At FW Spilsbury we are always available to answer any question.

Following the passing of a loved one, you may feel very confused and have many unanswered questions. Below we have tried to answer all your questions but should you not find your answer, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

What should I do if a relative dies at home?

The first point of contact would be the Doctor who has been treating the deceased. If the Doctor is able to ascertain the cause of death, permission will be given for the deceased to be transferred to our premises.

Why is the doctor unable to issue a Medical Certificate?

A Doctor is only able to issue a Medical Certificate if he knows the cause of death and has been treating the deceased for this illness in the last 14 days. When this is not the case the Doctor will need to refer the death to the Coroner.

What does the Coroner do?

The Coroner has the responsibility to ascertain the cause of death. Majority of deaths reported to the Coroner are found to be of natural causes, only a very small number of deaths require further investigation.
In order for the Coroner to ascertain the cause of death, they will need to conduct a Post Mortem examination of the deceased.

Why do doctors charge for completing cremation forms?

Doctors can charge for the completion of cremation forms as this does not form part of their NHS duties. These fees are normally charged directly to us, FW Spilsbury Ltd., and the cost is then passed onto the family. Please be aware that doctors are also entitled to charge a mileage allowance where appropriate.

Why do I have to register the death?

All deaths have to be registered by the people closest to the deceased as they have a legal obligation to do so. Deaths need to be registered within 5 days - if this is not possible, you need to inform the Registrar.

Which Registrar's Office should I go to?

The death has to be registered at the Registrar's Office in the area where the death occurred. This is even the case when the death has occurred a distance from home.
There are however facilities available to attend your local Registrar's Office, where you are able to do 'Registration by Declaration', this involves the two Registrars transferring documents between one another in order to register the death. This can however delay the date of the funeral.

What will I need to register the death?

The Registrar will require a Medical Certificate from the Doctor who was last treating the deceased for illness. If the Coroner is involved, the Medical Certificate will be substituted by a certificate from the Coroner.
They will also require the deceased NHS Medical Card, however this is not compulsory, so do not delay in registering the death if it has been mislaid.
If you have the deceased Birth and/or Marriage Certificate, you can take them with, these documents will not be retained.

What will the Registrar give me?

You will receive a DWP Form, this form should be sent to your local DWP Office with any pension or benefit books in the deceased's name, or in joint names. This form is also used to assess whether a surviving partner is eligible for benefits such as Widows Benefit.
You will also receive a Funeral Director's Form. This is green, and should be given to us to allow the funeral to take place.
The final form you will receive is the Death Certificate. This is a copy of the Register Entry, and is the Certificate required by Banks, Insurance Companies etc. to attend to the deceased's affairs. These are currently £3.50 per copy

Do I have to wait until I have registered the death before arranging the funeral?

No, arranging the funeral involves FW Spilsbury Ltd. discussing with you the type of funeral you require, and offering you advice and information where necessary. This can take place as soon as you feel ready.
Once you have registered the death, you can supply us, FW Spilsbury Ltd., with the green form you received from the Registrar.

What is a woodland burials?

Woodland burial sites are where trees or wild flowers are planted on graves instead of a headstone, eventually turning the site into woodland. FW spilsbury Ltd. can provide you with further information should you require it

How will I know if I can afford the funeral?

FW Spilsbury Ltd. is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors and abides by a Code of Practice; this ensures that we treat our clients and the public fairly. We are required to have price lists available showing the cost of the services we provide.
To ensure you obtain the best value possible, we can give you a price list of our services and we will supply you with a written estimate of the funeral costs and confirmation of all arrangements before the funeral takes place. This ensures that you are completely aware of the costs of the funeral you have requested.

Can I get any assistance with the funeral costs?

The DWP Social Fund offer financial assistance to families or individuals who meet a number of specified conditions. To qualify, you, and all family members who share responsibility for the funeral, must be receiving at least one of several benefits, and have insufficient savings to pay for the funeral.
The DWP Funeral Payment will provide a limited amount, which may cover a very basic funeral, or provide a contribution towards a more traditional funeral. FW Spilsbury Ltd. is able to advise you about the qualifying criteria and the likely contribution available.

For further information, please click on the following link:

I feel like I am not coping, is there somebody who can help me through this distressing time?

There are a number of supports groups you can contact:

Curse are there to help anyone who has lost someone they love.

Helpline: 01905 22223 or 0870 167 1677

The Samaritans

With Samaritan you get the time and support you need to help you through a distressing and traumatic time.

Helpline: 01905 21121 or 08457909090

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau will help and support you with any worries or concerns you may have.

Helpline: 01684 563611