death registration
If a death has occurred within England or Wales it must be registered within 5 days of the event occurring, unless the Coroner is involved.
If the death has been referred to the Coroner the death cannot be registered until the Coroner has completed their investigations. Once completed, they will forward your details to the Registrar and the Registrar will contact you to proceed with the registration.
What The Registrar Will Ask
When making an appointment to register a person’s death you will be asked the following:
- Have collected the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death or have you an appointment to collect it?
- What is the Name of the Deceased?
- Where did the the person die?
- What was the date of death?
- What is your name and connection to the deceased?
- You will be asked to provide your contact information.
When attending the appointment you will need to be able to provide the following information:
- Medical certificate of Cause of Death.
- Full name of the deceased.
- Maiden name (if applicable).
- The date and place of the deceased’s birth.
- Date and place of their death.
- Their last occupation.
- If they receive any state pension or benefits and the reference numbers, if available.
- If the deceased was married you will be asked the name and occupation of their spouse and the spouse’s date and place of birth.
- If the deceased’s medical card is available to take to the appointment this should be taken. However this is not mandatory.
Local Registration Offices
After an expected death has occurred, the doctor last caring for the paitent will complete a Medical Certificate of Death (MCCD). They will send this electronically to the Registrars offices. Once you have been informed that the MCCD has been sent to the Registrar you will need to make an Appointment to Register.
Appointments can be made over the phone or online:
Essex County Death Registration (For deaths within Essex, excluding Southend): 0345 603 7632
Essex County Council Death Registration Service
Southend: 01702 215 009
Southend Death Registration service
The registrar may ask for the funeral directors email address. Our email is: office@aradams.co.uk
Payments for the certificates may be taken by phone and the Death certificate will either be issued in person at the face to face registration appointment or it will be posted to the family. They will not be sent electronically. (Death Certificates currently cost £11.00 each.)
The Registrar’s Certificate of Burial or Cremation (The Green Form) will be issued either at the face to face appointment or electronically to the Funeral Director and Crematorium/Cemetery. This will allow the funeral director to proceed with the funeral arrangements.
Once you have had your appointment with the Registrar, please contact us to make an appointment to discuss the funeral arrangements. The funeral arrangements can be made at either our Funeral Directors in Southend or our Funeral Directors in Rayleigh.
Appointments
For deaths in Essex (except Southend) you can book your registration appointment online via Essex County Council
For Southend registrations, you can book online at Southend-On-Sea Borough Council
Certificate Costs
Essex County Council will charge £11.00 for each certificate required.
Contacts
Benfleet
South Benfleet Registration Office
South Benfleet Library,
264 High Road, South Benfleet,
Essex SS7 5HD
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday:
9:00am – 5:00pm
Basildon
Basildon Registration Office
Basildon Library,
St Martin’s Square,
Basildon, Essex,
SS14 1EE
Open: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Rayleigh
Rayleigh Registration Office
Rayleigh Library,
132-134 High Street, Rayleigh,
Essex SS6 7BX
Open: Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Rochford
Rochford Registration Office
Rochford Library
8 Roche Close, Rochford
Essex SS4 1PX
Open: Thursday:
9.30am-4.30pm
Southend Civic Centre
Southend Registry Office
Southend Civic Centre
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea
SS2 6EN
Open: Monday – Friday, 9:10am – 3:45pm
Southend Hospital
Southend Hospital Bereavement Suite
Prittlewell Chase
Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0RY
Open: Monday – Friday: 9:15am – 4:30pm
What is the process for registering a death?
The process involves obtaining a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from a doctor and then registering the death at the local Register Office within five days.
What information is needed to register a death?
Information required includes the full name and surname of the deceased, their date and place of birth, occupation, marital status, and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
Is there a fee for registering a death?
There is no fee to register a death. However, obtaining copies of the death certificate typically incurs a fee.
Can someone other than a family member register a death?
Yes, any person present at the death, the occupant of the house, the person making the funeral arrangements, or anyone responsible for the deceased can register it.
Where can I register a death?
Deaths can be registered at any local Register Office in the area where the death occurred, or at the Register Office in the area where the deceased person lived.
How many death certificates should I obtain?
It’s recommended to obtain multiple copies of the death certificate, as they are needed for various purposes like closing bank accounts, insurance claims, probate, and handling the deceased person’s affairs.
What happens during the death registration process?
The registrar will record details about the deceased, issue the death certificate, and provide a certificate for burial or cremation (the “green form”) if applicable.
What if the cause of death is unknown?
If the cause of death is uncertain or suspicious, the coroner may need to conduct further investigations before the death can be registered.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
As your local funeral director in Rayleigh, Southend, and Benfleet we are here to help and advise you in whatever way we can.
We are dedicated professionals who provide a personal service to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
CALL US AT ANY TIME OR ARRANGE TO VISIT US
01268 743102 for Rayleigh or 01702 586383 for Thorpe Bay
