Making Funeral Arrangements
You are probably reading this because someone close to you has died recently. Whoever has died, your loss is unique to you and you will cope with it in your own way – bereavement is a highly personal and often traumatic event.
This page aims to guide you through some of the basic practicalities that you need to consider.
Things to be done when someone dies
If someone dies at home, you must call your doctor who will sign a medical certificate confirming the cause of death (unless the matter is referred to the Coroner). If the death happened in hospital, the doctor there will issue the certificate.
You must take the certificate to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within the area where death occurred within 5 days (this is a legal requirement). An appointment will be required. If available, take the medical certificate and the medical card. They will also need to know if they were receiving a pension or other benefit.
The Register Office Service for Hampshire can be contacted on 0845 603 5637
The registrar will give you a certificate of registration of death and a certificate for burial or cremation which should be given to the funeral director.
You may need several copies of the death certificate to send to banks, building societies and insurance companies (there is a fee payable for copies).
The Funeral
The funeral is a time for saying goodbye to the person who has died and for celebrating their life. It gives family and friends the chance to support and comfort each other.
Before you begin to arrange the funeral it is worth thinking about a few points:
- Did the person who has died have firm views about what they wanted their funeral to be like (did they leave instructions?)
- What sort of funeral do you, and other family and friends want? Do you want a quiet family gathering or an elaborate ceremony?
- Will there be a religious service?
You may wish to make all the funeral arrangements yourself. You should seek advice from the council before proceeding. However, most people do use a funeral director.
Cremation or Burial
Many people have strong views on whether they wish to be cremated or buried.
Independent Funeral Arrangements
The Cemetery Service can offer advice and assistance with carrying out an 'Independent Funeral'. This type of funeral is very personalised because all aspects of arranging the service and preparing the deceased are carried out by a family member.
When choosing this type of funeral it is important to remember that you will be responsible for the following:
- arranging the date and time of the burial or cremation with the relevant authority and ensuring that all funeral requirements are noted
- obtaining and forwarding all documentation to allow the funeral to happen
- preparation and storage of the body and placing in the coffin
- arranging transport to the cemetery/crematorium and for the coffin to be carried