01225 775259
Call our Trowbridge Office
01373 864944
Call our Westbury Office
Call our Trowbridge Office
Call our Westbury Office
Whether someone you love dies unexpectedly or perhaps after a long illness it comes as a distressing shock for those left behind. There are, however, some practical steps that need to be taken as soon as possible, difficult as that may be.
As a bereaved family it helps to choose one or more of those close to you to carry out the formalities, and co-ordinate the funeral arrangements.
You should always contact us, as funeral directors, first of all so we can guide you through what needs to be done, and arrange to take the body of the deceased safely into our care before we work with you to arrange the funeral. Our phone lines are open 24/7.
We have found, over the years, that it is very helpful for the bereaved to know exactly what needs to be done when someone dies – it is comforting to know that the legalities and arrangements are in hand and you have space to grieve.
Here are your main responsibilities:
Use the local authority’s ‘Tell Us Once’ service to inform government agencies about the death (this is a service usually offered by the registrar when you register the death).
Whether you have a question or need some guidance, our team is always happy to talk things through with you.
The major requirement after a death is to obtain a death certificate, needed to arrange funerals, settle estates, claim life insurance, manage pension benefits and so much more. First off, you need a medical certificate from a doctor recording the cause and details of death:
To make and attend an appointment with the local Registrar to register the death you must be either next of kin, a relative in attendance during the last illness of the deceased, a relative living in the district where death occurred or a person present at the death.
If the registrar doesn’t contact you with an appointment, you can make one in Wiltshire by calling 0300 003 4569 – it must be within five days of the death occurring.
Expect the registrar to ask you:
If all is in order the registrar will then issue you with a certified copy of entry in the Register of Deaths, Form BD8 for social security purposes, and a certificate for burial or cremation which is required by us, as funeral directors, to start funeral arrangements.
Further down the line the bereaved family will have to deal with probate – dealing with any money, property and possessions they have left behind either with a will, or without, which is best handled with the help of a solicitor.
Run in partnership with Dorothy House Hospice Care.
Support available 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
Emmanuel Buildings, Church Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8RZ
A welcoming space for anyone affected by grief.
First Monday of the month at
The Hub, Church Street
Bradford-on-Avon
2pm-4pm
No pressure, just presence.
No charge – tea, coffee and cake.
We’re here to help you no matter how long you’ve been grieving.
Discover what services are available where you are.
We are a charity and have over 80 local branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Wiltshire Mind’s vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all and that treats people with experience of mental distress fairly, positively and with respect.
Every Monday 6pm – 7pm
Station Approach Car Park
Bradford on Avon
Wiltshire
BA14 1DQ
Run Talk Run and Walk Talk Walk are a global mental health running and walking group.
Run and talk, free from judgement or competition, with community running and walking groups.
Dorothy House Hospice Care offer a free bereavement support group.