What to Do When Someone Passes Away: A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of handling arrangements. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of what to do when someone passes away in Lincolnshire, ensuring all legal, practical, and emotional aspects are handled with care.
1. Notify the Relevant Authorities
If the Death Occurs at Home
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Contact the deceased’s GP if the death was expected.
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Outside GP hours, call NHS 111 for guidance.
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A medical professional will attend to confirm the death and provide further instructions.
If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home
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Staff will manage initial procedures and advise you on next steps.
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They will arrange for a doctor to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
If the Death Was Sudden or Unexpected
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Call 999 immediately.
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Police and paramedics will attend, and the case may be referred to the coroner.
2. Contact a Funeral Director
Once the death is confirmed, contact a local funeral director to begin arrangements.
At Lincoln Direct Cremation, we provide compassionate support and guidance, including:
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Arranging the dignified transfer of your loved one into our care
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Handling all legal paperwork and documentation
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Supporting planning for a direct cremation or Farewell Service
3. Understanding the Death Certification Process
Every death must now be reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate is issued.
Process Overview:
Medical Examiner Review
Examines medical records and consults with the attending doctor.
Doctor or Coroner Decision
Determines if the attending doctor can issue the death certificate or if the coroner must be involved.
Issuance of Death Certificate
The certificate is issued if no further investigation is required.
4. Registering the Death
By law, deaths must be registered within five days at the register office in the district where the death occurred.
Who Can Register:
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A relative of the deceased
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Someone present at the time of death
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The person responsible for funeral arrangements (not the funeral director)
Documents Needed:
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
- Full name, date of birth, and last address of the deceased
- Occupation and marital status
- Spouse or civil partner details, if applicable
- State pension or benefits information
Lincoln Register Office
- City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1DF
- 01522 873366
- lincoln.gov.uk/register-office
Gainsborough Register Office
- Marshalls Yard, Marshall Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2BH
- 01427 676676
- west-lindsey.gov.uk
5. Arranging the Funeral
Once the death is registered, funeral arrangements can begin.
At Lincoln Direct Cremation, we provide:
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Local care – Your loved one remains in Lincolnshire, never transported long distances
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Compassionate support – Direct access to Iain and his experienced team
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Transparent pricing – All-inclusive cremation packages (£1,495) and Farewell Service (£1,695)
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Complimentary chapel visits – Private, homely space for up to 10 people to say goodbye
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Farewell Service – Seats up to 20 people for a peaceful, personal memorial
Call us today to discuss arrangements: 01522 581617
6. Handling Legal and Financial Matters
Following the funeral, you may need to address:
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Notifying banks, insurance companies, pension providers, utilities, and other institutions
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Wills & probate – Executors manage the estate; intestacy rules apply if no will exists
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Tell Us Once – Government service notifying HMRC, DVLA, DWP, and other agencies in one step (gov.uk)
7. Coroner Involvement
A coroner may investigate a death if:
- Cause of death is unknown
- Death occurred suddenly or during medical treatment
- Death was not attended by a doctor in the last 14 days
Lincoln Coroner’s
Office
- City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1DF
- 01522 873366
- coroners@lincoln.gov.uk
Gainsborough Coroner’s Office
- Marshalls Yard, Marshall Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2BH
- 01427 676676
8. Bereavement Support & Additional Contacts
Grief can feel overwhelming. Support is available locally:
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Cruse Bereavement Support
0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk
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Samaritans
116 123 | samaritans.org
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Mind Mental Health Support
0300 123 3393 | mind.org.uk
Local Hospitals:
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Lincoln County Hospital
Greetwell Road, Lincoln, LN2 5QY | 01522 512512
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Gainsborough Health Centre
High Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2BN | 01427 676676
Final Thoughts
Handling the death of a loved one is never easy, but knowing what to do can ease the burden. At Lincoln Direct Cremation, we provide support, guidance, and dignified care at every stage.
- Contact us 24/7: 01522 581617
- Email:Info@lincondirectcremation.co.uk
We are here for you during this difficult time, providing reassurance, local expertise, and compassionate care across Lincolnshire.
