What Happens When Someone Dies

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Call Now : 01782818888

Guidance and Support — One Step at a Time

When someone dies, it can feel difficult to know where to begin. Questions often arise quickly — and sometimes late at night — which is why Arlington Funeral Services is here to offer calm guidance when you need it most.

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

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Step 1: Immediate Actions

If the Death Occurs at Home

Call the funeral service or alternatively the district nurse.

  • Contact their GP, who will confirm the death if it was expected.
  • If it occurs outside GP hours, contact NHS 111 for advice.
  • A medical professional must verify the death before any arrangements can take place.

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home

Staff will guide you through the initial procedures. They may contact a doctor to begin documenting the medical details required for certification.

If the Death is Sudden or Unexpected

  • Call 999 immediately.
  • Paramedics and police may attend.
  • In many cases, the death will be referred to the Coroner.
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Step 2: Contact a Funeral Director

Once the death has been confirmed, you may contact us. Your loved one can be brought into our care — respectfully and professionally — and we will discuss the next steps with you gently.

Arlington Funeral Services

Tel: 01782 818888
Email: arlingtonfs@btconnect.com

We are available day and night, 365 days a year.

Step 3: The Medical Examiner Process

Introduced in England and Wales — 9th September 2024

Before a doctor can issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, all deaths must now be reviewed under this system.

What the Medical Examiner will do:

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

This process ensures clarity, fairness and consistency for all families.

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Step 4: Registering the Death

The death must be registered within 5 days (England & Wales) with a Register Office in the district where it occurred.

Who Can Register the Death

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

You Will Need:

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

They Will Provide:

  • Green Form — needed for burial or cremation
  • BD8 Form — used for DWP and pensions
  • Death Certificate — extra copies can be purchased

Local Register Offices — Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire

Stoke-on-Trent Register Office

Kingsway, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1RN
Tel: 01782 234234

Newcastle-under-Lyme Register Office

Merrial St, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2AG
Tel: 01782 297300

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

Stafford Register Office

Civic Centre, Stafford, ST16 3AQ
Tel: 01785 278373

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Step 5: If the Coroner Becomes Involved

A Coroner may be required if:

  • The death was sudden or unexplained
  • No doctor attended recently
  • It occurred during surgery or work-related activity

Coroners — Local Contacts

Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire Coroner
Email: coroners@stoke.gov.uk
Tel: 01782 234777

South Staffordshire Coroner
Tel: 01785 276127

Step 6: Tell Us Once Service

This government service allows multiple organisations to be informed at one time, including:

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

The registrar will help set this up after the registration appointment.

Step 7: Arranging the Funeral

Once the death is registered and the Green Form issued, we can begin making arrangements. We will guide you through your choices — gently and at your pace:

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

Your loved one will remain in our care at all times, in a safe and peaceful environment.

Step 8: Legal, Practical & Financial Matters

After the funeral, you may need to:

  • Notify banks and insurers
  • Begin probate (if there is a will)
  • Follow intestacy rules (if there is no will)
  • Notify utility providers or pension offices

We can offer guidance or recommend support where required.

Step 9: Emotional Support & Bereavement Care

There is no “right way” to grieve — every journey is personal. Support is available locally and nationally:

Cruse Bereavement Support — 0808 808 1677
Samaritans — 116 123 (24hrs)
Mind — 0300 123 3393
The Dove Service (Stoke-on-Trent) — 01782 683155
Child Bereavement UK — 0800 02 888 40

We can help connect you with local counselling and support services if needed.

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Arlington Funeral Services

We Are Here When You Need Us

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

Arlington Funeral Services

Address: Arlington House, Ford Green Rd, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NX

Call Us : 01782 818888

Email: arlingtonfs@btconnect.com

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

Contact Us

Printable Checklist – What To Do When Someone Dies

Arlington Funeral Services

Guidance and Support — One Step at a Time
This checklist is designed to help you gently through each stage. You do not need to do everything at once.

1. Immediate Actions

  • Has the death been confirmed by a medical professional?
  • If at home — contact GP or call NHS 111
  • If sudden — call 999
  • If in hospital or care home — staff will guide you
  • Make note of any medical information given

2. Contact a Funeral Director

  • Contact Arlington Funeral Services (day or night) Tel: 01782 818888
  • We will explain next steps clearly
  • We can arrange to bring your loved one into our care

3. Medical Examiner Process

(Introduced September 2024 – applies to all deaths in England & Wales)

  • Medical notes reviewed
  • Medical Examiner may speak to doctors involved
  • Certificate issued or referred to Coroner

4. Registering the Death (within 5 days)

  • Book an appointment at a local Register Office
  • Prepare the following information:
  • Full name and address of the deceased
  • Date and place of death
  • Date of birth and occupation
  • Details of spouse/civil partner (if applicable)
  • National Insurance number (if known)
  • Information about benefits or pensions
    ☐ After registration, make sure you receive:
  • Green Form (for burial or cremation)
  • BD8 Form (for DWP/pensions)
  • Death Certificate (you may buy extra copies)

5. If the Coroner Is Involved

  • Note any contact details provided
  • Await guidance on next steps
  • You may receive an interim certificate
  • Post-mortem / CT scan may be requested
  • Funeral can usually continue after clearance

6. Tell Us Once Service – Registrar Will Explain

  • DWP (benefits & pensions)
  • HMRC (tax records)
  • DVLA (driving licence)
  • Passport Office
  • Local council (housing and council tax)

7. Arranging the Funeral

  • Choose funeral type:
  • Direct Cremation
  • Simple or Traditional Cremation
  • Burial or Woodland/Natural Burial
  • Memorial or Thanksgiving Service
  • Discuss date and location options
  • Decide on music, readings and personal touches
  • Consider transport, flowers, notices or stationery
  • Arlington will guide each step with you

8. Legal, Financial & Practical Matters

  • Notify banks and insurers
  • Begin probate (if there is a will)
  • Follow intestacy rules (if no will exists)
  • Contact utility providers
  • Seek advice if needed — don’t rush

9. Emotional Support

  • Talk to family and friends
  • Seek counselling or support groups if needed
  • Take time to rest — grief is personal
  • Useful contacts:
  • Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677
  • Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
  • The Dove Service (Stoke-on-Trent): 01782 683155
  • Child Bereavement UK: 0800 02 888 40
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Arlington Funeral Services

We are here whenever you need to talk — day or night

Address: Arlington House, Ford Green Rd, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NX

Call Us : 01782 818888

Email: arlingtonfs@btconnect.com

You are not alone. We listen. We guide. We take care — one step at a time.

Contact Us