What To Do Do When Someone Passes

Step 1: The Doctor's Care and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

This first step is about acknowledging that a life has ended, and a doctor's gentle confirmation.

If the death occurred in a hospital, at home, or in a care home: The doctor who cared for your loved one will tenderly complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This vital document, which tells us why they passed, is now electronically sent directly to the Register Office in the district where the death occurred (e.g., Leeds or Bradford). The medical team will let you know when this compassionate step has been completed.

If the death is reported to the Coroner: Sometimes, when a death is unexpected, or if a doctor hasn't been involved for a while, the Coroner might need to gently investigate. This is a careful process to understand fully what happened. They will ensure all necessary documents are provided for registration once their enquiries are complete, and your funeral director can offer a comforting presence during any delays this may bring.

Step 2: Registering Their Passing at the Local Register Office

With the Medical Certificate gracefully sent, the next step is to formally register your loved one's passing. This creates the official record of their beautiful life ending. You must register the death in the district where the person passed away.

For deaths in Leeds: Leeds Register Office Merrion House Merrion Centre Leeds LS2 8BB (It's wise to reach out to them first – perhaps a gentle call or checking their website – to book an appointment, ensuring they are ready to receive you with the care you deserve.)

For deaths in Bradford: Bradford Register Office City Hall Bradford BD1 1HY (As with Leeds, it's advisable to check their website or call ahead to book an appointment.)

When to Register: In England, we aim for this gentle task to be completed within 5 days, unless the Coroner is lovingly involved.

Who Can Register: Usually, it's a close relative, someone who was present during their final moments, or the kind soul who is lovingly arranging the funeral.

What to Bring: While the MCCD arrives electronically, bringing your loved one's birth certificate, any marriage or civil partnership certificates, their NHS medical card, and proof of address can help paint a fuller picture for the Registrar.

What You'll Receive:

The "green form" (Certificate for Burial or Cremation): This is the key that allows their final journey to proceed with dignity. You'll gently pass this to your chosen funeral director.

Death Certificate: You can obtain official copies of this document. These are needed for the gentle unwinding of their affairs – for banks, pensions, and other important matters. It's often a kindness to get a few copies.

Form BD8 (for DWP purposes): A form to help notify the Department for Work and Pensions.

Step 3: Welcoming Your Chosen Funeral Director

This is where a compassionate and experienced funeral director, like us here at Crabtree Family Funeral Services in Pudsey, steps forward to tenderly take your hand. You can reach out to us at any point when you feel ready.

Our First Embrace: We can respectfully bring your loved one into our quiet care as soon as you wish, ensuring they rest peacefully.

Guidance with Heart: We will gently walk alongside you, listening deeply to your wishes, and helping you craft a farewell that truly tells your loved one's unique story. 

This includes:

Their Final Resting Place: Exploring options for burial or cremation, and liaising with local crematoriums (like Rawdon, Cottingley Hall in Leeds, or Shay Grange in Bradford) or peaceful cemeteries.

A Service from the Heart: Helping you design a service that speaks to their spirit – be it a quiet religious ceremony, a joyful celebration of life, or a personal reflection.

Reflecting Their Essence: Guiding you in choosing a coffin or urn that beautifully embodies who they were.

A Dignified Procession: Arranging the solemn hearse and comfortable family limousines.

The Language of Flowers: Helping you select farewell flowers that express your love and remembrance.

A Space for Shared Memories: Assisting with catering for a funeral tea, where stories can be lovingly exchanged.

Lasting Tributes: Discussing options for memorials that will forever tell their story.

Gentle Administration: Helping you understand the necessary paperwork with ease.

Step 4: Sharing the News with Love

When your heart feels ready, gently share the news with close family and cherished friends. It can be a comfort to ask a few trusted souls to help spread the word to a wider circle. Choose the way you share that feels most right for you – a quiet call, a heartfelt message, or a formal notice.

Step 5: The "Tell Us Once" Service and Tying Up Loose Ends

Once their passing is officially registered, the government's "Tell Us Once" service can offer a surprising comfort. If available in your area (Leeds or Bradford), it allows you to notify many government departments with just one loving conversation:

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Passport Office

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

Local Council services (e.g., Council Tax, housing benefit)

The Registrar will gently provide you with the details for "Tell Us Once." For other organisations, like banks, utility companies, or cherished clubs, you'll reach out directly, often with a certified copy of the Death Certificate in hand.

Remember, You Are Not Alone in This Journey:

Grief unfolds uniquely for each heart, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Please allow yourself to lean on those around you – your dear family, kind friends, and our compassionate professional services. Here at Crabtree Family Funeral Services in Pudsey, we stand ready to offer a steady hand and a listening ear, ensuring your loved one's farewell is a truly beautiful and dignified tribute to the life they lived and the love they shared. Please, reach out to us at 07712208058 or visit www.crabtreefamilyfuneralservices.co.uk for gentle support whenever you need us.

At Crabtree Family Funeral Services our family is here to help yours, Your local independent funeral directors serving our community.