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Family Funeral Planning Checklist
A complete step-by-step guide to help you through one of the most difficult times. Work through each section at your own pace.
Birmingham Funeral Directors · funeraldirectorsbirmingham.co.uk
Immediately After a Death
- Get a medical certificate of cause of death from the doctor
- Contact a funeral director — they will collect your loved one
- Notify close family and friends
- If the death was sudden or unexpected, contact the coroner
- Find important documents: will, insurance policies, passport
- Contact the deceased's employer if applicable
Choosing a Funeral Director
- Get at least 2-3 quotes — costs vary significantly
- Ask if they are NAFD or SAIF registered
- Check if they have 24-hour availability
- Ask for a full written itemised price list
- Check they have facilities to care for your loved one locally
- Ask about their experience with your cultural or religious requirements
Registering the Death
- Register the death within 5 days (8 in Scotland)
- Go to the register office in the district where the death occurred
- Bring: medical certificate, deceased's NHS card, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable
- Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate (you'll need several)
- Ask for the green "Certificate for Burial or Cremation" to give to the funeral director
Planning the Service
- Decide between burial and cremation
- Choose the location — church, crematorium, chapel, or other venue
- Select a date and time with the funeral director
- Choose music, readings and speakers
- Write or commission an obituary
- Arrange flowers
- Notify people: consider a newspaper notice or online obituary
- Arrange transport for family members
- Decide on dress code for attendees if relevant
- Plan any wake or reception afterwards
Financial & Legal Steps
- Check if the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan
- Contact life insurance providers
- Notify banks and building societies — accounts may be frozen
- Check if probate is required (usually if estate exceeds £10,000)
- Cancel direct debits and standing orders
- Notify HMRC, DWP, and local council
- Cancel passport and driving licence
- Redirect post if needed
- Notify pension providers
Looking After Yourself
- Accept help from family and friends — you don't have to do this alone
- Take time to grieve — there is no right or wrong way
- Contact Cruse Bereavement Support if you need to talk: 0808 808 1677
- Consider a GP visit if you are struggling
- Be gentle with yourself in the weeks and months ahead
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