A simple step-by-step guide to help you through the first days

Losing someone can feel overwhelming — especially in the very beginning. This guide walks you through what to do, step by step. You don't need to do everything at once, and you can contact us at any point — we’re here to help.

Speak to a Funeral Director

Step 1

First things first

Call their GP or the out-of-hours service. A doctor will need to visit and verify the death before a Medical Certificate can be issued. If the death was expected, this is usually straightforward. Once verified, you can contact us to bring your loved one into our care.

The hospital staff will support you and arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You’ll usually be given a time to collect the certificate and any belongings. The hospital may ask you which funeral director you’d like to appoint — you don’t need to decide straight away.

Care home staff will call the GP to verify the death. They’ll also notify the next of kin and can contact your chosen funeral director. If a funeral plan was in place, let the staff know — they may already have the details.

If the death was unexpected or accidental, the emergency services will attend and may refer the case to the Coroner. This is a normal process and we can guide you through it. You can still contact us at any time for advice and support.

Step 2

Registering the death

You must register the death within 5 days (8 in Scotland), ideally after receiving the Medical Certificate. If the Coroner is involved, this may take a little longer.

Register at the Register Office in the district where the person died. You’ll need to book an appointment. Most offices offer a “Tell Us Once” service to notify government departments.

  • The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
  • Full name, date and place of birth of the deceased
  • Occupation and last address
  • Name and occupation of their spouse or civil partner (if applicable)
  • NHS number (if available)

  • A Death Certificate (you can request multiple copies)
  • A certificate for burial or cremation (also known as the green form)
  • Information on Tell Us Once and any relevant support services

Step 3

Contacting a funeral director

You can contact us at any point — whether immediately or after registration. We’ll help you bring your loved one into our care and begin making arrangements for the funeral, at a pace that feels right for you.

0161 432 2131 Arrange a Meeting

Step 4

Letting others know

It’s okay to take your time. You don’t have to tell everyone at once. Some families find it helpful to appoint a close relative or friend to help spread the word.

You may need to inform banks, pension providers, utility companies, landlords, etc. The “Tell Us Once” service makes this easier by notifying several government departments at once.

If you’re not sure where to begin or need help with any part of this process, we’re just a phone call away. We also work closely with local bereavement support organisations if you need emotional help.

Arranging a Funeral
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  • I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service we received from George Ball & Son during one of the most challenging times in our lives. When my father passed away, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed. However, the team at George Ball & Son was nothing short of excellent.
    Kathy Q
    Google Review
  • We had really good support from George Ball and Son from the minute my dad died; their care and compassion was excellent.
    All the funeral arrangements were made with minimal fuss, our wishes were easily accommodated and on the day of the funeral everything went smoothly.
    Thank you !
    Anne Brice
    Google Review
  • Margaret, Daniel & Rachel, Are so caring. They go that extra mile to help their customer. From our first meeting, to making my beloved husband look so lovely and peaceful, to the photograph, flowers and order of service and their attention to detail. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything they did was to perfection! I can't thank them enough.
    Carole
    Google Review