Here, we explain what steps you should take.

Checklist: what to take with you when registering a death

2 min read

Our checklist of what to take with you when registering a death will help this upsetting experience run smoothly.

Tell Us Once

2 min read

This government-run service allows you to report the death of a loved one to most departments in one go, so you don’t have to contact each separately.

If your loved one dies abroad

2 min read

If your loved one dies abroad, you will need to follow the regulations of that particular country. See our guidance on what you will need to do.

Coroners and post-mortem examinations

5 min read

If it’s not clear why your loved one died, the death may be reported to a coroner who will decide if a post-mortem examination is needed.

Checklist: what to do when someone dies

1 min read

Follow our checklist for the steps to take and things to do when a loved one passes away.

Further reading

Coping with grief

You may be coping with your own grief as well as that of a parent or other close relative or friend. Here, we explain ...

Funeral plans

We offer advice on how to plan the funeral service for your loved one, exploring the options available, including ...

Getting bereavement support

Charities, such as Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support, have professional counsellors and trained volunteers who ...

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