We will contact the cemetery or crematorium, clergy and all necessary authorities.

Although it is important to register the death as soon as possible, it can be helpful to contact the funeral director first, in order that a provisional booking can be made at the cemetery or the crematorium. This is particularly so at busy periods such as in the winter months or after bank holiday weekends.

When the death has been registered - or before if the coroners department is involved - we will then discuss the family's wishes for the funeral and make the necessary arrangements, advising on the format of the service, choice of coffin and other related matters. This is usually done at one of our offices but a home visit can be arranged if preferred.

In the event of death occurring at home or in a residential care home, our staff are available on 24 hour call to effect prompt removal to our mortuary facilities at Welling.

When a person dies at home, it is essential that a doctor is called as he or she alone can pronounce death and authorise removal to the mortuary. Please let the doctor know if cremation is planned so that the necessary documentation can be completed. After the doctor has given permission we can then convey the deceased to our premises.

In the event of an unexpected death, the doctor may have to report the occurrence to the coroner who may arrange for a contracted funeral director to transfer the body to the public mortuary for examination. This does not involve the family in any expense and in no way restricts their choice of funeral director to carry out the funeral.

If the death occurs in hospital, the family will be advised upon the procedure for collecting the death certificate and registering the death; the funeral director can be contacted beforehand if desired.