When a death occurs

Everything You need to know

From the moment you instruct our family to look after yours, you have our full attention. We aim to take as much of the stress and pressure away from you as possible.

We will guide and advise you, every step of the way, ensuring that we facilitate the perfect farewell and celebration of your loved ones life.

We will invite you to our warm, welcoming funeral home to discuss the funeral arrangements over a cup of tea or coffee. Alternatively, we will visit you at your home if you would prefer.

Whatever we can do to help make this already difficult and distressing time as seamless as possible, we will.

Once we have discussed your loved ones wishes, we will begin to put those wishes into place and keep in touch with you every step of the way.

Passing away at Home or at a Care/Nursing Home

When your loved one passes away, please call us and we will arrange to attend and bring your loved one into our family’s care. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We will attend whenever you feel comfortable for us to do so, whatever time of the day or night.

If your loved one has passed away at home or a care home, we will contact your loved ones G.P. Surgery on your behalf and ask them to prepare the medical certificate. When the medical certificate has been completed, by the Doctor, the G.P. surgery will call you to advise you to make an appointment with the Registrar’s office to register your loved ones passing.

Passing away at a Hospital or a Hospice

We will liaise with the bereavement team at the hospital and arrange to bring your loved one into our care at the first opportunity. We will call you as soon as your loved one is resting safely in our care, at our funeral home in Handbridge.

His Majesty’s Coroner

In the event of the sudden or unexpected passing of your loved one, their passing may need to be investigated by His Majesty’s Coroner. In this event, please speak with us to gain further information and clarity.

What happens after instructing us?

We completely understand and appreciate that making that first phone call to us, to inform us of the passing of your loved one is an extremely difficult thing to do. We are here to offer support to you with patience, respect, and consideration.
Below are some examples of what happens in the first instance when you instruct our family to look after your loved one. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to call us, anytime.

Instructing Hartys of Chester

From the moment you instruct our family to look after yours, you have our full attention. We aim to take as much of the stress and pressure away from you as possible. We will guide and advise you, every step of the way, ensuring that we facilitate the perfect farewell and celebration of your loved ones life.

We will invite you to our warm, welcoming funeral home to discuss the funeral arrangements over a cup of tea or coffee. Alternatively, we will visit you at your home if you would prefer.

Whatever we can do to help make this already difficult and distressing time as seamless as possible, we will.
Once we have discussed your loved ones wishes, we will begin to put those wishes into place and keep in touch with you every step of the way.

Registering the passing of a loved one

When you have received notification that the medical certificate has been prepared and sent to the Registrar’s office, you can then make an appointment to register their passing. You can do this over the telephone by calling 0300 123 7037 or online by clicking here

Where can I register?

If your loved one passed away within Cheshire West and Cheshire then you can register at either of the below registry office:

Goldsmith House, Goss St, Chester, CH1 2BG

When should I register?

The death of your loved one should usually be registered within 5 days of them passing away. In some circumstances this is not possible so please call us on 01244 421 214 for more information and guidance.

Who can Register?

Usually, the deceased’s next of kin is the one who register’s their death however if this is not possible then alternatively the death can be registered by:
A person present when the deceased passed away
A person making arrangements with Hartys of Chester family funeral directors

What will the Registrar issue?

Once the registration has been completed, you will be issued with:

A green form, known as ‘The Registrar’s Certificate for Burial or Cremation’ – Please present this form to a member of our team at Hartys of Chester so we can deliver this to the relevant person, whether that be at the crematorium or cemetery.

A ‘Tell us Once’ reference number – This enables you to inform all relevant agencies relating to the Government that your loved one has passed away, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (D.V.L.A) and the Department for Work and Pensions (D.W.P) https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/organisations-you-need-to-contact-and-tell-us-once

You may also purchase an official copy of the death certificate. The cost is £12.50 per copy. The funeral director does not require a copy of the death certificate, only the green certificate is required by the funeral director.

His Majesty’s Coroner has opened or adjourned an inquest

In some cases, where His Majesty’s Coroner has opened or adjourned an inquest into the passing of your loved one, you are not required to attend the Registrar’s office prior to the funeral taking place.

We can guide you when it comes to relevant documentation and what is required from you.

Our Family provide only the best for your family

We are available to support you and your family 24/7 365 days a year. Contact us today or for immediate assistance please telephone 01244 421 214