The death of someone close can be overwhelming. Along with grief, families are often faced with paperwork, funeral arrangements, and other administration relating to a death. At Liberty Cremations, we help families at one of life’s most difficult times. As we are a local family funeral director specialising in direct cremation, we believe in kindness and compassion and making the admin as stress-free as possible.
This guide explains how to obtain a death certificate and other common forms you will likely need to complete.
What is a death certificate?
A death certificate is an official legal document that records:
- The full name of the deceased person
- Date and place of death
- Cause of death
- Age at death
- Parents’ names
- Informant details (person providing information)
This document is required to:
- Close bank/ or building society accounts
- Making a life insurance claim
- Transfer property to heirs or beneficiaries or cancelling leases or tenancy agreements
- Make an application for probate (if there is a will)
- Notify government agencies
- Access pensions and social security benefits
- Inform HMRC for tax purposes
- Cancel memberships, subscriptions, or utilities
Getting a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
After someone dies, a medical examiner will be required to check the cause of death to make sure it is accurate and properly recorded.
In the UK, all deaths are reviewed by NHS medical examiners. They issue a medical certificate to state the cause of death.
You will not need to contact a medical examiner yourself. Depending on the location where a death takes place, this will be done by hospital staff, a hospice nurse, or funeral home staff. You will need a medical certificate of death before proceeding to the next step.
How to arrange a death certificate
You can order a death certificate by registering on the General Register Office (GRO) Order a birth, death, marriage or civil partnership certificate – GOV.UK or you can call 0300 123 1837, Monday – Friday 8am – 6 pm.
Certificates cost £12.50 and are sent within 4 days of ordering.
Ordering Certified Copies
Most families need multiple certified copies of a death certificate. We generally recommend ordering:
- 5–10 copies (minimum)
- More if there are multiple financial accounts or properties
Each bank, insurance company, or government agency typically requires an original certified copy — not a photocopy.
Other Common Forms
Cremation Authorisation Forms
Cremation cannot proceed without legal authorisation. Crematoriums require one application form to completed and signed by the person arranging the cremation. It also records instructions for the ashes.
Burial Forms
In the case of a burial, you will choose the cemetery and grave plot. You will be provided with a Certificate for Burial (Green Form) which you will submit to a funeral director or cemetery.
Coroner’s Forms
If a death is sudden, unexplained or unnatural, the doctor cannot issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). A coroner will issue a Form 6 if there has been a post mortem examination.
Post Funeral Administration
You may be required to complete life insurance forms, probate forms, or benefits claim forms.
How Liberty Cremations Supports You
When it comes to administration and paperwork, Liberty Cremations is experienced with all aspects of arranging a direct cremation, including managing the processes at a crematorium, and other necessary paperwork.
We help families with their forms and and will ensure that the process runs smoothly for you. If you are concerned about any aspects of your loved one’s cremation do contact us for conversation.
We coordinate everything, including:
- Collecting the required personal information from you and your family
- Obtaining the certified MCCD
- Completing the cremation forms
- Liaising with the crematorium to schedule a direct cremation
- Answering every question with compassion and clarity