Burial and cremation

Further funeral guidance and advice from gov.uk

By law, deaths in the UK must be certified and registered and the body must be either buried or cremated. This can be arranged with or without the help of a funeral director.

Before arranging a funeral check the deceaseds will or any other written instructions for any special wishes. The executor legally does not have to follow the instructions left in the will,

If there are no clear wishes the next of kin will make the decisions for the funeral.

Burial

The cost of a burial may be much higher than the cost of cremation, if a new grave is needed. There are also the additional costs of:

  • interment
  • memorial
  • future maintenance of the grave site

The person making the application for the new grave will be named on the Deed and all relevant cemetery records.

They will also be required to agree to the terms and conditions which will be explained prior to purchasing the Right of Burial.

If a grave has already been purchased the Deed, or other documents that show proof of ownership, must be shown.

Only the owner may authorise:

  • a burial in the grave
  • make an application to place a memorial

Cremation

If you have chosen a cremation, you will need medical certificates. There will be charge for these. However you do not need medical certificates if the death has been referred to a coroner.

If you use a funeral director, they will arrange for all the required paperwork to be completed and delivered to the crematorium office.

However if you want to arrange the funeral yourself, the crematorium staff will be able to advise you as to which forms you will need.

Contact Bereavement services

Telephone: 01702 215015/603908

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