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.

James and the team were truly exceptional — kind, professional, and deeply considerate. They guided us through one of the hardest times with genuine compassion and understanding, taking care of every detail with respect and sensitivity. Our family felt fully supported, and my brother was treated with the utmost dignity throughout. We are profoundly grateful for their help and care.

Review by Chuck T left on 03 Nov 2025

Google

Levertons directed my father’s funeral in March, and I cannot thank them enough for their compassion and professionalism. Their respect for tradition and sensitivity to our family’s wishes gave my dad the send-off he truly deserved. They made difficult decisions easier to face and gently reminded us to focus on what was most important. I’ll always be grateful for the care and dignity they brought to every part of the process.

Review by kate g left on 01 Nov 2025

Google

Very good and professional service. On the day of the funeral James and his team were very good, nothing was too much trouble and they were very helpful throughout. We found Michael extremely empathetic and informative when organising our mum's funeral.

Review by A H left on 29 Oct 2025

Google

Carmel at Levertons made what was a very difficult time very easy to navigate. Carmel helped us organise everything and when required was always available to give advice and assistance. My wife’s funeral was everything we wanted it to be.

Review by Stephen H left on 26 Oct 2025

Google

We engaged Leverton's Hampstead for the funerals of my mother in 2011 and more recently that of my father. On both occasions Levertons supported us to deliver beautiful, personalised funeral services. They were respectful and supportive throughout and helped steer us through some very sad times.

Review by Julia B left on 26 Oct 2025

Google

Deborah Rush at Levertons was simply superb. She handled my grief in an empathetic but not cloying manner . Deborah’s attention to every detail was impressive. Further , after a brief description of what qualities I wanted in a celebrant , Deborah chose an excellent one , Ruby Warnock. All my guests at the cremation commented on how well everything had gone.

Review by Andrew R left on 24 Oct 2025

Google

I used Levertons for my my husbands funeral and cannot recommend them high enough. Very professional but also caring and considerent at the same time. Very helpful at a very difficult time.

Review by Tracey L left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

James was excellent throughout the whole process from start to finish. He was kind, friendly and always willing to help whenever I had a query. Very professional service and highly recommended.

Review by LWF left on 23 Oct 2025

Google

Lovely service from start to finish. Deborah was especially considerate and helpful, would highly reccomend

Review by Holly B left on 23 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

The experience of losing a loved one is traumatic. The staff at Leverton & Sons were wonderful, and extremely helpful. They guided us through what is always a difficult process with kindness and care. Thank you.

Review by Georgia S left on 23 Oct 2025

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