Arranging a Funeral

The first steps to be taken when a death occurs are often the hardest for people to make. At GB Davis & Sons we have experienced local staff on call at all times to answer the telephone personally, to attend to moving a deceased person from the place at which they have died, and a qualified funeral director available to deal with any questions, or to begin making the necessary funeral arrangements when required.

Our advice to all families is that when a death does occur they contact us immediately. In many cases now when people pass away in hospital, it is not necessary for us to attend immediately, but our staff can give the helpful advice needed to put people's minds at ease, and to ensure that the family are aware of everything which needs to be done.

Our experienced staff will be with you every step of the way during this difficult time, offering advice and helping with funeral arrangements anywhere in the surrounding area. We are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and The Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Our family business has been operating as funeral directors for many years. We offer a caring and highly professional service at all times and arrangements can be made at either of our 2 funeral homes, or if required at your home address.

Registering a Death

When death occurs, and a medical certificate has been issued to the Medical Examiner, the Medical Examiner will complete their legal investigations and then issue a death certificate to the local Registry Office. The death must be recorded at the register office for the area in which the death has occurred. (within 5 days of the registrar receiving the certificate from the medical examiner). A formal death certificate can then be issued, and the necessary paperwork so that the funeral can take place. Your funeral director will give you full advice on which registrar to visit and the information that is required in order to record the death.

There are exceptions to the above. Circumstances change with regards to registrars procedures when the coroner is involved, or the coroner is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. This applies also for deaths taking place outside the United Kingdom. Ask either your funeral director, the coroners office, or the registry office for the correct advice. Alternatively click the link below for full and comprehensive guidance from the government web site.