What Happens When Someone Dies

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Guidance and Support — One Step at a Time

When someone dies, it can be hard to know where to begin. Emotions and questions often arrive quickly — and sometimes late at night — which is why Robert A. Drew & Son are here to offer calm, clear guidance when you need it most.

From the moment of passing to the funeral arrangements, we will support you with dignity, clarity and sensitivity. Every step is explained gently, including important legal requirements such as the Medical Examiner process introduced nationally in September 2024.

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Step 1: Immediate Actions

If the Death Occurs at Home

  • Contact the GP — they can confirm the death if expected.
  • If outside surgery hours, call NHS 111 for advice.
  • A medical professional must verify the death before arrangements begin.

If the Death Occurs in Hospital or a Care Home

Staff will guide you through the early steps. A doctor may attend to begin the required paperwork.

If the Death Is Sudden or Unexpected

  • Call 999 immediately.
  • Emergency services may attend.
  • The death may be referred to the Coroner.

Step 2: Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death is confirmed, you may contact us at any time. We will bring your loved one into our care with respect and professionalism and explain the next steps gently.

Robert A. Drew & Son Ltd

We are available 24/7, 365 days a year

Step 3: The Medical Examiner Process

Introduced nationally — 9 September 2024

Before a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be issued, the new Medical Examiner system must review all deaths in England & Wales. This ensures clarity and consistency for families.

The Medical Examiner Will:

  • 1 Review medical notes
  • 2 Speak to the attending doctor
  • 3 Decide if a certificate can be issued
  • 4 Refer to the Coroner if needed

Step 4: Registering the Death

A death in England & Wales should be registered within 5 days at the Register Office in the area where the death occurred.

Who Can Register

Across three generations, we have built our reputation on compassion, clarity and professionalism.

  • A close relative
  • Someone present at the time of death
  • The person arranging the funeral (not the funeral director)

Information You Will Need

  • Full name, address and date of birth of the deceased
  • Date and place of death
  • Occupation
  • Details of spouse or civil partner
  • National Insurance number (if known)
  • Details of any benefits or pensions

Local Register Offices — Hull & East Riding

Hull Register Office

City Customer Service Centre, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull HU1 2AA
Tel: 01482 300300

East Riding Register Office

Treasury House, The Old Library, Champney Road, Beverley HU17 8HE

Tel: 01482 393600

To find other register offices:
www.gov.uk/register-offices

Step 5: If the Coroner Becomes Involved

A coroner may be required if the death was:

  • Sudden, unexpected or unexplained
  • Without recent medical attendance
  • During surgery or a work-related incident

Local Coroner Contacts

East Riding & Hull Coroner’s Service
Coroner’s Office, County Hall, Beverley, HU17 9BA
Tel: 01482 393920
Email: coroner@eastriding.gov.uk

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Step 6: Tell Us Once Service

This government service notifies multiple organisations in one go, including:

  • DWP — pensions and benefits
  • HMRC — tax records
  • DVLA — driving licence
  • Passport Office
  • Local council services

Your registrar will help you set this up after registration.

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Step 7: Arranging the Funeral

After the death is registered and the Green Form has been issued, we can begin making arrangements.

We will guide you through choices including:

  • Direct Cremation
  • Simple or Traditional Cremation
  • Bespoke Funeral Services
  • Burial Arrangements
  • Woodland or Natural Burial
  • Thanksgiving or Memorial Services

Your loved one remains in our care at all times in a peaceful and safe environment.

Step 8: Legal, Practical & Financial Matters

After the funeral, you may need to:

  • Notify banks and insurers
  • Start probate (if there is a will)
  • Follow intestacy rules (if no will exists)
  • Contact pension or benefit providers
  • Close utility accounts

We can offer general guidance or recommend specialist support if needed.

Step 9: Emotional Support & Bereavement Care

There is no “right way” to grieve — and support is available when you need it.

Local & National Support Services

  • Cruse Bereavement Support — 0808 808 1677
  • Samaritans — 116 123 (24 hrs)
  • Hull & East Yorkshire Mind — 01482 240000
  • Child Bereavement UK — 0800 02 888 40
  • Hospice Support (Hull) – Acorn Hospice — 01482 344344

If you would like help finding further services, we can assist you.

Printable Checklist — Download & Keep

To help you feel more in control during a difficult time, we have created a Printable Checklist that summarises all key steps in order.

It includes:

  • Immediate actions
  • Who to contact
  • Documents you will need
  • Registration steps
  • Funeral arrangements
  • Practical tasks after the funeral
Download the Checklist

We Are Here When You Need Us

There is no obligation, and no question is ever too small.

Contact Us

Robert A. Drew & Son Ltd

We listen. We guide. We take care — one step at a time.

What To Do When Someone Dies – Quick Checklist

(You do not need to do everything at once. Take this one step at a time.)

Immediate Actions

If the death occurs at home (expected):

  • Contact the GP to verify the death
  • If outside GP hours, call NHS 111

If the death occurs in hospital or a care home:

  • Staff will guide you through the initial steps
  • A doctor will begin the medical documentation

If the death is sudden or unexpected:

  • Call 999 immediately
  • Police and paramedics may attend
  • The death may be referred to the Coroner
  • Ensure a medical professional has verified the death

Contact a Funeral Director

  • Contact Robert A. Drew & Son
  • Arrange for your loved one to be brought into care
  • Discuss next steps at your own pace

Robert A. Drew & Son Ltd

Medical Examiner Process (England & Wales)

  • Medical Examiner reviews medical records
  • Medical Examiner speaks with the attending doctor
  • Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued
  • Case referred to Coroner (if required)

Register the Death (Within 5 Days)

  • Book an appointment with the Register Office
  • Take required information and documents

You will need:

  • Full name, address and date of birth of the deceased
  • Date and place of death
  • Occupation
  • Spouse or civil partner details (if applicable)
  • National Insurance number (if known)
  • Details of pensions or benefits

You will receive:

  • Green Form (for burial or cremation)
  • BD8 Form (DWP / pensions)
  • Death Certificates (buy extra copies if needed)

Local Register Offices

  • Hull Register Office

    City Customer Service Centre, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull HU1 2AA
    📞 01482 300300

  • East Riding Register Office

    County Hall, Beverley HU17 9BA
    📞 01482 394899

  • Find others at: www.gov.uk/register-offices

If the Coroner Is Involved

  • Await guidance from the Coroner’s Office
  • Provide information if requested
  • Funeral arrangements may proceed once released

Local Coroner:

  • Hull & East Riding Coroner’s Service

    County Hall, Beverley HU17 9BA
    📞 01482 393920
    📧 coroner@eastriding.gov.uk

Tell Us Once Service

  • Use Tell Us Once via the registrar
  • Notify DWP, HMRC, DVLA, Passport Office & Council
  • Keep the reference number provided

Arrange the Funeral

  • Choose cremation or burial
  • Select type of service:
  • Direct Cremation
  • Simple Cremation
  • Traditional / Bespoke Funeral
  • Burial or Natural Burial
  • Choose date, time and location
  • Discuss music, readings and personal touches
  • Confirm arrangements with your funeral director

After the Funeral – Practical Matters

  • Notify banks and building societies
  • Contact insurers
  • Notify pension providers
  • Arrange probate (if there is a will)
  • Follow intestacy rules (if no will exists)
  • Close or transfer utility accounts

Bereavement & Emotional Support

  • Cruse Bereavement Support — 0808 808 1677
  • Samaritans (24 hrs) — 116 123
  • Hull & East Yorkshire Mind — 01482 240000
  • Child Bereavement UK — 0800 02 888 40
  • Ask us for local counselling or support groups

Remember

  • Take breaks when needed
  • Ask for help — you don’t have to do this alone
  • There is no “right” timescale for grief

Robert A. Drew & Sons

We listen. We guide. We take care — one step at a time.