We’re here when you need us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
We’re here when you need us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
We’re here when you need us,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Where do I start?
If you have never arranged a funeral before it can seem daunting. At Austin’s we are here to help you every step of the way.
What to do when someone dies?
When someone dies it is quite usual for the family to contact a Funeral Director immediately. At Austin’s, we provide a 24-hour service to support families at this difficult time. We are able to advise on the actions required for the funeral arrangements to be made.
If you’re still deciding how to choose a a good funeral director, see our expert yet impartial guide about what services and support a good funeral director should offer.
In the UK, a funeral typically takes place between one and two weeks after a person has passed away. However, the exact timing can vary depending on several factors, including the availability of the crematorium or cemetery, family preferences, religious or cultural considerations, and whether a post-mortem or coroner’s inquest is required.
At Austin’s, we work closely with families to arrange a date that suits their needs and allows enough time to prepare a meaningful and respectful service. We’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring everything is handled with care and dignity.
A funeral service is a personal choice. Some families opt for a full ceremony, while others choose a direct cremation or simple farewell without a formal gathering. We’re here to support whichever option feels right for you.
You’ll need the death certificate and sometimes additional paperwork, depending on whether the death was expected, unexpected, or involved the coroner. We’ll guide you through the entire process and help with all necessary forms.
1) A death occurring at home is often the result of a long illness and although expected is still distressing. In such cases the deceased’s doctor should be contacted in order for the death to be certified.
If the death has occurred outside surgery hours or the deceased’s doctor is unavailable it is usual for another doctor to attend.
2) Once the doctor has attended, the deceased can be removed and taken into our care at the appropriate Austin’s premises. A good funeral director should offer a range of services and support to help the bereaved family through the difficult process of arranging a funeral.
3) Later that day or the following day the doctor will issue a Medical Certificate, which will give the cause of death.This will usually be made available for collection from the doctors’ surgery.
4) The Medical Certificate is required in order for the death to be registered. If the doctor attending is unable to ascertain the cause of death, or the deceased has not been in the care of their doctor within the last 14 days, the doctor will refer the death to the Coroner.
In this instance the doctor may contact the Funeral Director nominated by the Coroner, which may not be Austin’s, and arrange for the deceased to be taken to the local hospital.However, should the family prefer, we will take the deceased into our care prior to being transferred to the hospital.
1) When a death occurs in hospital and the family is not present at the time, the nursing staff will notify them. We may then be contacted in order for the funeral arrangements to be made.
2) The hospital doctor caring for the deceased will issue the Medical Certificate. This will usually be made available for the family to collect from the Hospital Bereavement Office.
3) The hospital may require the next of kin to sign a ‘Release Form’ prior to releasing the deceased into our care.
1) If a death has occurred away from the deceased’s home area, assuming that the cause of death can be established, the Medical Certificate will be issued by their own doctor in consultation with the local doctor who attended the deceased or by the hospital doctor in that area.
2) Where the cause of death can not be ascertained the death will be referred to the local Coroner.
3) Where a death has occurred away from the deceased’s home area we will arrange for them to be collected from the hospital or another Funeral Director, if appropriate.
4) If the deceased is abroad we will advise and assist the family in the arrangements necessary for them to be returned home.
If your loved one passes away in a care or nursing home, either you or a member of the care team can contact us once a doctor has confirmed the death. We will then come to collect your loved one—without any obligation—and bring them into our care with dignity and respect.
The GP must also be informed, as they will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. This certificate is typically sent directly to the local register office, enabling you to book an appointment to officially register the death.
We're here when you need us
If a loved one has passed, please contact your nearest funeral office for help, support & advice, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
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