When a loved one has passed, the last thing on most people’s minds is bureaucracy, and yet, that is what they get. So many forms, so many certificates; it’s an unwanted minefield when all you want to do is plan the perfect, heartfelt send-off. So, what do they all mean, and why do you need them? Allow us to break down all the jargon, so you can get back to what really matters.
In the UK, several different certificates are issued following a death, each serving a distinct purpose. Understanding them can help make the process less overwhelming.
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
This is issued by the attending medical practitioner; the doctor who cared for the person in their final illness and is familiar with their medical history. It states the cause and time of death and is essential for registering the death. Without it, the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages cannot issue other necessary certificates. According to UK Government guidance, the MCCD must be completed promptly: within five days unless the coroner is involved.
Certificate of Registration of Death (BD8)
Commonly known as the “white form,” this free document is used to inform the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) to stop pension or benefit payments. The registrar will provide it, and you can either post it or take it to your local Jobcentre.
Certified Copy of an Entry of Death
This is what is known colloquially as the “death certificate,” and is a certified copy of the official register entry. It serves as legal proof of death and must be purchased — currently £12.50 per copy. Unfortunately, as these are legal documents, copies must come from the registrar and photocopies are not accepted.
Certificate for Burial or Cremation (“green form”)
Issued free of charge by the registrar, this authorises burial or cremation. The registrar will email it directly to your chosen funeral director, as the funeral cannot proceed without it. If the coroner is involved, a different form will be issued.
Interim Certificate of the Fact of Death
If there is to be an inquest, the death won’t be registered until after it concludes. In the meantime, the coroner will provide an interim certificate, which can be used instead of the death certificate.
The MCCD is the starting point. Without it, you cannot legally register the death. Once provided to the registrar, it triggers the issue of the other relevant documents.
The BD8 form ensures pensions and benefits are stopped, and the certified copy of the death certificate is the official legal proof of death. It is required for:
The green form allows burial or cremation to go ahead, whilst the interim certificate is a temporary legal document where a coroner’s investigation delays formal registration.
Fortunately, most families only have to concern themselves with two key documents:
Fortunately, if you name a funeral director when registering the death, you shouldn’t have to handle the green form yourself; the registrar will simply send it straight to your funeral director, and they will handle everything else for you. Equally, the medical certificate is most often sent directly from the doctor to the registrar, though you may be asked to ensure it has been issued.
That’s the age old question isn’t it? A bit like asking how long a ball of string is, there is no one particular answer, however certified copies of the death certificate are the most important form for families, so it’s often wise to order several copies at the time of registration. At £12.50 each, they are essential for:
Some organisations will return the certificate after processing; others will not, so having multiple copies can save time and stress – six copies is usually a good amount to request.
Dating back to ancient Egypt, funeral cortege; the journey that carries the deceased and mourners to the site of the funeral ceremony, has deep roots. However, since what was once a grand procession, overtured by musicians and wailing subjects, is now often seen as a purely functional aspect of the funeral; it is safe to say that funeral corteges have had a bit of a fall from grace in the past five millennia. At Welham jones, your local, family-run funeral directors, we are committed to making every aspect of a funeral as personal and meaningful as possible, which is why this blog will explain how you can create a bespoke route and the most popular landmarks that families like to see in Tunbridge Wells.
The beauty of human beings is that we are all utterly unique: our likes and dislikes, our quirks and oddities, our passions, and persuasions; each of these help to make up a life loved. A life is not some abstract concept, it is 3D, it is palpable, it has a tangible effect on those around it, and at Welham Jones, we believe in creating funerals which truly honour this.
In our thirty years as family-run local funeral directors, serving families across West Kent and Southeast London, we have mastered the art of creating bespoke funerals that are as unique as the person they are celebrating. However, we’ve also noticed that many families are not aware of all the ways they can tailor their funeral, so we have created this guide to help break down what can be customised, what can’t, and the variety of requests we’ve seen throughout the years to prove that nothing is too great or too grand when it comes to celebrating the life of someone special.
We're here to help
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec in elit non nunc gravida vehicula eget a arcu.
