What to do When Someone Passes

A Step-by-Step Guide for Families in the Thames Area

Losing someone close is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Knowing what to do in the first hours and days can make things less overwhelming. This guide provides a clear step-by-step overview for families across the Thames area, ensuring everything is handled with care and dignity.

Call Us: 020 3281 1045

Call Us: 020 3281 1045

1. Notify the Relevant Authorities

If the Death Occurs at Home

Contact the person’s GP if the death was expected
Outside surgery hours, call NHS 111 for guidance
A medical professional will confirm the death and provide next steps

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home

Staff will manage the initial procedures
They will arrange for a doctor to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
They will advise when a funeral director can be contacted

If the Death Was Sudden or Unexpected

Call 999 immediately
Police and paramedics will attend
The death may be referred to the coroner for investigation

2. Contact a Funeral Director

After the death is confirmed, you can contact a funeral director.
Thames Direct Cremation, provided by White Rose Modern Funerals, offers gentle guidance and clear support at every stage, including:

Dignified transfer into our care
Handling all legal documentation
Guidance on direct cremation and next steps

We are available 24 hours a day.

3. Medical Examiner & Death Certificate

Before a death certificate can be issued, all deaths must now be reviewed by a Medical Examiner.

Process Overview:

1 Medical Examiner reviews medical records
2 Doctor or coroner decides who can issue the death certificate
3 Death certificate is issued if no further investigation is required

This process may take several days, particularly if the coroner is involved.

4. Registering the Death

A death must usually be registered within five days at the register office in the district where the death occurred.

Who Can Register the Death?

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

Information Needed:

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Deceased’s full name, date of birth & last address
Marital status & occupation
Details of any pension or state benefits

Local Register Offices (Thames Area)

Richmond Register Office – TW9 1LX | 020 8891 7188
Kingston Register Office – KT1 2DW | 020 8547 5000
Wandsworth Register Office – SW18 2PU | 020 8871 6120

If unsure which office to contact, we can help guide you

5. Arranging a Direct Cremation

Once the death is registered, a direct cremation can be arranged.

Thames Direct Cremation provides:

Local care – your loved one remains in the Thames area
Transparent pricing – all-inclusive at £1,695
Dignified transport in our smart private Galaxy hearsette
Legal paperwork handled on your behalf

A direct cremation gives families time and choice. You can plan a memorial, gathering, or celebration of life whenever you feel ready. For ideas, see our Memorial Suggestions page.

6. Handling Legal & Financial Matters

After the cremation, you may need to take the following steps:

Notify banks, insurance companies, pension providers & utility services
Executors begin probate and estate administration
If there is no will, intestacy rules may apply
Use Tell Us Once – a government service that notifies DVLA, HMRC, DWP and other agencies in one step (via gov.uk

7. When the Coroner May Be Involved

A coroner will be notified if:

The cause of death is uncertain
The death was sudden or unexpected
The deceased had not seen a doctor in the last 14 days
The death occurred during medical treatment

Local Coroner Contacts

West London Coroner’s Court – Fulham |
020 8753 3300
South London Coroner’s Service – Wandsworth |
020 8871 6141

8. Bereavement Support

Help is available locally and nationally:

Service	Contact
Cruse Bereavement Support	0808 808 1677 \| cruse.org.uk
Samaritans	116 123 \| samaritans.org
Mind Mental Health	0300 123 3393 \| mind.org.uk
At a Loss	ataloss.org
NHS Bereavement Help Points	Local to many NHS Trusts

Final Thoughts

Handling the practical steps after a death can feel overwhelming — but you do not have to manage everything alone. Thames Direct Cremation, provided by White Rose Modern Funerals, is here to guide you gently through each stage with clarity and respect.