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What to do When Someone Passes

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    A Step-By-Step Guide from Sussex Direct Cremation

What to Do When Someone Passes Away

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. During this challenging time, it’s important to understand the steps that need to be taken, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible. This guide provides clear instructions and relevant contacts for families in Sussex, helping you navigate the necessary arrangements with support and care.

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1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

Cemetery

At Home:

Contact the Deceased’s GP: If the death occurs at home, the deceased’s GP should be contacted to confirm the death and issue the medical certificate of cause of death. If it’s outside of regular hours, you can call 111 for guidance.

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In a Hospital or Care Home:

Hospital or Care Home Staff: If the death occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will inform you of the next steps and assist with the necessary paperwork.

2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death has been confirmed, the next step is to contact a funeral director. Sussex Direct Cremation offers professional and compassionate services. We handle all arrangements locally and ensure your loved one is treated with dignity and respect. Our team will guide you through the process with care and understanding.

Contact Sussex Direct Cremation:

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3. Death Certification Process

  • Medical Examiner Review: In line with current regulations, a medical examiner will review the circumstances surrounding the death. They will either approve the death certificate or refer the case to a coroner for further investigation.
  • Coroner’s Referral: If the case is referred to the coroner, they will determine whether further investigation is necessary.
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4. Registering the Death

The death must be registered within five days. To complete the registration, you will need:

  • A medical certificate showing the cause of death.
  • Personal details of the deceased (full name, date and place of birth, address, and occupation).
  • Details of a spouse or civil partner, if applicable.

Once registered, you will receive a death certificate, which will be needed for funeral and legal arrangements.

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Local Register Offices:

Brighton & Hove Register Office:

Eastbourne Register Office:

Worthing Register Office:

Hastings Town Hall

Crowborough Register Office

Canterbury

Kent County Council Registration Offices

Kent County Council operates several registration offices across the county. Below are the contact details for some key locations:A Kentish Ceremony

Maidstone (Oakwood House)

Tunbridge Wells (The Mansion House)

5. Arranging the Funeral

Once the death is registered, funeral arrangements can proceed. Sussex Direct Cremation offers simple, respectful direct cremation services. We handle everything, from the necessary paperwork to returning the ashes within five working days. This allows you to take the time to plan a personal tribute if desired.

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6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters

After registering the death, there are important legal and financial matters to attend to:

  • Notify Banks and Insurance Providers: Inform the deceased’s bank, insurance providers, and other organizations of the death.
  • Begin the Probate Process: If the deceased left a will, the probate process will need to begin. If there is no will, intestacy laws will apply to distribute the estate.

7. Seek Grief Support

Grief is a personal experience, and everyone processes it differently. There is support available through family, friends, and professional bereavement counsellors.

Grief Support Services:

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    Cruse Bereavement Care

    Helpline: 0808 808 1677
    Website: www.cruse.org.uk

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    Samaritans

    Helpline: 116 123
    Website: www.samaritans.org

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    Local Support Services

    Sussex: Support through the Sussex Bereavement Service (contactable via the NHS or local council websites).

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Additional Guidance

Coroner Involvement:

If the death was sudden, unexplained, or the deceased was not under medical care, a coroner may need to be involved. This could involve a post-mortem or an inquest to establish the cause of death.

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Tell Us Once Service:

The Tell Us Once service allows you to notify government departments about the death, including:

  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
  • HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • DVLA
  • Passport Office
  • Local council services
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Other Contacts to Notify:

  • Car Insurance Providers: Update or cancel policies as necessary.
  • Doctors, Dentists, and Hospitals: Cancel appointments.
  • Utility Providers: Contact utility providers and postal services to close accounts or redirect mail.

Useful Contacts in Sussex

When the time comes to make arrangements, Sussex Direct Cremation is here to support you with compassion and understanding. Below is a list of useful contacts across the region:

Hospitals:

Coroners:

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When the time comes to make arrangements, Sussex Direct Cremation is here to provide you with the support, care, and dignity your loved one deserves. Contact us today to discuss your needs

Sussex Direct Cremation:

Let us help you say goodbye in a meaningful way during this difficult time.

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