Advice and support
What to do when someone dies
The next steps depend on where the person died and whether the death was expected. You can call our family team as soon as you need help; you do not need to wait for all the paperwork.
Contacting Sussex Direct Cremation
You do not need to wait until the death has been registered before calling us.
We can explain the next steps, answer questions, discuss arrangements and assist with cremation paperwork. We can bring the person into our care when permitted and appropriate. The necessary statutory paperwork must be complete before the cremation can take place.
Call 01435 868844An expected death at home
Contact the healthcare professional or service responsible for the person’s care, following any instructions they have given you. The death must be formally verified. The statutory medical certification and Medical Examiner process follows where applicable.
An unexpected death
Contact emergency or medical services. They will advise on the immediate next steps, and the Coroner may need to be involved.
A death in hospital
Hospital bereavement or patient-affairs staff normally guide you through the immediate paperwork and Medical Examiner process. You can contact SDC before registration to discuss arrangements.
A death in a care or nursing home
Staff normally arrange the immediate verification process and contact the relevant healthcare professional. You can ask the home to contact SDC or call our family team directly.
The Medical Examiner
For deaths not investigated by a Coroner, the Medical Examiner system provides independent scrutiny of the proposed cause of death. Bereaved people have an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns about the cause of death or the care the person received.
When the Coroner is involved
Some deaths must be referred to a Coroner to establish the cause or circumstances. This does not necessarily mean anything suspicious has happened. It can affect the paperwork and timing, but we can still discuss arrangements with you meanwhile.
Registering the death
Wait for confirmation that registration can go ahead. The registration service will advise when the required medical or Coroner information is available, how to register and what details you need. You can order certified copies of the death certificate for organisations that need them and ask about Tell Us Once, which informs government services of the death.
What happens next
Call the family team
Tell us what has happened and ask any questions.
We explain the immediate next steps
We explain when the person can be brought into our care and arrange collection when appropriate.
We help with the arrangements
We assist with funeral-related paperwork and arrange the unattended cremation once the necessary paperwork is complete.
We keep you informed
We keep in touch and agree arrangements for the ashes with you.
Other practical matters and support
You will also need to contact banks, insurers and utility providers. Estate or probate matters may need separate advice. GOV.UK’s guide explains these tasks and Tell Us Once. For emotional support, visit Cruse Bereavement Support. If cost is a concern, see our guide to help with funeral costs.
Here when you need us
Talk through the next steps
You can ask for advice before deciding on arrangements. Our family team is here to help.
Urgent telephone advice is available 24 hours a day.