Deaths, funerals and cremations
We understand that bereavement is a painful experience. Our experienced registrars are there to help you through the difficult job of registering the death or stillbirth. You can be reassured that we will deal with you with sympathy and understanding at this difficult time.
This section helps to explain the procedures you have to go through. If you need more information or assistance, you can contact any of our offices who will be pleased to help you further. You can also use our online services below. We also provide a service to help you tell the people who need to know about the death, such as government departments and local council services. You only need to Tell Us Once and we can contact these organisations on your behalf. The main requirements in England and Wales are that the death is certified by a doctor or coroner, registered by a registrar and the body either buried or cremated. - You do not have to have a funeral ceremony
- You do not have to use a funeral director
- You do not have to use a minister of religion
- A ceremony does not have to take place in a crematorium or place of worship
There are more options concerning the content of a funeral ceremony and its duration than many people realise. Woodland burial and other green options are increasingly available. The majority of people choose to make their arrangements through a funeral director, but some people see 'do it yourself' funerals as more personal and less expensive. If this approach appeals, and you have time to research and prepare, do enquire at the cemeteries and crematorium department of your district council for guidance. You could also get information from the Natural Death Centre - see the link below. Some funeral directors are willing to help with such funerals. Choosing a funeral directorFuneral directors will manage funeral arrangements and give advice and support. Check if the funeral director you choose belongs to a trade association. This requires them to provide full information about their services and prices. Please see the links below. These factors may influence your choice: - Location of the firm's premises;
- Range of services provided;
- The way you are treated by the staff;
- Cost;
- Recommendation of those who have used the service; or
- Ownership - a small family business or small firm already known to you or your family.
A simple funeralMost people would probably require the funeral director to provide the following services as a minimum: - Make all the necessary arrangements;
- Provide appropriate staff;
- Provide a suitable coffin;
- Transfer the person who has died from the place of death to the funeral director's premises and care for them prior to the funeral;
- Arrange for burial or cremation as appropriate; and
- Provide a hearse to the nearest cemetery or crematorium;
Embalming of the body, viewing of the person who has died, or providing a limousine for mourners are common optional extras. Online mappingYou can find a range of information about the services we provide by using our online mapping. 
 | |  | | Related information from NHS Choices
Dealing with lossMost people grieve when they lose someone important to them. Grieving can feel unbearable but it's a necessary process. For help and support with grief including dealing with the emotions involved and supporting children, see the Dealing with losspage from NHS Choices. Carers Direct - bereavement supportWhen a person you look after dies, you may be not only losing a loved one, but as a carer you may be losing your sense of purpose when your caring role ends. For details of where you can turn to for help and support, see the Bereavement supportpage in the Carers Direct section of NHS Choices. .gif "Content supplied by NHS Choices")
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- Please note: All external websites open in a new browser window and NYCC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
- Lasting Post
The vision at Lasting Post is to create a user friendly but comprehensive system that allows a person privately to set down their instructions and wishes in the event of their death. This forward planning gives a person and their family peace of mind.
- The National Association of Funeral Directors
The National Association of Funeral Directors is a truly independent trade association with the broadest membership within the funeral profession, including more than 3,200 funeral homes nationwide and suppliers to the profession.
- The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) is a trade association whose members are all independent funeral directors. The funeral service they offer is not part of a national chain, but is privately owned and managed.
- The Natural Death Centre
The Natural Death Centre is a charity to help people arrange an inexpensive, family organised and environmentally friendly funeral. They also run the Association of Natural Burial Grounds.
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