What to do When Someone Passes

What to Do When Someone Passes – A Simple Guide for Families in Cumbria

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences we face. At Cumbria Direct Cremations, we understand that this time can be overwhelming, and we are here to support you with clear guidance and compassionate care.

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1. Notify a Medical Professional

At Home

Call the deceased’s GP or NHS 111 if it is outside of normal hours. The GP will confirm the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).

In a Hospital or Care Home

Hospital staff or care home staff will notify the doctor to confirm the death and arrange the necessary documentation.

If Unexpected

If the death is unexpected, dial 999. The police and paramedics will attend, and the Coroner may need to be involved.

2. Contact Cumbria Direct Cremations

Once the death is confirmed, contact us directly. We will:

Collect your loved one with dignity and care.
Manage all required paperwork on your behalf.
Arrange a respectful direct cremation, ensuring everything is taken care of with compassion.

3. Understanding Certification

As of September 2024, all deaths in the UK must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner before the death certificate is issued. If necessary, the Coroner will be involved to conduct further investigations. This is done to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.

4. Register the Death

You must register the death within 5 days at the local Register Office in the area where the death occurred.

Cumbria Register Office Locations:

Barrow-in-Furness Register Office

Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2LD

01229 820412

Book an Appointment Online

Carlisle Register Office

The Courts, English Street, Carlisle, CA3 8NA

01228 227432

Book an Appointment Online

Kendal Register Office

Kendal Town Hall, Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4DL

01539 713458

Book an Appointment Online

What to bring when registering the death:

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Full name, date and place of birth of the deceased
Last address of the deceased
Occupation and marital status
Name and occupation of their spouse or civil partner
NHS number (if available)
Birth or marriage certificates (if accessible, not essential)

5. Arranging the Funeral

Once the death is registered, we can begin to arrange the funeral. At Cumbria Direct Cremations, we offer:

Transparent, fixed pricing – there are no hidden extras.
Affordable cremation options to suit your needs and budget.
Your loved one will always stay in our local care, never transferred to a third party.

6. Legal and Financial Matters

You will need to address several legal and financial matters:

Notify banks, insurance providers, and other financial institutions.
Apply for probate (if necessary). If there is no will, intestacy laws will apply to manage the estate.
Use the Tell Us Once service: Notify government departments, including HMRC, DWP, DVLA, and the local council.