As Funeral directors, we provide a service of considerable importance to the relatives of the deceased and make arrangements for clients who may be in an emotional state. We therefore adopt the highest standards, both in assisting the client to choose a funeral and in providing a caring and dignified funeral according to the wishes of the client.
What to Do If Someone Dies
When death occurs at home or in a nursing home, the first contact is normally the deceased's doctor who, if satisfied with the cause of death will issue the Medical Certificate of cause of death. If the death occurs outside surgery hours or the deceased's doctor is unavailable, it is usual for another doctor to attend. Once the doctor has attended, contact us, day or night, so that we can make the necessary arrangements to bring the deceased into our care. In the case of a death at a nursing home, their staff should liaise with both the doctor and ourselves.
When a death occurs in a hospital, the nursing staff will arrange for the hospital doctor caring for the deceased to issue the Medical Certificate of cause of death. This will usually be made available for the family to collect from the Hospital Bereavement Office, together with the deceased's belongings.
If the death has occurred away from home, assuming that the cause of death can be established, the Medical Certificate of cause of death will be issued by the deceased's own doctor in consultation with the local doctor who attended the deceased, or by the hospital doctor in that area. Where the cause of death cannot be established the death will be referred to the local Coroner. In this instance the doctor may contact the Funeral Director nominated by the coroner to arrange for the deceased to be taken to the local hospital.
If the death occurs abroad, we will advise and assist the family in the arrangements necessary for the deceased to be returned home.
Registering the Death
Once the Medical Certificate of the cause of death has been issued, the death must be registered within five days. Normally this is at the Registry office in the sub-district where the death occurred. The arrangements for a funeral cannot proceed until the death has been registered.
A relative of the deceased usually registers the death. If no relative is available then the duty may be performed by; any person present at the death, the person in charge of the premises where the death occurred, or the person who is accepting responsibility for making the funeral arrangements.
It is necessary to arrange an appointment to attend the Registry Office.
If you are unable to attend the Registry Office that covers the area where the death occurred, you may attend a Registry Office of your choice with the particulars of the deceased, in order to make a declaration. This will then be forwarded to the sub-district where the death occurred for registration. In such cases, there may be some delay in the certificates being released.
The Registrar will require the following documentation and information.
The Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death
The deceased's NHS Medical Card (if available)
The deceased's Birth Certificate (if available)
The deceased's Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
The date and place of death
The full name of the deceased and maiden name, where appropriate
The usual address of the deceased
The date and place of birth of the deceased
The deceased's occupation and the name and occupation of their spouse
Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds.
On Completion of registration, the registrar will issue the following:
A certificate for Burial or Cremation
This is a green form, which should be brought to us in order that the arrangements for the funeral may proceed
A Certification of Registration of Death
This is for Social Security purposes in order that the payment of pensions and allowances may be cancelled
Certified copies of an Entry of Death
Commonly referred to as the Death Certificate. There is a fee payable for these.
The Coroner
If the death has occurred in any of the following circumstances, the doctor attending the deceased may decide to report the death to the Coroner.
The death was sudden and unexplained
The cause of death is unknown
As a result of an accident or injury
During a surgical operation or before recovery from an anaesthetic.
An industrial disease is suspected.
Where the deceased has not been seen by their doctor within fourteen days prior to death, the death must be reported to the coroner.
The registration procedure will be delayed until the Coroner gives permission to proceed.
You will be contacted by the Coroner's Officer who will advise you what to do.
The Coroner may decide that a post mortem examination is necessary; the consent of the family is not required. The family may, however, wish to be represented at the post mortem examination by a doctor. The family must advise the Coroner if this is the case.
If the post mortem examination reveals that the death was due to natural causes the Coroner will issue a Pink form B. This is usually sent directly to the Registry Office and the Coroner will advise you when you may attend to register the death. You will need to provide the Registrar with the documentation and information listed under 'Registering the Death', with the exception of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
If the deceased is to be cremated, the Coroner will also issue a Certificate of Cremation, which will be issued to us in order that the arrangements for the funeral may proceed.
Should the cause of death remain uncertain following the post mortem examination, the coroner may request that an inquest is held. This takes the form of a public hearing, which the family of the deceased may attend. The need for an inquest may delay the funeral arrangements. However, provided no further examination of the deceased is required, the Coroner may issue a Certificate of Cremation or Order for Burial, which will enable the funeral to take place prior to the conclusion of the inquest.
Certified copies of an Entry of Death are made available from the Registrar after the conclusion of the inquest. Interim Certificates can be supplied by the Coroner for banking and insurance purposes.
Arranging the Funeral
It is important that you take your time to consider and reflect upon the decisions and choices you make. We will advise you as to which decisions are urgent and need to be made before the day of the funeral and those that can be made following the funeral.
If at any time you are unsure, please say so, and if appropriate, take the time to discuss any issues with your family or friends. If at any point you wish to change your mind, then again, please say so. The person making the arrangements must be authorised to give instructions and make decisions regarding the funeral details. This person will also be responsible for arranging payment of the funeral.
The arrangements for the funeral are generally made by attending our office. Although it is not necessary to make an appointment, advance notice of your attendance would be appreciated. Should you have difficultly in attending our premises, we will be happy to make arrangements to visit you at home.
We will explain the options available to you assist you in the completion of all documentation and make all necessary arrangements with clergy and officiants, doctors, crematoria and cemeteries as required.
You will to decide whether the funeral will be a burial or cremation. This decision is a personal one, often influenced by factors such as the wishes of the deceased, family tradition, or religious beliefs. You will also need to decide where the funeral will take place, church, cemetery chapel, crematorium chapel, or graveside.
Burial
The two most common forms of burial are in new or re-opened graves, normally in cemeteries or churchyards, subject to local regulations and availability.
When purchasing the right of burial for a new grave in a cemetery you will need to decide whether the grave is to accommodate a single burial or more. Some local authorities may allow you to reserve or pre-purchase the grave space next to the one to be used.
Cemeteries normally charge a fee for opening the grave and a purchase of exclusive right of burial. In effect, this means that no additional burials can take place in the grave concerned without the permission of the person who has purchased the exclusive right.
If the burial is to take place in an existing grave we will require the deeds of the grave or any documentation relating to the grave. We will also need to check that there is room for further interments. In addition to a fee for re-opening the grave, there may be a fee for the removal and replacement of any existing memorial.
There are alternatives to a burial in a cemetery or churchyard, such as burial in a vault, burial at sea or woodland burial. These options are less widely available but should you wish to consider any of them, we will give you the necessary advice and assistance.
Cremation
Most crematoria will have a funeral church. If you do not wish to hold a funeral service in a church or other location, you may consider using the crematorium church.
Cremated Remains
Following a cremation, you will need to make a decision regarding what will happen to the cremated remains.
We strongly recommend that those making the decision allow sufficient time to consider all the options. We will be pleased to discuss all the options, give advice concerning local regulations and the costs involved.
You do not have to reach a decision immediately. Some crematoria will hold the remains for a limited time. Alternatively, we are able to hold the remains at our premises following the funeral.
Most crematoria provide gardens of remembrance where the remains can be scattered. A variety of options for memorialisation can be arranged through the crematorium.
As an alternative to the crematorium grounds, many bereaved families decide to have the remains scattered at a place that was associated with the deceased. This may be:
On a family grave
In the garden of the family home
At a place with fond memories or where perhaps the deceased spent time, for example woodland or moorland
At sea
A football ground
Abroad
Please remember that, if you decide to scatter the cremated remains anywhere apart from on land that you own, you must seek the permission of the property owner or appropriate authority.
You may choose to bury cremated remains. This gives you the opportunity to visit the place of burial, erect a memorial or perhaps place the remains of more than one family member together.
You can bury cremated remains
Within the grounds of a crematorium
In a churchyard
In a grave
In your garden
Examples of other options that are regularly chosen include:
Keeping the cremated remains at home in a casket designed for that purpose, in order that when a spouse or partner dies the remains of both can be scattered or buried together.
Placing a small amount into a piece of jewellery, for example a specially designed locket
There are many other options of your own choice available. However, whichever you choose you must remain within the law and respect the rights of property and landowners.
We offer a wide range of urns and caskets for cremated remains. Details available on request.
Jewellery and Personal Possessions
When we receive the deceased into our care, they may be in possession of jewellery or small personal items. You will need to advise us if these are to remain with the deceased, otherwise they will be returned to you.
You may wish to place personal items such as photographs, letters or mementoes in the coffin with the deceased. We place no restrictions on what may be placed in a coffin whilst the deceased is still in our care. However, there are certain restrictions placed by the crematoria, for example, metal or glass objects and electrical items are unacceptable. Where appropriate we will give advice.
Viewing the Deceased
The decision as to whether or not anyone wishes to see the deceased is a very personal one. We cannot advise you which is the correct decision, but many people take comfort from visiting our rest room.
We will advise you of the earliest opportunity at which viewing may take place so that an appointment can be arranged.
Whilst it may be your wish that the deceased be dressed in their own clothes, in many circumstances, particularly when cremation will take place, we are bound to comply with certain regulations.
Choosing a Coffin
We offer a wide range of coffins and caskets suitable for burial or cremation, from the most simple to the truly elaborate. We understand that choosing a coffin may be distressing for some people, but it would be inappropriate for us to make the decision for you. We can assist you in the choosing the coffin or casket, and will be pleased to provide you with any further information you may require.
Vehicles
The deceased is conveyed to the funeral service in a hearse. You may choose to follow the hearse in one or more of our limousines, which comfortably seat up to six people.
You will need to consider the following points:
Whether you would prefer a motor or horse-drawn hearse
How many limousines you require
The address from which the funeral cortege will leave
The address to which the mourners will return
Whether the cortege will take a special route
Whether you will require wheelchair access
Floral Tributes
Our floral design brochures contain a comprehensive selection of beautiful and thoughtful tributes to enable you to select a floral tribute to your requirements. These can be ordered through us and either charged to the funeral account or invoiced separately.
A selection of message cards are available in order that you may express your feelings in a personal manner.
When ordering flowers, it is advisable to give your chosen florist as much notice as possible.
It is usual for floral tributes to be delivered to us on the morning of the funeral. They will then be placed in the hearse for the journey to the funeral service.
After a burial service, the flowers are usually placed on the grave. After a cremation service, they are displayed on the flower terrace at the crematorium.
If you wish, we can have the cards attached to the floral tributes returned in order that they may be retained as a keepsake. Please advise us if you would like any suitable flowers donated to a local hospice or nursing home and we will arrange this for you, subject to them wishing to receive them.
Charitable Donations
Many families prefer relatives, friends and colleagues to make a donation to a charity or other organisation as an alternative to sending floral tributes. We are able to arrange the administration of any donations we receive. We will advise you of the total amount collected in memory of the deceased, and the names of those who made a donation. Please note, we are only able to accept donations by cheque and made payable to the nominated charity or organisation. Alternatively, you may decide that donations should be sent direct to the charity or organisation nominated.
Newspaper Notices
To advise people of your loss, you may wish to place a notice in a newspaper and, following the funeral an acknowledgement to thank people for their support or assistance. We can assist in compiling those notices and place them in the relevant newspapers on your behalf.
Music
Music gives you the opportunity to add a personal touch to a funeral service. Many types of music are now played at funerals from traditional organ music to a favourite tract on compact disc supplied by you. Another alternative is live music as a Scottish piper.
Please remember the provision of some of these options is independent upon the consent of certain third parties, such as the minister, or the availability of suitable equipment, such as a CD player. There may also be restrictions depending on the location of the funeral service. We will advise you on this.
Hymn Sheets
Many people choose to have an order of service printed for the funeral. These are available in a variety of styles and designs. Please ask for further information.
Catering
You may wish to offer those attending the funeral some form of refreshments following the funeral service. We can assist you in arranging refreshments in a suitable venue.
The Cost of the Funeral
When making funeral arrangements, you should give consideration to the financial implications. At all stages of the arrangements, we will advise you regarding costs and we will also provide you with a written estimate. Please remember, however, that, whilst some costs are fixed, others are influenced by the decisions and choices you make.
The total cost of the funeral is made up of the following
Professional fees including the provision of confidential guidance and support on all funeral matters, making the necessary arrangements for burial or cremation, obtaining statutory forms from doctors and hospital, preparing and attending to all the necessary documentation, care and preparation of the deceased, the use of our rest rooms, liaison with all necessary third parties, making and receiving telephone calls, all relevant administration and service charges, providing a 24 hour emergency service for the assistance and support of our clients. Use of all necessary vehicles as required. (Limousine at extra cost)
The conveyance of the deceased from the place of death to our premises, the provision of a hearse to the local cemetery or crematorium, all necessary staff including the conductor.
Additional services, which will vary according to your requirements and will cover such items as limousines, urns or caskets for cremated remains etc.
The cost of the coffin or casket, which will vary in accordance with your choice from the range available.
Payments made on your behalf (disbursements). These will include fees for the crematorium or cemetery, clergy, doctors, newspaper notices, etc.
Paying for the funeral
We will prepare our account and send it to you approximately two weeks after the funeral. It is payable within three weeks, after which interest will be charged. You may pay the account by post, or in person at our office. We also accept payment by credit or debit card, either in person or over the telephone. If you refer the account to your solicitor, please advise us and we will forward any future correspondence to them.
Help with Funeral Costs
If you think you will be unable to meet the costs of the funeral, you should discuss it with us at an early stage. You may be eligible for help from the social fund. We have full information on who may be eligible, how to make a claim and what is covered. It is important to note that a payment can be only be authorised by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), who will decide the amount of the payment. If you do qualify for help, we may be able to advise on other forms of assistance. Please remember that you are personally liable for any amount in excess of the agreed payment by the DWP.
The Affairs of the Deceased
Following a death there are many items that require attention. Here is a list of the things you may need to consider and who will require notification.
Bank/Building Society Accounts
Insurance policies
Credit cards
Premium Bonds
Gas and Electricity
Telephone
T.V. License
Newspaper and milk deliveries
Doctor, Dentist, Solicitor
Employer
Tax Office
DVLA
Medical equipment on loan
Pre-booked holidays
Club memberships
Should your financial circumstances change, you may be entitled to various grants and allowances from the state, such as help towards funeral expenses, tax rebates, widows pension etc. Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau or DWP office will be pleased to help you.
We offer a service through The Bereavement Register to reduce unwanted mail and telephone calls. This service is specifically designed to remove from databases and mailing files the names and addresses of people who have died.
For further information, please refer to the information guide provided.
Memorials
For centuries it has been custom to honour the memory of those we love by erecting a lasting form of memorial. The selection of a memorial is an important choice, because a memorial marks the final resting place of a loved one. It is important that both the design and material are chosen with care.
As memorial masons, we are able to offer our clients an extensive range of stone memorials for the use of cemeteries, churchyards and the home and garden. Whatever your choice, simple or detailed, we are here to help you provide a lasting memory. Using the latest technology, combined with the traditional skills of our stonemasons, we are able to custom design your memorial. We also carry out additional inscriptions, clearing cleaning and repairs to existing stone memorials, and a grave tending service.
We have a selection of memorials on display at our premises, and an extensive range of brochures from which to make your choice. Regulations exist in all cemeteries and churchyards concerning the erection of memorials. We will be pleased to advise you as to the appropriate range, the cost, any cemetery or church fees payable, and the timing involved. Full written estimates are provided with no obligation.
Planning Ahead
For all of us it is sensible and practical to plan ahead. Many people prefer to plan and pay for their funeral in advance. Decisions can be made calmly and dispassionately now so that, at the emotional time of making the funeral arrangements, your family know that your wishes will be fully respected.
Our Pre-Paid funeral Plan is designed specifically to suit requirements, however simple or elaborate, and allows you to pay for the funeral at today's prices. The plan offers a range of benefits and complete peace of mind.
Easy to Apply
No hidden extras
No medical is required
No age limit
Inflation proof prices (set cremation plans only)
Choose your own arrangements, tailored according to your own personal wishes.
Further information about making your funeral arrangements in advance please ask for a brochure.
Funeral Directors and Memorial Mason - Independent Funeral Directors based in Dunmurry Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland
Also covering Lisburn, Lambeg, Hilden, Finaghy, Lisburn Road and all of Greater Belfast
Funeral Services, Pre-Paid Funerals, Church, Funeral Flowers, Limousine Hire, and Much More.
