Find out what to do immediately following a death, when to contact a funeral director, what if someone has died abroad, and how to arrange a funeral.
If somebody dies in hospital, the doctor attending the patient will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. You will need this certificate when you register the death.
If the person has died at home, contact their doctor. The doctor will confirm the death and issue the certificate.
In the case of unexpected or sudden deaths, the emergency services should be contacted in the first instance. The death will be reported to a coroner, who may decide that a post-mortem is needed before a medical certificate can be issued.
When the death has been confirmed, a funeral director will need to be contacted to remove the deceased person. The funeral director will:
Funeral directors may also provide other services, such as arranging a place for mourners to meet after the service. Your funeral director will explain the services they provide.
When choosing a funeral director, check that they are part of a trade organisation. Further information on funeral directors is available from:
If the person died in Brighton & Hove then you will need to register the death with us.
Find out how to register a death in Brighton & Hove
If the person died outside of Brighton & Hove, You will need to register a death at the register office in the district where the death occurred.
When someone dies outside of England or Wales and needs to be brought back for a funeral, it is called repatriation.
GOV.UK provides information on what to do if someone dies abroad.
If someone who has died in Brighton & Hove needs to be taken to another country, the death must be registered in the usual way at the register office. You must also contact the Coroner’s Office to make them aware that you wish to move the person abroad. The coroner will advise you on the forms you require. Your chosen funeral director will arrange the repatriation.
If you have chosen a funeral director, they will discuss cremation and burial options with you and offer support throughout the process.
Brighton & Hove has 7 cemeteries, a natural burial ground and Woodvale Crematorium.
Find out about Woodvale crematorium and cemeteries.
Find out more about arranging a funeral on GOV.UK.
We will arrange a public health funeral if the person who has died has no next of kin, relatives or friends who are able or willing to arrange a funeral.