Joel D. Kerr Funeral Services
What To Do When Someone Dies
We understand this is an incredibly difficult time. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Need immediate help? Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We Are Here For You
You Don't Have To Face This Alone
When someone you love dies, it can feel overwhelming. There are practical matters to attend to at a time when grief makes everything harder. We are here to take that burden from you.
Joel D. Kerr Funeral Services has been supporting Teesside families through bereavement for over 35 years. Our experienced and compassionate team will guide you through every step of the process, handling all the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
Whether the death has occurred at home, in hospital, or in a care home, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call us and we will be there.
A Gentle Guide
What Happens Next — Step By Step
Every situation is different, but the following steps provide a general guide to what needs to happen after a death. We will walk you through each one.
Call Us Immediately
Your first call should be to Joel D. Kerr Funeral Services. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us on 01429 269000 (Hartlepool) or 01642 530000 (Billingham) and we will guide you through everything from this point forward.
Obtain a Medical Certificate
A doctor must certify the cause of death. If the death occurred at home, call the GP. If in hospital, the hospital will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. In some cases, the death may be referred to the Coroner — we will advise you if this applies.
Register the Death
The death must be registered within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) at the local Register Office. You will need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The registrar will issue a Death Certificate and a Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the "green form"), which we will need to proceed with the funeral arrangements.
We Come To You
We offer home visits at no extra charge. One of our team will come to you at a time that suits you to discuss the funeral arrangements in the comfort of your own home. There is no need to come to us unless you prefer to.
Plan a Personal Farewell
Together, we will arrange a funeral that truly reflects the life of your loved one. From the choice of coffin and flowers to the music, readings and order of service — every detail will be handled with care and attention.
We Handle Everything
Once arrangements are agreed, we take care of everything — liaising with the crematorium or cemetery, arranging the hearse and limousines, coordinating with the officiant, and ensuring the day runs smoothly so you can focus entirely on saying goodbye.
Every Situation Is Different
Where Did The Death Occur?
The immediate steps can vary depending on where your loved one passed away. Here is a brief guide for each situation.
At Home
- 1
Call the GP or out-of-hours doctor to confirm the death.
- 2
The doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
- 3
Call us and we will arrange to bring your loved one into our care.
- 4
You do not need to rush — take the time you need.
In Hospital
- 1
The hospital bereavement team will guide you through their process.
- 2
The hospital will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
- 3
Contact us and we will liaise directly with the hospital on your behalf.
- 4
We will arrange collection at a time that is right for you.
In a Care Home
- 1
The care home will notify the GP and handle the initial paperwork.
- 2
A doctor will certify the death and issue the Medical Certificate.
- 3
Call us and we will coordinate directly with the care home.
- 4
We will ensure your loved one is brought into our care with dignity.
An Important Legal Requirement
Registering the Death
By law, a death must be registered within 5 days of it occurring (8 days in Scotland). The registration must be done at the Register Office for the district in which the death occurred.
You will need to take the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death issued by the doctor or hospital. The registrar will then issue:
Death Certificate
An official certified copy of the entry in the death register. You may need several copies for banks, insurers and solicitors.
Certificate for Burial or Cremation
Known as the "green form" — this authorises the burial or cremation and must be given to us before the funeral can take place.
Who Can Register
Who Can Register a Death?
The following people are qualified to register a death:
A relative of the deceased
A person present at the death
The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
The person arranging the funeral (in some circumstances)
Certificate for Social Security
This allows you to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of the death.
What if the death is referred to the Coroner?
In some circumstances — such as a sudden, unexpected or unexplained death — the death may be referred to the Coroner. This can delay the registration and the funeral. We will advise you fully if this applies and will liaise with the Coroner's office on your behalf.
"We will be with you every step of the way."
— Joel D. Kerr Funeral Services
Practical Guidance
Other Things To Consider
Beyond the immediate arrangements, there are a number of other practical matters that will need to be attended to in the days and weeks following a death. We can advise you on all of these.
Notify the bank and financial institutions
Banks and building societies should be notified promptly. You may need a copy of the Death Certificate.
Inform the DWP and HMRC
The Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC will need to be notified to stop any benefits or pension payments.
Contact the solicitor
If the deceased left a Will, the solicitor holding it should be contacted as soon as possible to begin the probate process.
Notify insurance companies
Life insurance, home insurance and any other policies should be notified. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Cancel direct debits and standing orders
Once the bank account is frozen, direct debits will need to be cancelled to avoid complications.
Return any driving licence or passport
These should be returned to the DVLA and HM Passport Office respectively.
Inform the council
The local council should be notified to cancel council tax and any other local authority services.
Arrange bereavement support
Grief can be overwhelming. There are many excellent support organisations available — we can provide details of local services.
Available 24 Hours A Day
Call Us Any Time — We Are Always Here
You do not need to have all the answers before you call. Simply reach out and our compassionate team will take it from there.