What to do when someone dies

If you have wondered what you should do if someone close to you dies or you are experiencing a bereavement at the moment, we hope the following steps help to simplify what you will need to do.

First step

Within five days, you should register the person’s death, usually at the Registry Office closest to the place of death. The registration should be done by a relative or the executor of the will. Please be aware that many Registry Offices require you to make an appointment.

Once you have registered the death, we or another funeral director can then handle all the arrangements for you or help to guide and advise you.

Next steps

The next step will depend on where the person has died. That may be that they have died at home, in professional care or abroad. The person may need to be repatriated from here to outside of the UK. There are also other steps to take if they died suddenly or unexpectedly and if the death is of a baby or child.

Please click on one of the options to follow the steps that you would need to take next:

Dying at home

Death in professional care

Dying abroad or repatriation

Sudden or unexpected death

When a child or baby dies

All good funeral directors will be able to talk you through the steps based on your situation. You can of course call or email us for guidance and assistance at any time and with no obligation. We are always here to help you.

Hannah Leverton

Contact Hannah

For any Media & Press enquiries please get in touch with me.

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Need immediate assistance? Please get in touch. In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us out of our regular office hours, do call us. We can arrange collection 24 hours a day.

Excellent service. Very sympathetic and efficient. Highly recommended.

Review by Helen N left on 06 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

Leverton helped me organise a very unusual funeral for my 96 yr father. His funeral was delayed by 4 weeks in order to give all family members worldwide the opportunity to attend. He therefore was embalmed but we wanted to have 3 days available, so that all the family could take the opportunity to see him privately immediately before the funeral, so he had to have a special embalming. He was buried in our garden in north London so Leverton kindly organised everything for us. Andrew, one of the Directors was extremely kind, thoughtful and professional and we could not have had a better service. I would highly recommend Leverton’s as your funeral agent, they were magnificent in every possible way 10 out of 10!

Review by Otto C left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Recently, I dealt with the sudden and tragic death and funeral of a close family member, and was upset and shocked at the news of her unexpected passing. Fortunately, Laverson were outstanding in their support and help before, during and after the funeral. They carried out the whole process with calmness, consideration and great kindness. I am extremely grateful to them for their dedication and sensitivity and I would be absolutely lost without them. Thanks especially to Carmel who was a patient and superb professional at all times. Richard Burke, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Review by Richard B left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Levertons were outstanding to deal with; kind, caring and every attention to detail. I cannot thank them enough

Review by chris S left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

We found the funeral director exceptional helpful and knowledgeable. The service was very respectful.

Review by M OL left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

Leverton's staff have always been kind and professional. They give good advice when needed. They offer a personal service that is really appreciated when going through a difficult time like losing a loved one. They make a difficult time, dealing with difficult decisions much lighter. Thank you Leverton's - especially Julie!

Review by Brenda F left on 05 Jan 2026

Google

We were extremely grateful for the excellent support and assistance we received from Levertons. Lorna from the Kentish Town Branch made herself available to guide us and answer all our questions. As a family we felt that Levertons went the extra mile to ensure that everything was done to our satisfaction. I would highly recommend them to anyone who loses a family member. I would give them 11 out of 10 for their service.

Review by Antoinette N left on 31 Dec 2025

Google

The team at Leverton & Sons are incredible. We worked with Craig Parker who could not have been more friendly and professional. There is not one element of the service provided that we could find a fault with. We hope to not need to, of course, but if we do require funeral services again any time soon we will most certainly be working with Craig and Leverton & Sons again. Thank you very much Craig and team.

Review by Scott O left on 22 Dec 2025

TRUSTist

Drew at Leverton & Sons was a godsend. We met him amid shock and grief, unable to think clearly or know what to do, and he held our hand every step of the way. He never tried to sell—he simply listened, understood our needs, and offered guidance and information, going above and beyond. On the day of the funeral, he and his team showed immense respect and dignity, handling everything with such care. We could not have found better for such a dignified funeral and will be forever grateful. Highly recommend.

Review by Raha C left on 17 Dec 2025

Google

Excellent 5-star ratings for attentive and respectful funeral arrangements.

Review by Tracy D left on 11 Dec 2025

Google

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