What to Do When Someone Dies
Read time: 4 minutes
Written by Chris Simpson | Funeral Director at Parkgrove Funeral Directors | 22nd February 2025
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest moments in life. It can feel overwhelming and confusing, and you may be unsure of what to do next. In Angus, there are a few important steps that need to be taken, from registering the death to beginning the funeral arrangements. This guide has been created to support you through each stage with care and understanding.
At Parkgrove Funeral Directors, we are here to offer calm guidance whenever you need it. Our hope is to help everything feel a little less daunting so you can focus on remembering your loved one with peace and dignity.
Chris Simpson | Funeral Director
Initial Steps After a Death
Notifying Authorities and Family
When someone dies, it is natural to feel unsettled and unsure. Take a moment for yourself if you need to. When you feel ready, the first step is to notify a medical professional.
If the death happens at home and was expected, contact the GP or nursing team who cared for your loved one. If it is out of hours, you can call NHS 24. If the death is unexpected or sudden, call 999 right away.
A doctor or hospital will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, they will usually give you an indication on when this will be done. In our local area this certificate is sent directly to the registrar by the doctor or hospital. If the death was unexpected, it may be reported to the procurator fiscal, who will investigate the cause of death.
After the death is verified by a healthcare professional, you may wish to contact a funeral director. Parkgrove Funeral Directors can help at any stage, even if you simply want advice before making any decisions. Please remember that you do not need to rush. It is completely natural to lean on close friends or family members for support.
Informing Others
After the first moments have passed, you may need to let others know.
First let close family and friends know in a way that feels right for you.
The death must be registered within eight days. To do this, you will contact the local registrar, in Angus you can book an appointment with the registrar on the angus council website. Parkgrove can guide you through this process and explain what the registrar will need.
Many families also use the Tell Us Once service which notifies several government departments on your behalf. This can make things easier at a time when you may not feel able to make repeated calls or fill out multiple forms.
Take your time and do not hesitate to ask for help if these steps feel too heavy to manage alone.
Understanding the Legal Steps
The legal requirements following a death can feel complicated, but you will not be expected to manage them on your own. Your funeral director can explain what is needed and support you through each stage.
In Scotland the death must be registered within eight days. The registrar will need the medical certificate and some information about your loved one. Since the certificate is usually sent directly to the registrar, this part is often simpler than families expect.
Arranging a Funeral in Angus
Planning a funeral is a very personal process. Every family is different and every life deserves to be honoured in a meaningful way. Our role is to help you understand the choices available so you can create a farewell that feels right for your loved one.
Choosing a Funeral Director
Angus has several funeral service options, and you are free to choose whichever feels best for you. Parkgrove Funeral Directors is located in peaceful woodland surroundings which many families find comforting during a difficult time.
When choosing a funeral director, you may wish to think about the services they offer, their reputation, and whether they can meet your personal, cultural, or religious needs. A good funeral director will listen carefully, answer every question, and never rush your decisions. We always encourage families to ask for clear price information so you understand every choice.
Working Together to Plan the Funeral
Once you have chosen a funeral director, you can begin to talk through the details at a gentle pace. Together you will decide whether the funeral will be a burial or a cremation, choose a coffin, and discuss any additional services such as flowers, printed orders of service, or transport.
Your funeral director will handle the necessary paperwork and will coordinate with cemeteries, crematoria, and any third parties involved. If you would like help writing an obituary or arranging donations in memory of your loved one, we will be glad to assist.
There is no need to worry if you feel unsure about anything. You will be supported with kindness throughout.
Making the Service Personal
A funeral can be a beautiful way to honour the story of a life. Small personal touches can bring comfort to those who attend.
You may wish to include favourite music, readings, or photographs. Some families bring personal items such as a book, a piece of clothing, or a treasured keepsake. You might choose to invite loved ones to share memories during the service.
If your loved one had a special place that meant a lot to them, we can explore using an alternative venue or including that place in some part of the arrangements. There is no right or wrong way to personalise a funeral. What matters most is that it feels true to the person you are remembering.
Support and Help in Angus
Grief affects every person differently. Alongside funeral arrangements, it can be helpful to know what emotional and practical support is available.
Emotional Support for Families
Grief can bring many emotions, and you do not need to face them alone. Angus has local support groups, counselling services, and national helplines such as Cruse Bereavement Care. Speaking to others who understand can bring great comfort. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Financial Guidance
The financial side of a death can feel overwhelming. There are several forms of support that may be available in Angus.
You may be eligible for the Scottish Funeral Support Payment if you receive certain benefits. Charities such as Funeral Link Dundee can offer help with funeral costs. There may also be life insurance or employment related benefits that can assist.
Citizens Advice and financial advisers can also offer guidance on managing the estate and any related matters. At Parkgrove, we are always happy to talk through options and suggest ways to keep costs manageable if money is tight.
The financial impact of a death can add extra stress. Fortunately, there are several forms of financial help in Angus:
Scottish Funeral Support Payment: A benefit from the Scottish government for those on certain benefits.
Charitable Grants: Some charities, like Funeral Link Dundee, offer grants to help with funeral costs.
Insurance Benefits: Life insurance or death-in-service benefits might be available.
To explore these options:
Check if you are eligible for government benefits.
Contact the deceased’s employer about workplace benefits.
Research charities that offer funeral grants.
Consider speaking to a financial adviser or Citizens Advice. They can help with managing the estate and any debts.
Many Angus funeral directors, like Parkgrove, offer advice on more affordable options if money is a worry.
By following these steps and using the available support services, you can manage the challenges of a death with more clarity and reassurance.
