Did your loved one have any funeral wishes?
In some cases, a person has kept a record of their funeral wishes or discussed them with loved ones. Before you begin organising their celebration of live, have a look to see if they created a funeral plan or if their preferences were included in their will.
Did your loved one make a ‘funeral wish list’ with Fiesta Farewell? Log in here. [Link to log in page]. If you can’t access their account, get in touch with a member of our team. [Link to contact us page].
What are the first steps in planning a funeral?
- Choosing a funeral director: Most people hire a funeral director [link to directory] to handle arrangements.
- Decide on burial or cremation: This decision may be based on the deceased’s wishes, religious beliefs, or family preferences.
- Obtain the necessary documents: For burial or cremation, you’ll need the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the ‘green form’) issued by the registrar or the coroner’s order.
What is the difference between a burial and a cremation?
- Burial: The body is usually buried in a cemetery, churchyard or private land. Your loved one might have specified where they wish to be buried. Particular plots may need to be purchased in advance.
- Cremation: The body is cremated, and the ashes are typically kept in an urn, scattered, or buried. However, it’s becoming popular for people to explore more unique ways to honour their loved ones using their ashes. Find out more about remembering that special someone. [Link to ‘How to remember that special someone’ FAQs.].
What happens if the death is referred to a coroner?
If the cause of death is unknown, sudden, or unnatural, it will be referred to a coroner. This may involve a post-mortem or inquest. The coroner will issue the necessary documents for burial or cremation.
How do I arrange the funeral?
Contact a funeral director [Link to directory] to help organise the funeral [link to ‘Planning A Funeral’ FAQ].
You can choose burial or cremation, depending on personal or religious preferences. The green form from the registrar is required for the funeral to proceed.
Who should I notify after registering the death?
- ‘Tell Us Once’ service: This government service notifies most organisations (e.g., HMRC, DWP, DVLA, and local council) on your behalf.
- Banks, insurance companies, utility providers, and pension services.
- Employers, clubs, and social groups.
What legal and financial steps must be taken?
- Locate the will, if one exists. The executor must apply for probate (legal authority to manage the estate) [Link to Hughes Probate Services in Directory].
- If no will exists, the estate is distributed according to intestacy rules.
- Contact relevant financial institutions to settle accounts and handle the deceased’s finances.
