What paperwork do you need to arrange a funeral?

We understand that when it comes to planning a funeral, getting all of the funeral arrangements in place can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to organising paperwork. Whether the death was sudden or expected, knowing what paperwork you need to complete before the funeral is essential to ensuring your loved one gets the dignified and respectful funeral they deserve.

At a time when you may be experiencing high levels of stress, we’re here to help you arrange all the essential funeral documents needed for the day to run smoothly. Read on as we discuss the various funeral documents you need and how our funeral directors here at Heart of England can help you arrange the perfect funeral.

Who issues paperwork before a funeral?

There is a legal obligation to complete all necessary paperwork before a funeral takes place to ensure all arrangements run smoothly. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the thought of handling all the funeral paperwork you need to complete, especially with the professional jargon you may encounter, however, your chosen funeral director is usually the person to take control and issue all documents that need to be completed.

Do I need a death certificate to arrange a funeral?

Yes, before any funeral arrangements can be made, and prior to completing any necessary paperwork, you will need to register the death of your loved one to receive a death certificate. Once you have acquired a death certificate you will be in the position to start planning a funeral and filling out a cremation or burial form for your loved one to be laid to rest.

How many copies of a death certificate do I need?

The number of death certificate copies you may need will vary depending on how many personal accounts and government services you may need to deal with on behalf of your loved one. We recommend having at least three copies of a death certificate so that you can keep one yourself, one to give to the solicitor who may be handling the affairs of the deceased and one to arrange the funeral. You may also need a copy of a death certificate to provide as evidence of death to any insurance companies, banks, pension companies or real estate agents.

It’s important to note that death certificates cannot be photocopied, it is illegal to do so, therefore you must purchase a legitimate copy from the registry office if you need to.

What documents do I need for a cremation?

Some crematoriums will provide the necessary forms to doctors and funeral directors who will help you manage the necessary information needed before the cremation can go ahead. Keep in mind that these forms will need to be completed within a certain period of time, therefore keeping in constant contact with your funeral director is a must to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

If you are arranging for a cremation to take place you will need to ensure the following documents are completed:

Death certificate

After registering the death, you will be given a death certificate which is an essential document required to arrange any type of funeral, whether that be cremation or burial.

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

This certificate will be issued by the doctor who has proposed the cause of death and passed this information to the medical examiner. The medical examiner will scrutinise the doctor’s medical certificate and will also reach out to the bereaved for them to ask any questions or raise any concerns. Once the medical examiner has independently completed their scrutiny of death and notified the registrar, the representative of the deceased will be informed that they are now able to contact the registrar’s office to register the death. If there is not a clear cause of death this certificate may not be issued straight away and will instead be sent to the coroner where the appropriate form will then be collected by the funeral director.

Green form/Registrars certificate for cremation

A green form authorises the cremation to take place and can be provided along with the death certificate when the death is registered. This green form must be given to your funeral director so that the cremation can take place. However, if the death is being investigated by a coroner, a certificate of coroner/Cremation 6 form will be needed instead.

Cremation 6 form

This document is completed by coroners after investigating the death to give permission for the body to be released back to the family or funeral director for cremation to take place.

Cremation 1 form

This document is to apply for the cremation of a deceased person. This form will need to be completed by the executor of the will or by the nearest relative of the deceased.

Cremation 4 form

This document should be completed by registered medical professionals who have also completed the Medical Certificate Cause of Death to then release the body for cremation.

What paperwork do I need for a burial?

The documents you need for a burial to go ahead are the same as those above that are required for a cremation except you will not need a Cremation 1/4 and 6 forms, instead, you will need:

Burial form

This form, also known as a notice of interment form will be completed by your funeral director or the family if they choose to arrange a funeral without a director. This form allows you to purchase a grave or reopen an existing burial plot.

Form 101/Order for burial

This document is similar to the Cremation 6 form in that, if an investigation is needed into the cause of death, this order for burial form must be filled out by the coroner to permit for the body to be released for burial. 

Get funeral support from Heart of England 

If you have any further questions on what documents or official arrangements need to be completed in order to arrange a funeral, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our team of friendly funeral directors today who are here to guide and support you through the funeral process to make things as straightforward as possible during one of the most difficult times.