When a death occurs
What to do following a bereavement
When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, there are many things to consider that you should take into consideration. In order to help you navigate this difficult time in the days and months following the death of your loved one, we have prepared a guide for you.
When a death occurs, what are the first steps to take?
- Get a medical certificate – if your loved one died in hospital, the hospital will usually issue the certificate for you, otherwise you should contact their family doctor.
- Register the death – deaths must be registered and this will provide you with the necessary paperwork for the funeral arrangements. You can read our guide on how to register a death for more information.
- Plan the funeral – Once you have selected your funeral director, you can contact by phone, email or by visiting the funeral home where one of our expert arrangers will discuss your needs. It’s important to note that you can begin funeral arrangements while you await legal documentation.
- Notify people – If you are the spouse or civil partner of the deceased, you must inform their friends and family about the death. Bereavement support can help during this difficult time.
- Notify relevant organisations – A number of organisations need to be informed about the loss. Departments such as the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and other relevant government agencies participate in this process.
- Deal with online accounts – You must deal with any online accounts your loved one may have, including online banking and social media accounts. Platforms may have different Terms of Service, so you will need different legal documentation to access them.
- Organise the estate – The executor of the Will is usually tasked with organising the deceased’s money and property.
What happens when a death occurs in the hospital?
When a loved one dies in hospital, the hospital staff will provide you with support in the early stages of the grieving process. A medical certificate will be issued, and the body will be stored in the hospital mortuary until the funeral director or family members are able to arrange for the body to be transported.
What to do when a death occurs at home?
If a loved one has passed away at home, the first thing you should do is contact your family physician or general practitioner. If the death was expected, a medical certificate stating the cause of death will be issued. The death should then be registered at the Register Office, where a death certificate will be issued.
In the event of a sudden death, a coroner will need to be contacted and a post-mortem examination may be required – this could delay funeral arrangements.
What happens when a death occurs abroad?
If someone dies abroad, the death must be registered with the local authorities. Also, the British Consul will need to be notified so that a death certificate can be issued by the consulate.
What to say when a death occurs?
When someone dies, there is no definitive “right” or “wrong” thing to say, but people deal with grief differently. As mourning can feel isolating or lonely, it is important to reach out to those who are grieving – a phone call or card can go a long way to comfort them.
How long until a funeral when a death occurs in the UK?
Generally, a funeral is held within one to three weeks of the death, but this may vary depending on the religious beliefs of the bereaved family. Some religions require that a loved one be buried within 24 hours of death, while others require that a certain set of rites and rituals be observed before burial.
Who is the next of kin when a death occurs?
Next of kin refers to a person’s closest living relative or relatives. Priority is usually accorded in the following order:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
If you would like more information about the services we offer or would like to speak to a member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01675 462294 or you can send us a message using our contact form and we will contact you as soon as we can. We are here to help and support you.
Our funeral services
Burial Services
We understand that saying goodbye to a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. Our burial services are designed to provide a meaningful and respectful farewell, honouring the life and memories of your cherished family member or friend.
Cremation Services
We recognise that every life is unique, and the farewell should reflect the individuality and cherished memories of your loved one. Our cremation services offer a compassionate and respectful way to honour their legacy, providing a sense of closure and comfort during this challenging time.
Funeral Vehicles
Throughout the years, we have taken great pride in supplying the highest quality funeral vehicles to our customers, with a wide range of modern and vintage vehicles to select from. We are very proud of our fleet of Jaguar hearses, limousines and vintage Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II hearse.
Horse Carriages
We offer horse carriages for funerals and memorial services. The carriages are available in a selection of colours including black, white, silver or plume and can be accompanied by either two or four horses. Our impressive horses and carriages are a fitting tribute for your loved ones final journey.
Coffins & Caskets
There is a large selection of coffins & caskets, to suit all budgets and preferences. All of our selection are supplied with a range of satin linings and matching gowns. They are available in a light or dark oak finish and can be dressed with wooden, gold or various coloured bar handles.
Cremation Urns
When choosing a cremation urn for a loved one, we understand how important it can be to make it as meaningful as possible. If you need help with the process, our team of professionals will be able to guide you and assist you throughout the process, as well as explain all the options that are available to you.
Funeral Plans
A funeral plan is an easy way to arrange the funeral you want in advance. A plan allows you to specify your wishes and pay for the funeral director’s services included in your plan. As our customers often tell us, that can bring peace of mind to you and your family.
Funeral Packages
There is a range of funeral packages tailored to the type of ceremony you would like for your loved one. In order to make it unique and special for you. We will provide you with a full estimate for the funeral, including all related third-party costs, before you need to confirm the arrangements.
Memorial Masonry
A memorial is more than just a marker on a grave – it is a symbol of remembrance that represents a lifetime. It is a tribute to a life ended and perhaps a final gift to someone dearly loved. We offer a large selection of headstones at prices to suit all budgets.
Can’t recommend this company enough. They work with such amazing empathy and compassion.
Lucy Bailie
I would like to say thank you to all of the staff from the office to the drivers bearers and especially Matthew everything we wanted for our mum Evelyn Harmer was carried out with such dignity and respect and you all made a very difficult time a lot easier for myself my brother and family and friends. Can’t thank you enough!
Sharon Marchant
Fantastic independent company, who treat their family’s like they are one of their own. Nothing is too much trouble, and they make sure the service they receive is individual and special every time. They’ve looked after friends of mine in their darkest times, and they always come away feeling they had the best send off for their loved ones. George is always professional, yet welcoming, a hard balance to strike. Shirley is equally as caring and helpful, they make a great team.
Kerry Jones
M G Evans staff were implacable from start to finish. Extremely helpful with every part of my grandmothers funeral. All staff showed empathy throughout such an awful time for me and my family. Nothing was ever too much, all of the team were approachable and went above and beyond to make it a personal experience. I would highly recommend M G Evans.
Lydia Pattinson
George at M G Evans was truly wonderful in dealing with everything after the passing of my Uncle. Nothing was too much trouble and he made both my mum and I feel at ease. Truly wonderful family business who care about you.
L Taylor
Wonderful staff who bought a smile to my face at even the worst time. They make it a very personal experience due to being a family business which is why I chose them and I’m so glad I did. Thank you so much.
Miss Wood
From start to finish they was impeccable. Evans funeral directors was recommended by pretty much every person I asked as I knew my fathers illness was incurable. Family business that I can’t recommend highly enough! Will never forget the care I was given.
Mike Phillips
Want to say a big thank you for all the help with the arrangements for my mum’s funeral. Especially to George who was very compassionate and even when we thought we’d run in to a problem told me not to worry and he was right. Everything on the day was right. I would highly recommend Evans to anyone thanks again.
Karen Stanley
We have always used these in the family and every time has been magical. M G Evans are by far the most amazing people. Keep up the good work everyone.
Matty Armstrong
Areas we cover
We cover all areas of the United Kingdom including England, Scotland and Wales.
(We do not cover Isle of Wright, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and Scottish Islands)