In that moment whether sudden or expected the death of a loved one often leads to the question ‘What happens next’. Below is a guide to support you in making the necessary arrangements following the passing of your loved one: Death in hospital If your loved one has passed in a hospital, you will be advised by a Doctor or Paramedic as to when you can call a Funeral Home. Falconer Funeral services will then be able to advise you regarding collecting your loved one and the next step you need to take in registering your loved one so you can begin to make the necessary arrangements, this will help to lessen the pressure during your time of grief. Death at home If your loved ones death was expected, you should contact their GP immediately as you will need the medical certificate confirming the cause of death. This will enable you to register their death and obtain a death certificate; this should be done within five days. We will be there to support you during this difficult time, if they have passed away at home get in touch and we will talk you through what we do and the next steps, you will be contacted by the driver when they are almost at the home in order to gain access as close to the property as possible to be able to move your loved one discreetly into the private ambulance and to our chapel of rest. Furthermore, when we arrive at the home we will talk to you about what we do and prepare for them to be taken into our care, when you feel ready we will take your loved one to our funeral home. Falconer Funerals will be committed to going above and beyond your requests in order to ensure your loved one gets the service they deserve.

Documents required for the process of registering your loved one are as follows: • A medical certificate that will be signed by the deceased person’s GP or a Doctor whoever was the last to care for them, this will detail the cause of death. • The Date and place of death. • The full name and surname (If the deceased was a woman the maiden if married and any other name formerly known by) • Their address. • The occupation of the deceased, former or current. • Details of State Pension or any other benefits the deceased was in receipt of. • The full details and occupation of a surviving spouse or civil partner (including their full name, date of birth and occupation) You will also need 2 forms of ID for yourself and your loved ones, such as • Birth Certificate • Council Tax Bill • Driving Licence • NHS Card • Proof of address • Passport • Marriage or Civil Certificate

• A Death Certificate will be issued, this is needed for handling the deceased’s estate, banking and insurance policies. A certificate usually costs between £8 & £12. Purchasing a few Certificates can be a necessity when dealing with a loved one’s estates as they usually require originals. • A certificate for burial or cremation (‘The Green Form’) gives permission for the body to be buried or to apply for cremation. This form should be handed to the Funeral Director as soon as possible. • A form (BD8) is a certificate of registration of death. This is issued if the person is in receipt of State Pension or benefit for Social Security Benefit purposes.

• A registration of the deceased should be done within 5 days of the death at the local registrar’s in your area. A relative of the deceased, spouse, parent or child can do this or someone who was present at the time of death. • A person who is arranging the funeral arrangements with the Funeral Director. This can be an Executor, an appointed official from the Hospital, Care home or institution where the person was a patient or resident.

The Department of Work and Pensions offer a service called ‘Tell it once’ where benefits can be cancelled by calling 0800- 085-7308. Car insurance policies Social Services or District Nurses – Any appointments need to be cancelled and if there are any equipments belonging to any of these services they will need to be returned. Hospital or GP – Outstanding appointments need to be cancelled. Other services that will need to be cancelled: • Opticians • Dentist • Meals on Wheels • Doctor • Home help

The Register Office

Walsall Council

Civic Centre

Walsall

WS1 1TN

0300 555 2847

The Register Office

Civic Centre

Wolverhampton

WV1 1RU

01902 551234

Birmingham Register Office

Holliday Wharf

Holliday Street

Birmingham

B1 1TJ

0121 675 1004

Sandwell Register Office

Highfields House

High Street

West Bromwich

B70 8RJ

Dudley Register Office

Priory Hall

Priory Park

Dudley

DY1 4EU

Lichfield Registry Office

Old Library Building

Bird Street

Lichfield WS13 6PN