What to do when someone dies
We understand this is an incredibly difficult time. Knowing what to do after someone dies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
We're here to help, 24/7
At Thomas Brown & Sons, we are here to guide you with compassion and clarity. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to answer questions and help you through the next steps. Call us immediately for support and guidance.
What to do immediately after a death
Depending on where the death occurs, the steps you take will vary slightly. The most important thing is to contact a medical professional first and then reach out to us.
When a death occurs at home
If someone dies at home, contact their GP or palliative care nurse first. They will verify the death and let you know when it is appropriate to contact a funeral director.
How we help:
- We will arrange to bring your loved one to our funeral home in Melrose, where they will be cared for by our team.
- We can meet you in your home or at our funeral home to discuss arrangements.
If the death is sudden or unexpected, the Procurator Fiscal may become involved. This is a standard procedure in Scotland and can slightly delay funeral arrangements, but you should still call us as soon as possible for guidance and support.
When a death occurs in hospital
Hospital staff will confirm the death and issue the medical certificate.
How we help:
- You can contact us immediately – we will explain what happens next.
- We can start provisional funeral arrangements while you receive the certificate.
We will visit you at home or welcome you to our funeral home in Melrose to discuss your wishes.
When a death occurs in a care home or hospice
Care home or hospice staff will liaise with a medical professional to verify the death.
How we help:
- Once verified, contact us, and we will bring your loved one into our care.
- We can visit you in your home or meet you at our Melrose funeral home to plan the service with care and sensitivity.
Sudden, unexplained, or accidental death
If the death was unexpected, sudden, or the cause is unclear, the police will become involved, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A post-mortem may be required.
How we help:
- You can contact us immediately, we will liaise with the relevant authorities on your behalf.
- We will provide guidance and support throughout, helping you plan the funeral at the right time.
When someone dies abroad
If your loved one has died outside the UK, there are additional arrangements involved in bringing them home. We can help coordinate international repatriation and guide you through every step of the process.
Registering the death
The medical certificate allows you to register the death with your local Registrar.
A few helpful details:
- We’ll forward your contact details to the Registrar at Scottish Borders Council.
- They’ll contact you to arrange the death registration over the phone, or you can request a face-to-face appointment.
- It can be helpful to have the following documents available where possible: the deceased’s birth certificate, marriage certificate, National Insurance number, passport and driving licence.
- Once the registration is complete, you’ll receive the Extract of Death Certificate – the legal document needed to deal with estate matters.
- You can begin arranging the funeral while waiting for registration to be completed.
Checking funeral plans or insurance
Before arranging or paying for a funeral, check if your loved one had:
- A funeral plan
- Over 50s life insurance
- Relevant information in their will or documents
We can guide you through any plans or insurance in place and help you understand what support is available.
Confirmation (legal process for dealing with the estate)
In Scotland, Confirmation is the legal process required to deal with a deceased person’s estate. You may only need to apply for Confirmation if the deceased:
- Owned property or significant assets
- Had substantial savings or investments
Our team can advise you if Confirmation is required and how it may affect funeral arrangements.
Planning the funeral
Once your loved one is in our care, we will help you plan a service that honours their life. Arrangements can be made:
- At your home
- At our funeral home in Melrose
- By telephone, if that is more convenient
Considerations for the service:
- Burial or cremation
- Venue – church, crematorium, or our service room
- Music, readings, and personal touches
- Celebrant or religious officiant
- Accessibility requirements, such as British Sign Language
We will guide you through every detail with care, ensuring the service reflects your loved one’s wishes.
Guidance and support FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions we are asked when someone has died. If you don’t see your question here, please call us anytime – we’re available 24/7 to provide guidance and support.
Can funeral arrangements begin before the death is registered?
Yes. You can start making funeral arrangements while waiting to register the death. Registration is important for legal purposes, but provisional planning and guidance can begin immediately
What happens if the death was sudden or unexpected?
If the death was sudden, unexplained, or accidental, the police and Procurator Fiscal may become involved, and a post-mortem could be required. You should still contact us immediately – we will liaise with the authorities on your behalf and help you plan the funeral at the appropriate time.
What documents do I need to arrange a funeral?
At a minimum, we’ll need the medical certificate of cause of death. Other helpful documents include:
- Birth or marriage certificates
- Funeral plan details or insurance information
- Will or estate information (if available)
We’ll guide you through any documents you need and how to obtain them if required.
When should I contact a funeral director?
You can contact us as soon as the death has been confirmed by a medical professional. Even if paperwork or a medical certificate isn’t ready yet, we can start provisional arrangements and guide you through the next steps.
We're here 24/7
No matter the time or day, you can call us. We will:
Provide immediate guidance
Start provisional arrangements
Answer any questions about the process
You do not need to wait for paperwork or registration – support is available immediately.