What to Do When Someone Passes Away
A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and knowing the steps to take can help ease the stress of arranging a funeral. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of what to do when someone passes away in Derbyshire, ensuring all legal, practical, and emotional matters are handled with care.
1. Notify the Relevant Authorities
If the Death Occurs at Home
- Contact the deceased’s GP if the death was expected.
- Outside GP hours, call NHS 111 for guidance.
- A medical professional will confirm the death and provide instructions.
If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home
- Staff will manage initial procedures and advise on next steps.
- They will arrange for a doctor to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
If the Death Was Sudden or Unexpected
- Call 999 immediately.
- Police and paramedics will attend, and the case may be referred to the coroner.
2. Contact a Funeral Director
Once the death is confirmed, contact a local funeral director to begin arrangements. At Derbyshire Direct Cremations, we provide compassionate support and guidance, including:
- Arranging the dignified transfer of your loved one into our care
- Handling all legal paperwork and documentation
- Supporting planning for a direct cremation and optional chapel arrangements
3. Understanding the Death Certification Process
Every death must now be reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate is issued.
Process Overview:
- Medical Examiner Review – Examines medical records and consults with the attending doctor
- Doctor or Coroner Decision – Determines if the attending doctor can issue the death certificate or if the coroner must be involved
- Issuance of Death Certificate – The certificate is issued if no further investigation is required
4. Registering the Death
Deaths must be registered within five days at the register office in the district where the death occurred.
Who Can Register:
- A relative of the deceased
- Someone present at the time of death
- The person responsible for funeral arrangements (not the funeral director)
Documents Needed:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
- Full name, date of birth, and last address of the deceased
- Occupation and marital status
- Spouse or civil partner details, if applicable
- State pension or benefits information
Local Register Offices in Derbyshire:
Derby Register Office
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The Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS
Chesterfield Register Office
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Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield, S40 1LP
Ilkeston Registration Office
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Town Hall Wharncliffe Road Ilkeston DE7 5RP
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Registrar of births and deaths, telephone: 01629 531382
Superintendent registrar, telephone: 01629 531344
5. Arranging the Funeral
Once the death is registered, funeral arrangements can begin. At Derbyshire Direct Cremations, we provide:
- Local care – Your loved one remains in Derbyshire, never transported long distances
- Compassionate support – Direct access to our experienced team
- Transparent pricing – All-inclusive direct cremation (£1,775) and optional chapel arrangements (£150)
6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters
Following the funeral, you may need to:
- Notify banks, insurance companies, pension providers, utilities, and other institutions
- Wills & probate – Executors manage the estate; intestacy rules apply if no will exists
- Use Tell Us Once – Government service notifying HMRC, DVLA, DWP, and other agencies in one step (gov.uk)
7. Coroner Involvement
A coroner may investigate a death if:
- Cause of death is unknown
- Death occurred suddenly or during medical treatment
- Death was not attended by a doctor in the last 14 days
Derby Coroner’s Office
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The Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS
Chesterfield Coroner’s Office
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Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield, S40 1LP
8. Bereavement Support & Additional Contacts
Grief can feel overwhelming. Support is available locally:
Cruse Bereavement Support
Samaritans
Mind Mental Health Support
Local Hospitals:
Royal Derby Hospital
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Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3NE
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
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Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield, S40 1LP
Final Thoughts
Handling the death of a loved one is never easy but knowing what to do can ease the burden. At Derbyshire Direct Cremations, we provide support, guidance, and dignified care at every stage.
We are here for you during this difficult time, providing reassurance, local expertise, and compassionate care across Derbyshire.