When Someone Dies – What to Do First
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We understand that losing someone can feel overwhelming. At Howe and Son Funeral Directors, we are here to support you from the very first moment. If a death occurs, call us on 01635 298303 anytime (24 hours) for guidance. We will bring your loved one into our care and help you begin making arrangements when you feel ready. In the immediate hours after a death, there are a few practical steps to consider:
Contact their GP to visit and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If you would prefer cremation, let the doctor know so they can prepare any extra paperwork. Once the doctor has confirmed they will issue the certificate, you can call us to bring your loved one into our care. We will then arrange a time to meet you (at our premises or in your home) to discuss funeral arrangements.
The staff will usually arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate. Let the staff know you have chosen Howe and Son Funeral Directors, and they will liaise with us. You should still contact us directly as soon as you feel able.
Please call us. We can begin making provisional funeral plans and liaise with the coroner’s office on your behalf.
We have experience with repatriation and will handle all necessary arrangements to ensure your loved one is returned safely to our care in Kingsclere.
When you first speak with us, we’ll ask for basic details such as the full name and address of the person who has died, the place of death, your own contact information and relationship to them, and whether they had a pre-paid funeral plan in place. Don’t worry if you don’t have every detail immediately – we will guide you through everything gently.
Registering the Death
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In England and Wales, death is usually registered within 5 days. We will explain how this works and which local office you should visit. Typically, it’s best to register in the district where the person died. The registrar will ask for information about the deceased and you should take the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the doctor.
When you register, the registrar will provide official copies of the death certificate and a certificate for burial or cremation. They will also give you a form for the Department for Work and Pensions if the person was receiving benefits. The registrar may mention the government’s “Tell Us Once” service – a helpful program that notifies various government departments of the death.
If you need any help with the registration process, our team is here to answer questions. We’re familiar with the local registrars in Newbury and the surrounding area.
Administering Your Loved One’s Affairs
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We provide guidance on handling the paperwork and practical matters after a bereavement. This might include dealing with the will, estate, banks, insurance, and more.
If your loved one left a will, the named executors will need to carry out the instructions. This could involve applying for probate to legally manage the estate.
You will also need to notify various organisations of the death. This can include banks, mortgage providers, utility companies, and the local council. Services like Life Ledger can assist with this process. We can provide you with information and checklists.
Planning the Funeral Service
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We are here to guide you through planning a funeral service that is personal and meaningful. Every funeral we arrange is unique. We’ll begin by talking through your options and what matters most to you.
We can arrange both with equal care. Kingsclere, Newbury, and the surrounding area have several cemeteries and crematoriums. We will liaise with cemetery or crematorium officials to make the necessary arrangements.
We arrange funerals for all faiths and beliefs. Our team has helped families with Christian services, Hindu ceremonies, Sikh funerals, Muslim funerals, and more. We also help families arrange non-religious funerals or life celebration ceremonies.
If environmental considerations are important to you, we offer eco-friendly funeral options including biodegradable coffins and natural burial grounds. Howe and Son Funeral Directors is committed to sustainable business practices.
Personalising the Funeral – Your Options for a Unique Tribute
Personalising the funeral can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. We’ll discuss many ways to make the ceremony special, including:
- Choice of Coffin or Casket
- Floral Tributes
- Music & Readings
- Funeral Stationery
- Funeral Transport
Our philosophy is that every funeral should reflect the life it celebrates.
Here for You – Before, During, and After the Funeral
We promise to be transparent about all costs and fees. If you are concerned about affording a funeral, let us know. We can advise on possible financial assistance.
We assist with notifying family and friends through our complimentary online tribute service. We can also assist with newspaper announcements.
If you would like to visit your loved one before the funeral, we have a private Reflection Room at our funeral home in Kingsclere.
After Funeral Support: Howe and Son offers bereavement support services. Through this service, you and your family can access support with professional bereavement counsellors or trained volunteers.
Our Promise to You
We take our role seriously and promise to support you with individual care and compassion when it matters most.
From that first call, through the day of the funeral, and in the weeks after, you are not alone. We are here for you 24/7.