Advice

Gentle guidance, every step of the way.

Losing someone is overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to begin. Here is some calm, practical guidance for the days ahead — and whenever you’re ready, a real person is only a phone call away.

When Someone Dies

The first few days

You don’t have to do everything at once. These are the steps that usually come first — and we can take on as much of them as you’d like.

01

Get a medical certificate

A doctor confirms the death and issues the medical certificate of cause of death. If the death was sudden or unexpected, the coroner may be involved first.

02

Call us, any time

Day or night, we’ll bring your loved one into our care and explain the next steps clearly. There is no rush and no obligation.

03

Register the death

The death is registered at the local register office, usually within five days. We’ll guide you on what to bring and what you’ll receive.

04

Plan the farewell together

We’ll sit with you to shape the service, honour your wishes and traditions, and prepare a clear, itemised estimate.

Registering A Death

What you’ll need at the register office

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a death is normally registered within five days; in Scotland it’s within eight. You’ll usually do this at the register office for the area where the person died — it’s best to book an appointment first.

The registrar will give you the documents needed to arrange the funeral, and can often start the government’s “Tell Us Once” service, which notifies several departments at the same time. If you’re unsure about anything, we’re glad to talk it through.

Helpful to bring

  • The medical certificate of cause of death (if given to you)
  • The person’s full name, date and place of birth
  • Their last address and occupation
  • Details of any spouse or civil partner
  • NHS number, birth and marriage certificates if you have them
  • Any passport, driving licence or proof of address
Common Questions

Questions families ask us

Whatever your situation, you can call any time and we’ll guide you step by step.

What should I do first?

Call us whenever you’re ready, day or night. We’ll explain the immediate steps clearly and take on as much as you’d like us to from there.

Can you arrange repatriation?

Yes. We handle repatriation to and from overseas with full coordination, documentation and care, keeping you informed throughout.

Do you understand our traditions?

We’re specialists in Afro-Caribbean funerals and Nine Night, and we honour each family’s cultural and faith customs with respect.

How soon does the funeral take place?

There’s no fixed rule — it depends on your wishes, faith customs and availability. We’ll work to the timing that’s right for your family.

Can you keep costs manageable?

Always. Our options are cost-effective and customised to your budget, with honest, transparent pricing and no pressure. See our published price list for detail.

Can payments be spread out?

We understand the timing is hard. Talk to us and we’ll do our best to find an arrangement that works for your family.

Honouring Your Traditions

Every farewell, true to who they were.

From the Nine Night celebration to repatriation and faith-led services, we carry your customs with knowledge and respect — bringing family together, wherever in the world they are.

Afro-Caribbean FuneralsNine NightRepatriationFaith-Led ServicesCultural Customs

You don’t have to face this alone.

Whenever you’re ready, reach out and we’ll guide you gently from here — with patience, warmth and care.

This guidance is general information to help you get your bearings and is not legal advice. Requirements can vary by area and circumstance — please confirm details with the register office or speak with us directly.