What to Do When Someone Dies
A calm, simple guide for the first few hours and days
Need immediate support?
Talk to Life. Isle of Wight independent Funeral Directors, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
01
Medical Certificate and Medical Examiner Review
After a death, the attending practitioner completes a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). Before this is finalised, the details are reviewed by an independent Medical Examiner.
The Medical Examiner’s role is to:
- Confirm the cause of death is correct
- Ensure there are no concerns about the care provided
- Give you the opportunity to ask questions or raise any worries
You, or the next of kin, will usually be contacted directly by the Medical Examiner’s office as part of this process.
If the death occurs at home or in a care home, the person’s GP will normally complete the certificate. If the death occurs in hospital, the hospital’s Bereavement Office will guide you through what happens next.
Once the review is complete, the MCCD is sent electronically to the local Register Office on the Isle of Wight.
If the death needs to be referred to the coroner, this will be explained to you clearly, along with what that means for the next steps.
02
Registering the Death
After the MCCD has been sent to the Register Office, the death usually needs to be registered within five days, unless the coroner is involved.
The death must be registered by someone legally entitled to do so, such as:
- a close relative or next of kin
- an executor
- or the person arranging the funeral
Here on the Isle of Wight, registration is normally completed by appointment.
You can contact of the Isle of Wight Register Office on 01983 823233 and they are located at Isle of Wight Register Office, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QS
You’ll be asked for information including:
- The date and place of death
- The full name and last address of the person who has died
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation
- Details of a spouse or civil partner, if applicable
- Your name, address, and relationship to the person who has died
- Whether the person received a pension from public funds
Documents such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate can be helpful, but they are not essential.
If the Coroner is involved
When a death is referred to the coroner, the usual registration timescales may change. The coroner will advise what documentation can be issued, and when. This can feel unsettling at an already difficult time.
At Life, we can explain the process in plain language and support you gently while enquiries take place.
What happens after registration
Once the death has been registered, the registrar will provide:
Death
certificates
These are often needed for banks, insurers, and other organisations. It’s usually advisable to purchase a few extra copies at the point of registration, as additional copies requested later are often more expensive.
A certificate for burial or cremation
Sometimes called the green form, this allows the funeral to go ahead. Here on the Isle of Wight it is issued in paper form but can be emailed to the funeral director. A funeral director cannot move forward with in coffining until this certificate has been received.
A 'Tell Us Once' reference number
This allows you to notify most government departments of the death through one simple online service.
How can we help?
Thinking about funeral arrangements can feel intimidating, and stepping into a funeral director’s office may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be.
At Life, we are a modern, independent funeral director here on the Isle of Wight. From the very first conversation, we focus on compassion, clarity, and taking things at your pace.
You don’t need to know what to do next.
You don’t need to have everything decided.
We’ll meet you where you are, explain things clearly, and take things one step at a time — supporting you gently when you’re ready.
Common questions after a death
01
What do I do if someone dies
at home?
If someone dies at home and the death was expected, you should contact their GP or the out-of-hours medical service. A doctor will attend to confirm the death and begin the process of completing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
If the death was unexpected, you should call 999. The emergency services will guide you through what happens next and advise whether the death needs to be referred to the coroner.
In either situation, there is no need to rush. Once the death has been confirmed, you can contact a funeral director when you feel ready. At Life, we can talk things through calmly and explain the next steps whenever you need us.
02
Do I have to use a funeral director straight away?
No. There is no requirement to contact a funeral director immediately after a death.
Some families prefer to take a little time before making any decisions, and that is completely okay. Others find reassurance in speaking to a local funeral director early on for guidance and support.
If you do get in touch with us, there’s no pressure to make arrangements straight away. We’re happy to answer questions, explain what happens next, and support you at your own pace..
03
How long
do I have to arrange a funeral?
There is no fixed time limit for arranging a funeral. In most cases, funerals take place one to two weeks after a death, but this can vary depending on personal wishes, family circumstances, or whether the coroner is involved.
You do not need to have everything decided immediately. Taking time to consider what feels right can help ensure the funeral reflects the person who has died.
04
What happens if I don't know what the person wanted?
This is very common, and it’s something many families worry about.
If no wishes have been recorded, the funeral arrangements are usually decided by the next of kin. A good funeral director will help you explore simple options, ask gentle questions, and guide you towards choices that feel appropriate and meaningful.
At Life, we focus on helping families create a farewell that feels right for them — even when there are no clear instructions to follow.