What to do after a death of a loved one

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Losing someone is never easy. In the days that follow, there are practical steps that need to be taken. This guide offers gentle, clear advice to help you navigate the early stages of funeral planning and legal responsibilities, while also highlighting the importance of honoring lives with dignity. Additionally, working with experienced funeral directors can provide valuable support during this difficult time, reminding us of the concept of Memento Mori as we reflect on life and loss.

You must register the death in person at the register office in the district where the person died. In most cases, this should be done within five days. Once the medical certificate of cause of death has been issued, you can proceed with funeral planning. It is important to consult with funeral directors to ensure that you are honoring lives with dignity during this difficult time. Lewisham residents: Call 020 8690 2128 or visit lewisham.gov.uk/registering-a-death. If the death has been referred to the coroner, the process may take longer, but you’ll be guided through it, keeping in mind the significance of Memento Mori.

Even if the person lived elsewhere, the death must be registered in the district where it occurred. If you can’t get there, another register office can take a declaration on your behalf, though this may delay the issuing of the death certificate. When working with funeral directors, it's important to understand that they can assist with funeral planning to ensure that the process of honoring lives with dignity is both respectful and efficient. Remember, as we reflect on life, we embrace the concept of Memento Mori.

When you're engaging in funeral planning, you’ll be asked for basic information such as: 

- Full name of the deceased 

- Date and place of birth 

- Date and place of death 

- Last known address 

- Occupation 

Documents like passports or birth certificates can assist in this process, but they’re not essential. Just bring what you know — the registrar, often working alongside funeral directors, will guide you through the rest. This is all part of honoring lives with dignity, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered, much like the idea of Memento Mori, which reminds us to cherish and remember those we have lost.

Each official copy costs £11, which can be essential for funeral planning and handling various legal and financial matters such as: 

- Closing bank accounts 

- Accessing pensions 

- Notifying insurance providers 

Funeral directors often recommend having these documents on hand when honoring lives with dignity. Remember, you can always order more later if needed, so don’t worry if you’re unsure how many to request right away. This preparation is part of embracing the Memento Mori philosophy.

After registering the death, you’ll receive a Tell Us Once reference number. This free government service allows you to notify multiple departments at once, including HMRC, DWP (benefits and pensions), DVLA, and the Passport Office. In addition, when it comes to funeral planning, you’ll also need to reach out to private companies such as banks, utility providers, and insurers. To assist in honoring lives with dignity, free services like Life Ledger, Settld, and the Death Notification Service can help you manage this process efficiently. Remember to have the death certificate and a few key details on hand to get started, and consider how Memento Mori can play a role in remembering your loved one.

At Memento Mori, our compassionate funeral directors provide affordable funeral care and support throughout Lewisham, Deptford, Camberwell, and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to honoring lives with dignity, guiding you through every aspect of funeral planning, from registering a death to arranging cremation or burial.