What to Do When Someone Passes

Anglesey Direct Cremation

A Local, Independent, and Family-Run Service

Anglesey Direct Cremation has served families in Anglesey and Caernarfonshire for over a century. As a fourth-generation, family-run service, we are committed to providing compassionate, respectful direct cremations that keep your loved one close to home. Our local focus means your loved one will always be cared for by qualified, dedicated funeral directors—not transferred elsewhere or managed through a call centre. This guide offers step-by-step support for the steps to take when a loved one passes.

Guidance on What to Do When Someone Passes Away

As of 9th September 2024, new UK regulations concerning the certification of death have come into effect. Here is an updated guide to help you navigate these requirements.

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1. Notify the Relevant Authorities
  • At Home: If a loved one passes away at home, contact their GP. If it’s outside regular hours, call 111 for guidance on the next steps.
  • In a Hospital or Care Home: If the passing occurs in a hospital or care home, the staff will manage initial steps and advise you further.
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2. Contact a Funeral Director

Once notified, contact a funeral director to guide you through arrangements. Anglesey Direct Cremation provides personal, caring support every step of the way, handling all arrangements directly to keep your loved one local and in safe, respectful care.

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Death Certification Review Process

With the updated regulations:

  • Medical Examiner’s Role: A Medical Examiner reviews the medical records and consults with the attending doctor before issuing a death certificate. If needed, the case may be referred to a coroner.
  • Doctor or Coroner Decision: The Medical Examiner decides whether the attending doctor may issue the certificate or if further review by the coroner is required
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4. Registering the Death

A death certificate allows you to register the death, which must be completed within five days in England and Wales. You will need:

  • A medical certificate stating the cause of death.
  • The deceased's full name, birthdate, last address, and occupation.
  • Details of the spouse or civil partner (if applicable).
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5. Arranging the Funeral

After registering the death, funeral arrangements can be made. Anglesey Direct Cremation handles legal requirements and ensures a respectful direct cremation. Your loved one’s ashes will be returned to you within five working days.

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6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters
  • Notifying Institutions: Inform banks, insurance providers, and utility companies of the death, often with copies of the death certificate.
  • Wills and Probate: If a will exists, the executor handles probate; if not, intestacy laws apply.
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7. Seek Support

Grieving can be challenging, and it’s helpful to seek support from family, friends, or bereavement counsellors. We’ve included resources for grief support within Anglesey and Caernarfonshire.

Coroner Involvement

If the cause of death is unclear, a coroner may be involved. They may conduct a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause. If an inquest is needed, registration of death cannot proceed until it’s complete. Otherwise, the coroner's paperwork will allow funeral arrangements to continue.

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Registering the Death

Register the death at the local register office within the district it occurred, requiring an appointment. You will need:

  • The medical certificate of the cause of death.

  • Documents like the deceased’s passport, driving license, and marriage or civil partnership certificate.

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Tell Us Once Service

The Tell Us Once service informs various government bodies, such as:

  • The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

  • HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

  • Passport Office

  • Local council services

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Additional Contacts to Notify

  • Car Insurance

    Ensure policy updates or cancellations as required.

  • Doctor, Dentist, and Hospital

    Cancel any appointments.

  • Banks and Credit Providers

    Transfer or close accounts.

  • Utility Providers and Postal Services

    Arrange mail redirection if needed.

Useful Contacts Across Anglesey & Caernarfonshire

Hospitals

Ysbyty Gwynedd

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd

Register Offices

Anglesey Register Office

Caernarfonshire Register Office

Coroner Offices

North West Wales Coroner's Office

Bereavement Support

Cruse Bereavement Care

Samaritans

Areas We Cover

We provide direct cremation services across Anglesey and Caernarfonshire, covering areas including:

Amlwch

Bangor

Beaumaris

Caernarfon

Holyhead

Llangefni

Menai Bridge

Areas We Cover

We provide direct cremation services across Anglesey and Caernarfonshire, covering areas including:

Amlwch

Bangor

Beaumaris

Caernarfon

Holyhead

Llangefni

Menai Bridge