What to do when someone dies

If a death occurs at home, it will usually be confirmed by a qualified professional such as a GP, oncall doctor, paramedic, or registered nurse. Once this has been confirmed, the family may contact us to arrange for their loved one to be brought into our care.

Changes to the registration of deaths

From 9 September 2024, the process for registering a death has changed. All deaths must now undergo an independent review by a medical examiner or, in some cases, a coroner.

• A medical practitioner (usually a GP) will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), setting out the proposed cause of death.
• The MCCD is then referred to a medical examiner, who will carefully review the certificate before it is submitted to the registrar.
• As part of this process, the medical examiner will contact the bereaved family to discuss the death and address any concerns.

This replaces the previous system where the attending practitioner sent the MCCD directly to the registrar. While the new process is designed to improve accuracy and consistency, it may result in longer waiting times for death certificates, which can affect funeral arrangements and estate administration.

When the coroner is involved

Most deaths reported to the coroner are natural, but the exact cause may be uncertain. A death will be referred to the coroner if:

• The cause of death is unknown or unexpected
• The death may be unnatural or suspicious
• The death occurred during surgery
• The death was linked to an industrial disease
• The death was the result of an accident

A representative from the coroner’s office will usually speak with a close relative and the doctors involved in care before deciding whether a postmortem examination is necessary. This examination is carried out solely to establish the cause of death.

• If the cause is found to be natural and no inquest is required, the coroner will issue a document allowing the death to be registered.
• If further investigation is needed, the coroner will open an inquest. In most cases, the deceased will be released at this stage so that funeral arrangements can proceed.

Who can register a death

A death may be registered by:

• A relative of the deceased
• Someone present at the death
• The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
• Another person living at the house who was aware of the death
• The person arranging the funeral

Information required

When registering a death, you will be asked to provide:

• Date and place of death
• Full name of the deceased (including any previous names)
• Date and place of birth
• Last occupation
• Name and occupation of spouse or civil partner
• Usual address
• Details of any pension or allowance from public funds
• Date of birth of the surviving spouse or civil partner (if applicable)

Supporting documents such as passports, birth or marriage certificates, and proof of address may be requested, but their absence will not prevent registration.

Certificates issued

The registrar will issue:

• A certificate for burial or cremation (or, in some cases, a document from the coroner)
• A certificate for the Department of Social Security, which can be used for relevant claims

Copies of the death certificate can be purchased at the time of registration for £12.50 each. Additional copies can be obtained later if required, for example by banks, insurance companies, or for estate administration.

‘Tell Us Once’ service

The Tell Us Once service helps families notify government departments and local council services following a death. Information about this service will be provided when you make an appointment to register the death, and it is usually offered at the same time as registration.

In the event of a death in hospital, the bereavement team will reach out to the family to offer guidance and support through the next steps.

In most cases, we are unable to take the deceased from hospital, into our care until the family has completed the death registration process.

Changes to the registration of deaths

From 9 September 2024, the process for registering a death has changed. All deaths must now undergo an independent review by a medical examiner or, in some cases, a coroner.

• A medical practitioner (usually a GP) will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), setting out the proposed cause of death.
• The MCCD is then referred to a medical examiner, who will carefully review the certificate before it is submitted to the registrar.
• As part of this process, the medical examiner will contact the bereaved family to discuss the death and address any concerns.

This replaces the previous system where the attending practitioner sent the MCCD directly to the registrar. While the new process is designed to improve accuracy and consistency, it may result in longer waiting times for death certificates, which can affect funeral arrangements and estate administration.

When the coroner is involved

Most deaths reported to the coroner are natural, but the exact cause may be uncertain. A death will be referred to the coroner if:

• The cause of death is unknown or unexpected
• The death may be unnatural or suspicious
• The death occurred during surgery
• The death was linked to an industrial disease
• The death was the result of an accident

A representative from the coroner’s office will usually speak with a close relative and the doctors involved in care before deciding whether a postmortem examination is necessary. This examination is carried out solely to establish the cause of death.

• If the cause is found to be natural and no inquest is required, the coroner will issue a document allowing the death to be registered.
• If further investigation is needed, the coroner will open an inquest. In most cases, the deceased will be released at this stage so that funeral arrangements can proceed.

Who can register a death

A death may be registered by:

• A relative of the deceased
• Someone present at the death
• The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
• Another person living at the house who was aware of the death
• The person arranging the funeral

Information required

When registering a death, you will be asked to provide:

• Date and place of death
• Full name of the deceased (including any previous names)
• Date and place of birth
• Last occupation
• Name and occupation of spouse or civil partner
• Usual address
• Details of any pension or allowance from public funds
• Date of birth of the surviving spouse or civil partner (if applicable)

Supporting documents such as passports, birth or marriage certificates, and proof of address may be requested, but their absence will not prevent registration.

Certificates issued

The registrar will issue:

• A certificate for burial or cremation (or, in some cases, a document from the coroner)
• A certificate for the Department of Social Security, which can be used for relevant claims

Copies of the death certificate can be purchased at the time of registration for £12.50 each. Additional copies can be obtained later if required, for example by banks, insurance companies, or for estate administration.

‘Tell Us Once’ service

The Tell Us Once service helps families notify government departments and local council services following a death. Information about this service will be provided when you make an appointment to register the death, and it is usually offered at the same time as registration.

 

Here you can find details of Derbyshire Registration Offices (also known as Register or Registry Offices).

Opening hours for registrations of death are correct to the best of our knowledge. It is essential that you make an appointment before visiting any of the following registration offices.

If you are uncertain about anything, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Ashbourne	Bakewell	Buxton
Ashbourne Library 2 Compton Ashbourne DE6 1DA	Town Hall Bakewell DE45 1BW	Town Hall Market Place Buxton SK17 6EL
T: 01629 533968	T: 01629 535261	T: 01629 535075
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday and Wednesday 10:00am – 12:30pm Friday 1:30pm – 4:00pm	Monday – Friday 9:00am – 12:30pm and 1:00pm – 4:30pm	Monday – Wednesday 9:30am – 12:30pm and 1:00pm – 4:30pm Thursday and Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm and 1:00pm – 5:00pm

 

Chesterfield	Derby	Glossop
Chesterfield Town Hall Chesterfield S40 1LP	Customer Service Centre The Council House Corporation Street Derby DE1 2FS	Municipal Buildings Glossop Derbyshire SK13 8AF
T: 01629 533110 / 01629 533111 / 533112	T: 01332 641680	T: 01629 531503 / 01629 535261 / 535075
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm	Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm	Wednesday only 9:30am – 1:00pm and 1:30pm – 4:00pm

 

Macclesfield	New Mills	Ripley
Town Hall Extension Market Place Macclesfield SK10 1EA	Town Hall New Mills High Peak SK22 4AT	Town Hall Market Place Ripley DE5 3BT
T: 0300 1235019	T: 01629 533686 / 01629 535261 / 535075	T: 01629 532609
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm	Tuesday only 10:00am – 12:30pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm	Monday – Friday 9:00am – 1:00pm and 1:30pm – 4:00pm

 

Royal Derby Hospital	Sheffield	Stockport
Uttoxeter New Road Derby DE22 3NE	Town Hall Pinstone Street S1 2HH	Town Hall John Street Stockport SK1 3XE
T: 01332 785557	T: 0144 2039427	T: 0161 2176007
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday – Friday 9:45am – 3:45pm	Monday – Thursday 8:45am – 4:45pm Friday 8:45am – 4:45pm	Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

 

Understanding Probate

Probate is the legal process that gives someone the authority to manage a person’s estate after they have died. This includes dealing with their money, property and personal possessions.

Funeral Costs Before Probate

Most banks allow funeral expenses to be paid directly from the deceased’s account before probate is granted. This is one of the few exceptions where funds can be released early.

How it works:
The bank will pay us directly once you provide:

• The funeral invoice (not a quote)
• A death certificate or interim certificate
• Your ID and any bank-specific forms

The bank then transfers the payment straight to us.

1. Check whether you actually need probate

You usually do need probate if the person had:

• A property in their sole name
• Bank accounts with balances typically between £5,000–£50,000 (varies by bank)
• Investments held in their own name
• Life insurance policies not held in trust

You may not need probate if:

• All assets were jointly owned (they normally pass automatically to the survivor)
• Bank balances were low and the bank agrees to release funds without probate
• Major assets were held in a trust

If you’re unsure, contact each bank or asset provider to check their requirements.

1. Find the Will

If there is a will:

• Locate the original document
• Identify who is named as executor (only executors can administer the estate)

If there is no will:
The closest next-of-kin—usually a spouse or children—applies for Letters of Administration.

1. Value the Estate

You’ll need a complete valuation of:

Assets

• Bank accounts
• Property (use a valuation or online estimate)
• Investments, shares, pensions
• Vehicles
• Personal belongings

Liabilities

• Mortgages and loans
• Credit cards
• Utility bills or care-home fees
• Funeral costs

This valuation determines whether Inheritance Tax (IHT) is owed.

1. Check for Inheritance Tax

The inheritance tax threshold is generally:

• £325,000 Nil-Rate Band
• Up to £500,000 if a home is left to children or grandchildren

Rates and rules vary depending on circumstances such as gifts made before death.

If no tax is due, you usually complete form IHT205.
If tax is due or the estate is complex, you must complete IHT400 and additional forms.
Some tax may need to be paid before probate is granted, often using funds from the deceased’s bank account.

1. Apply for Probate

Apply Online

Through the official GOV.UK service. You’ll need:

• Death certificate
• Original will (posted after the online application)
• Completed IHT forms or HMRC reference
• Full estate valuation
• The probate fee (around £273)

Apply by Post

Use forms:

• PA1P – if there is a will
• PA1A – if there is no will

Send these with the original will (if applicable) and death certificate.

1. Processing Time

Most applications take 4–16 weeks, depending on complexity and processing times.
The Probate Registry may contact you for more information if needed.

1. Administer the Estate

Once you receive the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, you can:

1. Collect all assets
2. Pay any debts and taxes
3. Prepare final estate accounts
4. Distribute remaining funds to beneficiaries

Keep clear records—beneficiaries have the right to request them.

Helpful Tips

• Contact banks early to confirm their probate thresholds
• Order several death certificates (5–10 is recommended)
• Keep a spreadsheet of all assets, liabilities and correspondence
• Notify all relevant organisations promptly
• Avoid distributing any funds until all debts and taxes are settled

When to Consider a Solicitor

Professional support is recommended if:

• The estate is large or complex
• Inheritance Tax is payable
• There are disputes among family members
• The will is unclear or missing
• There are foreign assets or business interests

If someone dies at home, this will usually be confirmed by a qualified professional, i.e. a GP, on-call Doctor, Paramedic or Qualified Nurse. Once the death has been confirmed, the family may contact us to arrange for their loved one to be taken into our care. Sometime later, the deceased’s GP will issue the Medical Certificate that states the cause of death. This is the certificate that needs to go to the Registrar (see Registering a Death).

The same applies if the death occurs at a nursing home, although the nursing home would normally contact us direct once the death is confirmed.

In the case of a small cottage/local hospital, the same applies regarding confirmation of death etc, the only difference being, the hospital have an arrangement with a local funeral director to look after the deceased until the paperwork is complete. The family then have a choice of which funeral director to use.

If the Coroner is involved

The majority of deaths notified to the Coroner are completely natural but the cause of death is not certain. The following deaths would be reported to the Coroner.

• Where the cause of death is unknown or unexpected.
• Where the cause of death is believed to be unnatural or suspicious.
• Where the death occurred during an operation.
• Where the death occurred due to an industrial disease.
• Where the death is due to an accident.

Usually, someone from the Coroner’s Office will speak to a near relative or their representative, as well as any doctors who have been looking after the deceased before deciding if a Post- Mortem is necessary. The purpose of this examination is to determine the cause of death and is not done for research or any other purpose.

If the cause of death is found to be natural and there are no other circumstances requiring an Inquest, the Coroner will provide a document allowing the death to be registered.

If the death was not due to natural causes and further tests are needed to find the cause of death, the Coroner will open an Inquest. They will usually release the deceased at this stage and allow the funeral to go ahead.

Registering a death

A death must be registered within 5 days of it’s occurrence. This period may be extended in exceptional circumstances and
if the Coroner is involved. The registration must take place in the district where the death happened.

Who can register a death?

• A relative of the deceased
• Someone present at the death
• The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
• Another person living at the house, if he or she knew of the death
• The person making the arrangements with the funeral directors

Information will you need

You will be asked the following information:

• Date and place of death
• Name and surname of the deceased and any other names he/she have been known by Maiden surname (for married women)
• Date and place of birth
• Last occupation
• Name and occupation of spouse or civil partner
• Usual address
• Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds
• If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the date of birth of the surviving widow/widower/civil partner

You will need to take the medical certificate issued by the doctor, stating the cause of death.
The deceased person’s:

• Passport
• Medical card
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)
• All marriage/civil partnership certificates
• Birth certificate
• Deed poll or statutory declaration if appropriate

Your:

• Passport
• Driving licence if held
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)

The absence of supporting documents will not prevent registration.

The registrar will issue a certificate for burial or cremation, in some cases a document may be issued by the coroner. This is normally passed to the funeral director by the relative making the arrangements. A certificate for sending to the Department of Social Security will also be issued by the registrar. The form gives details of the death and an application for applicable claims.

Where the coroner is involved a different procedure may apply.

Death certificates

After a death has been registered, one or more certificates may be bought at the same time of registration at a cost of £11 each. If copies of the death certificate are required after the registration we can advise you on the fees.

You will need these copies for banks, insurance companies etc, and to administer the estate of the person who has died.

Tell Us Once service

When someone has died the Tell us Once service can help you tell the people who need to know. There are lots of things that need to be done, at a time when you probably least feel like doing them. One of these is contacting government departments and local council services that need to be told.

When you make an appointment to register the death we will give you more information about the Tell us Once service and how you can use it. The service is usually provided at the same time as registering the death.

If someone dies in a large hospital the family will probably have to wait for administrative staff to contact them with an appointment to collect the medical certificate, they can also sometimes help with booking an appointment at the registrars.

It is usual for the deceased to remain at the hospital while this is taking place. Once the paperwork is complete, we would then go to the hospital to collect the deceased.

In all of the above circumstances, the funeral director would arrange for completion of form 5 if cremation is requested.

If the coroner is involved

The majority of deaths notified to the coroner are completely natural but the cause of death is not certain. The following deaths would be reported to the coroner.

• Where the cause of death is unknown or unexpected.
• Where the cause of death is believed to be unnatural or suspicious.
• Where the death occurred during an operation.
• Where the death occurred due to an industrial disease.
• Where the death is due to an accident.

Usually, someone from the coroner’s office will speak to a near relative or their representative, as well as any doctors who have been looking after the deceased before deciding if a post-mortem is necessary. The purpose of this examination is to determine the cause of death and is not done for research or any other purpose.

If the cause of death is found to be natural and there are no other circumstances requiring an Inquest, the coroner will provide a document allowing the death to be registered.

If the death was not due to natural causes and further tests are needed to find the cause of death, the coroner will open an Inquest. They will usually release the deceased at this stage and allow the funeral to go ahead.

Registering a death

A death must be registered within 5 days of it’s occurrence. This period may be extended in exceptional circumstances and if the coroner is involved. The registration must take place in the district where the death happened.

Who can register a death?

• A relative of the deceased
• Someone present at the death
• The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
• Another person living at the house, if he or she knew of the death
• The person making the arrangements with the funeral directors

Information will you need

You will be asked the following information:

• Date and place of death
• Name and surname of the deceased and any other names he/she have been known by Maiden surname (for married women)
• Date and place of birth
• Last occupation
• Name and occupation of spouse or civil partner
• Usual address
• Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds
• If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the date of birth of the surviving widow/widower/civil partner

You will need to take the medical certificate issued by the doctor, stating the cause of death.
The deceased person’s:

• Passport
• Medical card
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)
• All marriage/civil partnership certificates
• Birth certificate
• Deed poll or statutory declaration if appropriate

Your:

• Passport
• Driving licence if held
• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill)

The absence of supporting documents will not prevent registration.

The registrar will issue a certificate for burial or cremation, in some cases a document may be issued by the coroner. This is normally passed to the funeral director by the relative making the arrangements. A certificate for sending to the Department of Social Security will also be issued by the registrar. The form gives details of the death and an application for applicable claims.

Where the coroner is involved a different procedure may apply.

Death certificates

After a death has been registered, one or more certificates may be bought at the same time of registration at a cost of £11 each. If copies of the death certificate are required after the registration we can advise you on the fees.

You will need these copies for banks, insurance companies etc, and to administer the estate of the person who has died.

Tell Us Once service

When someone has died the Tell us Once service can help you tell the people who need to know. There are lots of things that need to be done, at a time when you probably least feel like doing them. One of these is contacting government departments and local council services that need to be told.

When you make an appointment to register the death we will give you more information about the Tell us Once service and how you can use it. The service is usually provided at the same time as registering the death.

 

Here you can find details of Derbyshire registration offices (also known as register or registry offices).

Opening hours for registrations of death are correct to the best of our knowledge. It is essential that you make an appointment before visiting any of the following registration offices.

If you are uncertain about anything, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Ashbourne	Bakewell	Buxton
Ashbourne Library 2 Compton Ashbourne DE6 1DA	Town Hall Bakewell DE45 1BW	Town Hall Market Place Buxton SK17 6EL
T: 01629 533968	T: 01629 535261	T: (01629) 535075
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday and Wednesday: 10am – 12:30pm Friday: 1.30pm – 4pm	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00am – 12.45pm	Monday & Wednesday 9.00am – 2.00pm Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm (By appointment only);

 

Chesterfield	Derby	Glossop
Chesterfield Town Hall Chesterfield S40 1LP	Customer Service Centre The Council House Corporation Street Derby, DE1 2FS	Municipal Buildings Glossop Derbyshire SK13 8AF
T: 01629 533110/533111/533112	T: 01332 641680	T: 01629 531503
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 9am – 4:30pm	Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm	Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8.30pm – 2.00pm

 

Macclesfield	Matlock	New Mills
Town Hall Extension Market Place Macclesfield SK10 1EA	Town Hall Matlock DE4 3NN	Town Hall New Mils High Peak SK22 4AT
T: 0300 123 5019	T: (01629) 582870	T: 01629 533686
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9am – 4.30pm	Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 1.30pm – 4.30pm	Tuesday (By appointment only) 2.30pm – 4.30pm

 

Ripley	Royal Derby Hospital	Sheffield
Town Hall Market Place Ripley DE5 3BT	Uttoxeter New Road Derby DE22 3NE	Town Hall Pinstone St S1 2HH
T: 01629 532609	T: 01332 785557	T: (0144) 2039427
Opening Times	Opening Times	Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9.00am -1.00pm and 1.30pm to 4.00pm	Monday to Friday 9.45am – 3.45pm	Monday – Thursday: 8.45am – 5.15pm Friday: 8.45am – 4.45pm

 

Stockport
Town Hall John Street Stockport SK1 3XE
T: 0161 217 6007
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm