After a death – Thomasons funeral directors can help

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When someone dies it comes as a great shock. Sometimes the death may be expected, but nothing prepares you for the emotional shock of losing someone close.

As your funeral directors, we are here to help and advise in whatever way we can. We are dedicated professionals who provide service to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is a rare privilege to be a funeral director, to stand in a sensitive position at a crucial time in the midst of your family, knowing that the quality of our service and reputation will help you through this most difficult time in your lives.

This brochure is an extension to the specialist information we can discuss with you as your funeral directors. It allows you to sit in the privacy of your own home and reflect on the information you have been given, and to raise any further questions you may have about complementary or additional services we can provide.

It is not our policy to impose urgency or apply undue pressure on you or your family. It is important for many people to reflect the personality and character of the deceased within the arrangements and this often requires time and thought to do so.

Arranging the Funeral

Our services to you start when you contact us, whether by telephone or calling personally, and extend often way beyond the day of the funeral.

On initial contact we will ask preliminary details, whereupon if the deceased has died at home or in a private nursing home we will advise the conveyance of the deceased to our private chapel.

We would then ask, at a time and place to suit the family, for us as funeral directors to call and arrange the funeral to a standard and procedure that meets the needs and requirements of those concerned.

What You Need to Know in Times of Bereavement

Inform the doctor
As soon as possible inform the doctor that the death has occurred. He/she may write out the Medical Certificate of Death when he/she visits the house, or may request you attend the surgery for the purpose. Immediately after informing the doctor contact us and we will arrange to attend at the house day or night.

When death occurs in hospital
When death happens in hospital the procedure is very similar. Apply to the hospital for the Medical Certificate of Death and not your family doctor. Contact us immediately and we will arrange a suitable time to discuss the arrangements with you.

The Coroner
In cases where the death has been reported to the Coroner the procedure is somewhat different. The Coroner and his officers are working in your interest. No doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Death. This will be sent by the Coroner to the Registrar’s Office in the district where the death occurred, after contact has been made with the Coroner’s office. We will advise you on the procedures needed and will liaise with the Coroner’s office.

How to Obtain Probate

What is Probate?
When someone dies somebody has to deal with their estate (the money, property and possessions left) by collecting all the money, paying any debt and distributing the estate to those entitled.

The Probate Registry issues the document which is called a Grant of Representation.

There are three types of grant:

• Probate issued to one or more of the executors named in the will.
• Letters of administration (with will) issued when there is a will, but no executor named or able to deal with the estate.
• Letters of administration issued when the deceased has not made a will or it is not valid.

Why is this grant necessary?
Organisations holding money in the deceased’s name need to know to whom the money is to be paid. The distribution of the estate is the responsibility of the person named on the deed.

Is this grant always needed?
A grant is sometimes not needed if the deceased’s money will be released without the holder seeing a grant, when the amount held is small and there are no complications.

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Consult a Solicitor

In most circumstances, it is advisable for you to consult a solicitor both to relieve you of many worries and to take control of wills, problems of intestacy, outstanding debts, grants and letters of administration. A solicitor could save you a great deal of unnecessary trouble and eventually save you money. If it is known that a will was made, it is important that the contents be ascertained as soon as possible after death as it may contain instructions regarding the funeral arrangements. A will may be among personal papers, with the bank or solicitor for safe keeping. If a solicitor has been consulted by the deceased in the recent past it is important that you contact them without delay.

The Affairs of the Deceased

Please find below a list of things you
may need to consider:

Accounts with:
Banks, Building Societies, Post Office, Premium Bonds.
Payments being made:
Insurance policies, rental or H.P. agreements, standing orders, credit cards.
Change of name of responsibility for:
Electricity, gas, telephone, car, car insurance, house insurance, TV licence.
Notification of death will need to be sent to:
Employer, Tax Office, Passport Office, Pensions Departments, professional associations, local clubs and organisations, driving licence (DVLA Swansea), family GP, D.S.S. for return of any appliances or cancellation of services, hospital for cancellation of any appointments.
Change of circumstances:
The financial circumstances of the remaining family have now altered and various grants and allowances may be available from the state, e.g. help towards funeral expenses, rent/council tax rebates, widow’s pension. Please contact your local Department for Works and Pensions.
Stopping unwanted mail:
Please ask Phillip or Thea for assistance and a leaflet.