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Advice for planning a Funeral
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Amanda-Louise Funeral Services - Your Award Winning, Quality Assured, Modern Independent Lady Funeral Directors serving across West Somerset, Exmoor, Somerset and Devon
Planning and preparing for a funeral
If you are reading this guide it will be because someone you know is dying or has died. Please accept our condolences.
It is perfectly normal to be unsure what to do following the loss of a loved one, family member or close friend as well as uncertainty about arranging your own funeral. You may feel this is the most painful and stressful thing you will experience. We understand you may feel shocked even if the person’s death was expected. You will likely experience a range of emotions.
That is why we are here to support you through the whole process and guide you through the steps. We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible after the death, so that we can take you through the next important steps. Our out of hours telephone is 07879-220046
Grief can be exhausting, and can turn your world upside down, making everything difficult to manage. We are here to offer practical advice and emotional support for as long as you need us. That’s when experience is more valuable than ever. We’ll chat through each decision, and take care of every detail to help you put together a meaningful service that's right for you, that will be remembered for years to come. Our families want from simple to elaborate send-offs, so whether you want a small family gathering or large event, we believe that the most meaningful moments are those which place focus on personality, remembering who they were and what they meant to you. Read what happens when you book our funeral director services
This section describes some information which may be useful to you aimed at demystifying processes and making your journey as simple and straightforward as possible.
If you know your death is imminent, you can contact us for guidance, or to start making some initial steps. Our office hours telephone is 01643 800335
Arranging the Funeral
Please do not feel pressured into appointing a funeral director straight away. Do it when you are ready to decide who you want to appoint.
There is no legal requirement for the person who has died to go into the care of a funeral director before the funeral, as they can remain at home if that is what you desire. If you are interested in this, then we are here to support you.
Our step by step guide to registering a death
In brief the following first steps need to be considered following a death:
- Register death within 5 days
- Notify the deceased’s GP of the death
- Use the ‘Tell Us Once’ Service
- Choose a funeral director
- Decide if you want cremation or burial
Of course, there are different things you will need to consider depending on where the person has died.
See our Frequently asked question below to help you with your specific needs
For further expert advice please call us on 07879220046
Our focus is on offering people practical help and personal support. Our guidance will help you understand all aspects of preparation and arranging a funeral.
We have tried to cover every aspect of the funeral process however you are welcome to contact us on 01643 800335 if you have any further questions or need any advice.
Frequently asked questions
What To Do When Someone Dies At Home
If death was expected, a medical practitioner will need to certify the death. This can be the person’s registered GP, Doctor on duty or registered nurse for example. They will complete a verification of death form, and will send a copy of that document to the person's registered GP surgery. They will leave you with a copy of that document too. The process has now changed since Sept 2024 -the GP surgery contacts the Medical Examiners Dept and they exchange paperwork. Once the Medical Examiner is satisfied with that information, they contact the next of kin and ask if they are satisfied with the cause of death (typically this takes 3-5 days from date of death). If you are satisfied, then the Medical Examiner will complete the Cause of Death documentation, and you are now able to register the death. If you are not satisfied with the cause of death, the Medical Examiner will consider your views.
After someone has died at home and it was expected, you can spend time with them, if you want to. You may want to play music and light a candle. There is no rush. Whenever you are ready, you can call us on 01643 800335 or mobile 07879-220046 and we will bring the person who has died into our care, once the death has been certified. Our staff are fully trained in order to handle this difficult event with care and respect. You are always welcome to visit our Chapel of Rest at a later date.
If the death was not expected, the person will be taken into hospital mortuary (see coroner involvement)
What To Do When a Death Occurs at a Nursing or Residential Home
A doctor will need to certify the death. This can be the person’s registered GP or the Doctor on duty. Once the Doctor has been to see the person, the nursing home may want us to collect them straight away, with your permission.
The verification of death document is sent to the GP surgery who in turn liaises with the Medical Examiner (their role is to look into cause of death), and if satisfied they will then contact next of kin to ask if they are also satisfied with cause. If so, next of kin can then register the death
What to Do When a Death Occurs at a Hospital or Hospice
A medical practitioner (usually a doctor) will need to certify the death has taken place. This can be the person’s registered GP or the Doctor on duty. The verification of death form is sent to the GP surgery who in turn liaises with the Medical Examiner (their responsibility is to look at cause of death) and liaise with the next of kin
Once the Doctor has been to see the person, you will liaise with the bereavement team who will offer practical and emotional support. The person who has died will often be cared for in the mortuary at the hospital or hospice until a funeral director is appointed or arrangements made. If you appoint us as your funeral director, we will be able to call the hospital or hospice and make the necessary arrangements to bring the person who has died into our care once the death has been certified.
What To Do If Someone Dies Unexpectedly
A small number of deaths have to be reported to the Coroner before they can be registered, for example:
- Where there is no doctor who can issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
- If the person who has died hasn’t seen their GP in the last 14 days before death
- The cause of death is unknown
- The cause of death is believed to be unnatural or suspicious
- The cause of death is believed to be due to an industrial disease or poisoning
- The death occurred during an operation or before recovery from an anaesthetic
The Registrar will wait for the Coroner to decide whether a post-mortem or inquest needs to be carried out before the registration of the death can proceed. In these cases, the new Medical Assessors wont be involved in the process.
This may take some time, so it’s a good idea to speak to us, so we can arrange with the Coroner and make provisional arrangements for the funeral. However, we will not be able to confirm a date or time until the Coroner has finished their investigations.
What To do If Someone Dies during the Day?
If the person who has died during the day and death was expected or not unusual, then a medical practitioner (the GP, registered nurse or duty doctor for example) will attend to verify the death. They will complete a form confirming death, which is sent to the GP surgery. The GP surgery then liaises with the Medical Examiner as to cause of death, and then when ready, the Medical Examiner will contact the next of kin to ascertain if next of kin agrees with the findings. If so, next of kin is then ready to book appointment to register death.
If someone has died at home unexpectedly, the emergency services must be involved. They will contact the local coroner who may wish to investigate the cause of death. The Coroner will arrange for a local funeral director to collect the person who has died and to bring them into their care. This doesn’t have to be the funeral directors that you use to plan and conduct the funeral, that its your choice. If that happens, then you simply let the funeral directors know and they liaise between them.
What To do if Someone Dies during the Night?
If the person who has died is at home during the night or when the GP isn’t available if out of hours, you need to call the NHS helpline 111 and an on-call doctor or senior nurse can verify the death for you.
We are here to help and advise at any time of day or night
What Happens at a Coroners Inquest?
These usually happens to establish why the person has died, so an investigation takes place, and the Coroner has to establish all the facts before the death certificate can be issued. They will ask various questions and come to a conclusion.
How To Register a Death in Taunton and Wellington, Somerset?
If the Coroner wasnt involved, then the GP and the Medical Examiner will look into cause of death, and the Medical Examiner will liaise with the next of kin and ask if they are in agreement with the cause. Once everyone is satisfied, then the Medical Examiner will confirm to the person (typically next of kin or relative) that they can now register the death.
By law you must register the death in England or Wales before the funeral can take place (unless the death has been referred to the Coroner), and at the Registry Office in the area where the deceased died - for Taunton and the surrounding areas this comes under the Somerset Registration Services -to book an appointment with them ring 01823 282251
You make an appointment to see the Registrar. Due to space restrictions, it is likely only one person can attend the Registrar’s office unless it is essential to be accompanied. To ensure you take all the relevant information and paperwork with you, click here to see what you need. During your meeting with the Registrar (typically you are allocated up to 45 minutes), they will check the documentation you bring, ask if you are intending a crematorium or burial, which funeral director you are appointing, then if everything is in order they will enter the death onto the register and issue you with a death certificate (you will need to take some money with you to purchase copies of the death certificate(s) - £12 each) They will also give you information about the 'Tell Me Once' system, which is a useful process that notifies various organisations in one go without having to contact them separately -there is no charge for that process. The Registrar will give you a unique reference number to use that system which is available for up to 28 days from registering the death.
Next the Registrar will send the 'green form' to your chosen crematorium or cemetery and you can ask for a copy of that form to be sent to your funeral director.
The next stage is to liaise with your funeral director to plan the funeral, and organise collection of the person who has died to be taken into their care, if this is what you want (there isnt any law to say you have to do this as some families choose to keep their loved one at home right up until the funeral).
Here at Amanda-Louise Funeral Services, our woman's understanding and care are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director personally on 01643 800335 or 07879220046 or email office@amandalouisefuneralservices.co.uk
Who Can Register a Death?
The person who will be registering the death needs to be completed by the legally responsible person, which is usually:
- the next of kin
- close relative
- or Executor of the deceased.
Alternatively, it can be someone
- who was present at the time of death
- the occupier of the premises where the death occurred
- or the person who is responsible for arranging the funeral (not a funeral director)
What Information is required to Register a Death?
Take with you the following information, where appropriate, as the Registrar will require this from you:
- Date and place of death
- Full name and address of the person who has died (including maiden name if the deceased has been married)
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation
- Name and address of their husband or wife, or civil partner and the date of birth of the surviving partner
- Your name, address and your relationship to the deceased
- Whether the person who has died was in receipt of a pension from public funds
The Registrar enters all this information in their Death Register. It is important that the information you give to the Registrar is correct as errors can be time consuming to be altered. Remember to check all the details recorded before you sign the Death Register.
If English is not your first language of the person registering the death and assistance is required, it is a good idea for someone else to accompany that person to the Registrar’s office and act as an interpreter. But the interpreter helper cannot be the person registering the death personally.
If the death was unexpected and the Coroner is involved, as your funeral director we can provide you with more information. Contact us and we can discuss the different procedures that may need to be followed.
What paperwork do you take with you to the registrar?
Take with you the following paperwork, where appropriate, as the Registrar will require his form you:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
- National Health Medical Card
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
The Registrar Office has a “Tell us Once” service. To use this service, you will also need to take the person who has died current driving licence, blue badge, and passport, where appropriate.
After registering the death, what will the Registrar provide me with?
The Registrar will give you the following:
A Green Certificate (Certificate for Burial or Cremation) – this form enables the funeral to go ahead. It may be emailed to you. We will need the green certificate for the funeral to go ahead.
A White Certificate (BD8) – this is the certified copy of the enter in the Death Register. You need this to claim any national insurance benefits. The Registrar will sell you (typically cost approx. £12 each) copies of the Certified Entry of Death (Death Certificate) – you are able to arrange for additional copies at a later date, but the fees on that separate occasion may be higher. You may need additional copies for
- The Will or Solicitor
- Bank Accounts
- Any Pension Claims
- Insurance Policies
- Savings
- Bank Certificates
- Premium Bonds
A “Tell Us Once” reference number. This is for the online service to inform most government departments of the death in one go.
Where Are the Local Registrar Offices in Somerset?
Here is a list of all the Somerset County Registrar offices, contact information and details of opening times. If you are in any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda-Louise Funeral Director Services, and we will be happy to guide you through.
Somerset Register Office (Taunton)
Address: The Old Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AQ -
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm
Parking: Disabled parking space adjacent to the office. This is accessed by driving through Castle Green and is shared with the museum. There is a ramp to reception at the rear of the building on Castle Green. The nearest public car park – Metered spaced on Corporation St, Enfield or Crescent Car Parks
Williton Registration Office
Address: The Library, Killick Way, Williton, TA4 4PY
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 4pm
Parking: No parking on-site. Nearest public car park – Killick Way
Minehead Registration Office
Address: The Library, Bancks Street, Minehead TA24 5DJ
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm
Parking: 1 hour on-street nearby. Nearest public car park – Summerland Place
Bridgwater Registration Office
Address Bridgwater House, Kings Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
Parking Nearest public car park – Northgate
Burnham-on-Sea Registration Office
Address: 1 Princess Street, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Tuesday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 3pm
Parking: On-site disabled parking available, on-street general parking. Nearest public car park – Oxford Street
Yeovil Registration Office
Address: The Library, King George Street, Yeovil, BA20 1PY
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm
Parking: No parking on-site. Nearest public car park – Petters Way
Frome Registration Office
Address: Frome Library, Justice Lane, Frome, BA11 1BE
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 2.30pm
Parking: On-street parking nearby. Nearest public car park – Cattle Market
Chard Registration Office
Address: Chard Library, Holyrood Lace Mill, Holyrood Street, Chard, TA20 2YA
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Thursday and Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm
Parking: On-site disabled parking available. Nearest public car park – Boden Street
Glastonbury Registration Office
Address: Glastonbury Library Hub, 1 Orchard Court, The Archers Way, Glastonbury, BA6 9JB
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2pm
Parking: Disabled parking on-site. Street parking nearby. Nearest public car park – Butt Close
Weston Super Mare Registration Office (North Somersrt)
Address : Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Parking: No parking on-site. Nearest public car park – Carlton Street
Clevedon Registration Office (North Somerset)
Address: Castlewood, Tickenham Road, Clevedon, BS21 6FW
Tel: 01823 282251
Email:somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 9am to 3.30pm, Thursday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Parking: On-site general and disabled parking available
To find out where other Registry Offices are located, click here to take you to the Government’s website, or click here to read what to take with you to register the death
If you need funeral services, why not reach out to Lady Funeral Director Amanda-Louise who will be happy to support you. Speak to Amanda-Louise on 07879-220046 for more information
We offer a extensive range of caskets, urns, flower arrangements, cars and hearses all designed to make planning a funeral as easy as possible.
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