Practical guidance
When You Die
Clear information for families at a difficult time.
01 — What happens next
Taking the first steps
There are legal and practical arrangements to make after someone dies. You do not have to manage everything at once, and the people involved will guide you through each stage.
All deaths are referred to a Medical Examiner, who independently reviews the cause of death and decides whether the death needs to be referred to the coroner. A doctor may take up to five days to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
02 — After a death
From certification to burial
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Medical review
The Medical Examiner reviews the circumstances and proposed cause of death. If there is no need for a coroner’s investigation, the completed Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is sent to the registrar.
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Register the death
Once the Medical Examiner has approved the certificate and sent it to the registrar, the death can be registered. The registrar will explain what documents are available and what information is needed.
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Make arrangements
Contact your chosen funeral director and Green Lane Burial Field to discuss the date and arrangements. Families may choose the type of ceremony, who conducts it and how they wish to be involved.
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Provide the paperwork
When the funeral booking is confirmed, the correct certificate must be given to the funeral director or burial site manager before the burial can take place.
Following the burial, the burial field manager confirms with the registrar that the burial has taken place.
The documents
The certificate allows the burial to go ahead.
Green certificate
Where the registrar handles the registration, they issue a Certificate for Burial, commonly called the green certificate. This must be passed to the funeral director or burial site manager.
White certificate
If a coroner is involved, the coroner issues an Order for Burial, often called the white certificate. This is the document required before the burial can proceed.
03 — Planning ahead
Make your wishes known
Making your funeral wishes clear in advance helps your next of kin follow your choices and can reduce uncertainty at a difficult time.
- Choose the type of funeral and ceremony you would like.
- Record whether you wish to be buried or cremated.
- Say who you would like to conduct or officiate at the ceremony.
- Choose the kind of coffin or shroud you would prefer.
- Consider who you would like to act as bearers.
- Add music, readings, flowers or other personal details that matter to you.
- Review and update your wishes when your circumstances change.
Keep a copy of your wishes with your will, and another somewhere your next of kin knows to look.
Funeral wishes are not a substitute for a will. You may also wish to consider an advance decision or living will for circumstances in which you cannot contribute to decisions about your medical treatment.04 — Support
You can ask for help
Funeral directors, registrars and the Green Lane team can guide you through their part of the process.
If you are considering a natural burial at Green Lane, contact us to discuss availability and practical arrangements. We can help explain what is possible at the burial field.
Contact
Green Lane Burial Field
- Telephone
- 01686 639638