Dealing with Bereavement

Even when you are mourning a loved one there are unfortunately, some administrative procedures you must follow.

Registering a death

The action to take following a death can vary considerably depending upon the location and the nature of the death.  Details of how you can register a death can be found in the Registration Services Section

Funerals

The choice of funeral directors is a personal one.  You can find details of Funeral Directors in your area in your local phone book or at Yell.com (External Link) or at http://www.uk-funerals.co.uk/ (External Link)

At your request, the funeral director can make all the arrangements for the funeral, burial or cremation, religious or secular service as well as advising on all the procedures and documents needed to register the death.

If you are considering a headstone most cemeteries will advise to wait for a period of approximately six months before placing it. You can get advice as to what would be the most suitable type of memorial from the National Association of Memorial Masons (External Link)

You will probably already be aware of the type of ceremony that the deceased would have preferred although there is no requirement to have a religious ceremony.

Wills and other legal and financial issues

Find a solicitor through the Law Society (external link) or, if you are in Chester, use our downloadable pdf list of local solicitors.

Which Online (external link) offers a fairly comprehensive guide to advice on Wills and Probate, explaining:

• what makes a valid Will
• what is probate?
• whether you will have to pay inheritance tax
• who takes charge if there is no will
• who gets the estate if there is no will
• what you can do if there is something wrong with the will
• what to do if there isn't enough money to pay for the funeral or pay debts
• how to contact organisations that might be able to help.

Grieving

Sometimes you may need support to get over the loss of a loved one.  There are a number of organisations that play a specific role in helping people overcome this difficult time.  The Child Bereavement Trust (external link) is one such organisation that was formed to  to improve the support offered by professionals to grieving families.