When Someone Dies

When you experience a bereavement, it can be a confusing time and you may feel overwhelmed by everything. It is not unusual for people to feel unsure of how to arrange a funeral service and register a death. We will help and guide you through every step and provide advice on other things you may need to think about when someone dies – contact us when you feel ready to make the call.

Once the Registrars have received the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from the Medical Examiner, a Registrar will telephone the next of kin to make an appointment for a face to face registration at the office.

Who can Register a Death?

Someone present at the death

The occupier of the house where death occurred or an administrator of the hospital

The person making arrangements with the Funeral Directors.

What to Take?

Your own personal identification e.g. Passport, Driving Licence, Council Tax Bill or proof of address such as a utility bill.

In addition, it is often useful to take the deceased’s Birth Certificate, NHS Medical Card, Marriage Certificate (if applicable).

What Documents Will be Given?

Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form). This must be handed to the Funeral Director, so that arrangements can be made for the funeral to take place.

In certain circumstances a form will be issued by the coroner instead.

Certified copies can be purchased at the time of registration.

There are a number of reasons why a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) may not be issued immediately and a referral to the Coroner made:

• A death has been sudden, unexpected or within 24 hours of admission to hospital.
• A person has been ill but the doctor confirming the death is not certain why it happened at that particular time.
• A death has been caused as a result of an accident or unusual circumstances. A surgical procedure has taken place within the last year.
• The death may be related to a person’s employment (past or present).

The Coroner will look at the circumstances of the death and decide what happens next, this may take some time. The Coroner’s office will contact you directly to advise of the next steps.

Post-mortem examinations are sometimes necessary in order to establish the cause of death, and in these cases are required by the Coroner. If the Coroner orders a post-mortem examination it becomes a legal obligation, and although you can raise any objections that you may have, there is no right to refusal.

Click here to visit DWP guidance on making a claim

Click here for the claim form SF200

The Department for Work & Pensions may be able to help with the cost of some of the funeral charges.

Please see the links above for guidance on who can submit a claim and the claim form SF200. You can also claim by telephoning 0800 731 0469.

Some people find visiting their loved one in our Chapel of Rest comforting and a chance to say their final farewells in private; others may find it too upsetting – it really is a personal choice and we are here to help and support in any way we can.

Our Chapel visit times are Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.

Other times available by special appointment (additional charges will apply).

Please call us in advance of your planned visit to ensure that the chapel is fully prepared for you.

Most people expect to be very upset or distressed when someone close to them has died. What takes many people by surprise is how strong the emotions can be, how they can change very quickly, and how long they last.

People around you may seem to think you should be ‘back to normal’ after a few weeks or months. You might appear to be your usual self to other people, but you know that on the inside, you’re not even sure what normal is anymore.

Everyone grieves in a way that is unique to them and their relationship with the person who has died. Well-intentioned people may say to you, ‘Time is a great healer.’ Sometimes, however, it can seem that life is more difficult as the weeks and months go by.

We know that no-one can understand exactly what your loss feels like to you. But we do understand that it’s sometimes easier to talk to someone outside of your friends and family about grief and the impact of bereavement of your life and this is why we offer you support via SAIF Care and GriefChat services.

Click the logos below to find out more about their services.

Registrars Offices

Sutton in Ashfield Register Office
The Library
Sutton in Ashfield
Notts
NG17 1BP

Telephone: 0300 5008080

Mansfield Register Office
100 Chesterfield Road South
Mansfield
Notts
NG19 7DN

Telephone: 0300 5008080

Chesterfield Register Office
Town Hall
Chesterfield
S40 1LP

Telephone: 01629 533110 or 01629 533111

Nottingham Register Office
The Council House
Old Market Square
Nottingham
NG1 2DT

Telephone: 01158 415553

We can also provide details of any other registrars should they be required.

 Local Coroners Office

Nottinghamshire Coroner’s Office
The Council House
Old Market Square
Nottingham
NG1 2DT

Telephone: 01158 415553

The rules governing who is entitled to arrange a funeral can often be at odds with the expectations of relatives and friends who have lost loved ones. The table below may help you understand whether you are entitled to arrange a particular funeral service – and avoid any disputes arising between family members