QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
How do i decide which Funeral firm to choose?
Making the decision as to who’s services you should employ can be emotional and difficult. Membership of a reputable trade association is highly recommended and as a small, family owned business we are members of SAIF (The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors.) Ask friends or relatives to recommend a firm that they have dealt with, or have heard positive comments about, or contact solicitors and doctors in the area who will know of local funeral firms. Alternatively, you can research firms in your area by browsing the internet or looking for advertisements and contact them directly. Here at Hailsham Funeral Service we welcome any enquiries and will gladly help with any questions or concerns you may have. Many of us over the years have lost loved ones and we understand there is no question too trivial or that may seem silly to even raise, only that it matters to you. Ultimately you need to feel confident you can trust us in every aspect of the arrangements and we recognise this is a huge responsibility.
Which Registrars office should I go to?
In England and Wales, the death may be registered at any registrar’s office in the county where the death occurred. This is the case even if the death occurred a distance from home. However, there is a facility available to attend your local registrar’s office to register a death that occurred in another area. This is called Registration by Declaration, and involves the two registrars transferring documents by fax and post. Depending on the circumstances, this can delay the date of the funeral however we will help liaise with the Registrars and support you should this be necessary. In Scotland, you can register the death at any registration district.
Why do i have to register the death?
All deaths must be registered, and the people closest to the deceased person have a legal obligation to do this. Deaths in England and Wales or Northern Ireland should be registered within 5 days – if this is not going to be possible, you should inform the Registrar and you will have a further 14 days to do so.
What should I do if a relative dies at home?
When someone passes away either at home or a nursing home and it was expected, the doctor who has been treating them should be contacted. (If the death takes place out of normal surgery hours then the local on call service should be called instead.) The doctor or a colleague will either attend to confirm that death has occurred, or will give permission for the deceased to be conveyed to a funeral firm’s premises. You are then able contact the establishment of your choice, for this to take place. The doctor will subsequently complete the Medical Certificate of cause of death so that you are able to register your loved ones passing.
What should I do if a relative dies in hospital?
If a relative has passed away in hospital the doctors who have been treating them will usually be able to issue the Medical Certificate. Ask the ward staff or doctor what you need to do to collect this certificate, or give us a call for advice and the relevant contact numbers. Most hospitals will give family members the opportunity to spend some time with the deceased before transfer from the ward or private room. There may even be a chapel of rest at the hospital specifically for this purpose. The deceased will then be taken to the mortuary from where they will be collected by us or your chosen funeral firm.
The doctor says he wont issue the medical certificate of cause of death. Why is this?
If the doctor will not issue a Medical Certificate it is usually because they have not seen the deceased in the last 28 days or the circumstances surrounding the death mean it should be referred to HM Coroner for advice or further investigation. Reasons why the doctor may not issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death:- Has died an unnatural or violent death; Has died suddenly and the cause is unknown; Has died in prison or in such a place or circumstance as to require an inquest under any other Act. If the deceased underwent an operation shortly before death or there is a suggestion of a possible industrial disease.If the death is referred to HM Coroner it is likely their office will arrange for the death to be investigated further and, if necessary, an inquest opened.
What does his Majesty's coroner do?
The correct title of HM Coroner is – ‘His Majesty’s Coroner and they each cover the whole or part of a Local Authority area, for example in our locality it is ‘His Majesty’s Coroner for Sussex East’. The main duties of the Coroner today are: To investigate all unexpected or sudden deaths, To investigate all deaths that happen abroad and the body is repatriated to the United Kingdom; To give permission to remove bodies out of England and Wales; To act for the Crown in respect of treasure trove. The holder of the post of HM Coroner usually has a legal background and/or a medical background. The Coroner is not employed by the Local Authority, being only answerable to the Crown in the person of the Home Secretary. The Coroner Service is administered by HM Coroner who is assisted by a Deputy, as the service must be available at all times. In the major jurisdictions HM Coroner may have their own premises for the Court, offices and a public mortuary all in one facility. However, HM Coroners usually are solicitors based at their own offices, making use of the Local Authority or hospital facilities. HM Coroners, are assisted by Coroner’s Officers and normally they are Police Officers seconded to the Coroner Service working on a full-time basis. In practice the office is often held by a retired Police Officer or other civilians with some legal background. The Coroner’s Officer assists by taking statements from witnesses, carrying out investigations required by HM Coroner, arranging for the removal of the deceased to the appropriate mortuary and generally liaising between the family, pathologist, funeral firm and HM Coroner. We have a good relationship with the Coroners Officers locally and are familiar with HM Coroner’s procedures and will support you through the process each step of the way.
What will the registrar give me?
In the majority of cases the registrar will then issue:- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (a green form), which you will need to give to your funeral director. A Certificate of Registration or Notification of Death. (This is a certified copy of the entry in the register.) This certificate is needed in order to claim benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Further copies may be purchased at the time of registration. Leaflets on State benefits and Form 48 (procedure for dealing with Wills).
Do I have to register the death before arranging the funeral.
You do not need to have registered the death to begin making arrangements with your chosen funeral firm. However registration will need to have taken place before the date of the actual funeral.
We have never been a religious family - Do we have to have a vicar take the ceremony?
No, there is no requirement to hold a religious funeral service and there are a number of alternatives. Perhaps a relative or friend could take the service if they feel able to do so. Other members of the congregation could speak or read verses or poems. The British Humanist Association, Institute of Civil Funerals and Fellowship of Professional Celebrants have networks of officiants who will provide a very personal non religious ceremony. Ask your funeral firm for more information.
Is there any support for the funeral of a child?
Any loss is tragic but especially that of a child. Although at the discretion of each individual company, many funeral directors do not charge their normal fees when entrusted with funeral arrangements for a child and this is our policy at Hailsham Funeral Service. There are a number of charities who support families following the loss of a child such as Child Bereavement UK.
What are green funeral and woodland burials?
“Green funeral” is a term often used to describe funeral services that take a less traditional form and seek to minimise impact upon the world’s natural resources. This may mean choosing a woodland burial ground or selecting a coffin made of materials such as bamboo or wicker. An environmentally responsible funeral need not differ significantly to any other. Woodland burial grounds are cemeteries, often privately run, where strict rules govern what can and cannot be buried. If you are considering buying a grave in a woodland burial ground, you should visit to see whether it is what you expect and ask to see their terms and conditions. We can provide you with information about woodland burial grounds local to you should you require it.
Funerals are expensive. How will I know if I can afford it?
We recognise that funeral arrangements can be costly and we make every effort to be as fair and competitive as we possibly can. We will give you an indication of what the costs of our services are likely to be on our initial contact with you and will happily provide a detailed estimate once we have a clearer understanding of your wishes. Costs often vary from one establishment to another and we would recommend that you contact other funeral firms to compare costs, but be careful that these are like for like and include any third party fees.
Can I get any assistance with funeral costs?
Assistance is available from the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Social Fund. This is means tested and to qualify you must demonstrate that you are in receipt of at least one of several qualifying benefits. The DWP Funeral Payment will provide a limited amount, which may cover a very basic funeral, or provide a contribution towards a more traditional funeral. Form SF200 can be downloaded from here.
What if something goes wrong?
There are occasions when a client may feel dissatisfied with aspects of the services provided as part of the funeral. The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors Code of Practice – with which all SAIF member firms are obliged to adhere – provides a simple procedure to resolve problems between funeral firms and their clients. Copies of the Code of Practice are readily available from all SAIF member firms.
Thank you for your care and support at the time of Peters passing. Your professionalism and seamless service were really appreciated.
The Barnes Family, East Sussex
Testimonials
At a time that is confusing and obviously heart breaking to have someone like Andy appear at your door and guide you through the funeral process was a blessing. We didn’t feel pushed at all but gently guided and allowed to talk freely and choose exactly how we wanted our service for my father to be. It all felt quite natural which is exactly what you need at times like that.
C. Murphy
Testimonials
Dear John, Annie and all at Hailsham Funeral Service. Thank you so very much for all you done and making things go so easy for us. Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are endless. Reggie would have been proud of it.
Joyce & Family, East Sussex