When someone dies
We understand this is an incredibly difficult time. The process after a death can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Thomas Cuthell & Sons, we’re here to guide you through every step with clarity, professionalism and care.
Step 1: Verify the death
Before we can make arrangements to bring the deceased into our care, the death must be verified. In some cases, it is also necessary for the death to be certified. Who does this and when it happens depends on where the death takes place.
Death at home
A qualified professional is required to verify the death before we can be in attendance. This can be Palliative Care Nurses, a Paramedic or a Police Officer.
If death was expected the GP will be informed in order to certify the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, later.
Death in hospital
Trained staff will verify the death, the Doctor will be informed in order to certify the death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, later.
Once death is verified please contact us and we guide you through what happens next.
Unexpected death
In sudden, suspicious or unexpected circumstances the death may be verified.
The Procurator Fiscal may be informed, which is standard procedure in Scotland. This can delay funeral arrangements, but you should still contact us as soon as possible for guidance and support.
Step 2: Contact a Funeral Director
Once the death has been confirmed, the next step is to contact a funeral director.
You can call Thomas Cuthell & Sons any time, day or night to help you through the next stages.
Our experienced team handles everything with compassion, ensuring every detail is treated with respect.
Step 3: Register the death
A death must be registered with the local Registrar’s Office. In most cases, the doctor will email the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death directly to the registrar, so you won’t need to collect it yourself.
Contact the registrar as soon as possible. It can be helpful to have documents such as birth or marriage certificates, if available.
Funeral arrangements can begin while you are waiting for registration to be completed.
Step 4: Check for funeral plans or insurance
Before paying for the funeral, check if your loved one had:
- A funeral plan
- An over-50s life insurance policy
You can ask family, check documents, or contact us – we can guide you through any plans in place.
Step 5: Arrange the funeral
We will help you plan the service. The death does not need to be certified or registered to start this process, although registration must be complete before any arrangements can be confirmed.
We’ll guide you through each decision with care.
You may wish to consider:
- Burial or cremation
- Venue: church, crematorium, or our service halls
- Music, readings, and personal touches
- Celebrant or religious officiant
Step 6: Check if Confirmation is required
In Scotland, Confirmation is the legal process required to deal with a deceased person’s estate (similar to probate in England). You will only need Confirmation if the deceased owned property or had significant assets.
Have you suffered a bereavement?
We’re here to help you through the next stages. Call us any time for 24/7 immediate assistance.
Contact us
You are welcome to call or visit our funeral homes at any time during our opening hours. Our compassionate team is here to offer support, guidance, and practical help when you need it most.
Guidance & support
Helpful articles from our Guidance and Support section:
Registering a death is one of the first important steps when someone passes away. While it can feel overwhelming, knowing the process in advance makes it easier for you and your family.
It’s natural to want clarity about a loved one’s funeral arrangements. Knowing whether a funeral plan is in place can save time, reduce stress, and make planning the service simpler. Here’s how to find a funeral plan and what to do next.
When someone passes away, their estate often needs to be legally administered. In Scotland, this process is called Confirmation – the Scottish equivalent of Probate in England. Whether or not you need it depends on the value and complexity of the estate.