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.

My aunt died quite unexpectedly and although I had been to funerals organised by Levertons before this was the first time I had to arrange one myself. I was nervous about meeting my aunt’s requests but Michael at Levertons made sure everything she wanted was catered for and we all as a family were left feeling completely safe and confident that my aunts requests were being met. On the day of the funeral everyone from Levertons was professional extremely polite and respectful. Grief is personal and organising a funeral can be daunting but Levertons gave us a highly professional service while also showing kindness and compassion at an extremely difficult time. This was something as a family we are all very grateful for

Review by Joanna R left on 01 Feb 2026

Google

Levertons conducted the funeral for my late mother and shortly afterwards one for my late father. Mr Drew Rush from their Golders Green office was exceptional helpful: quietly explaining the decisions needed to my father, me and my siblings, allowing us the time to work through the logistics and helping us to hold a lovely set of services. No level of strange request seemed to phase him, and he was exceptionally resourceful. The organisation on the days was exemplary. I would wholeheartedly recommend Levertons.

Review by jamie c left on 31 Jan 2026

Google

Levertons conducted the funeral for my late mother and shortly afterwards one for my late father. Mr Drew Rush from their Golders Green office was exceptional helpful: quietly explaining the decisions needed to my father, me and my siblings, allowing us the time to work through the logistics and helping us to hold a lovely set of services. No level of strange request seemed to phase him, and he was exceptionally resourceful. The organisation on the days was exemplary. I would wholeheartedly recommend Levertons.

Review by Jamie C left on 31 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

Mark at Levertons helped me with every detail of creating a wonderful service for the late Rajesh (Kiki). I felt nothing was too much trouble and the attention to detail was excellent. Communication and compassion was just what I needed during this difficult time. Thank you Mark for understanding and being so kind.

Review by Sally W left on 30 Jan 2026

Google

Craig and Levertons were absolutely marvellous from start to finish. Can't rate them highly enough. Thank You.

Review by Sue W left on 30 Jan 2026

Google

My aunt died quite unexpectedly and although I had been to funerals organised by Levertons before this was the first time I had to arrange one myself. I was nervous about meeting my aunt’s requests but Michael at Levertons made sure everything she wanted was catered for and we all as a family were left feeling completely safe and confident that my aunts requests were being met. On the day of the funeral everyone from Levertons was professional extremely polite and respectful. Grief is personal and organising a funeral can be daunting but Levertons gave us a highly professional service while also showing kindness and compassion at an extremely difficult time. This was something as a family we are all very grateful for

Review by Joanna R left on 30 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

My cousins (who had flown over from New Zealand) and I (just landed from Australia) had the tough job of organising a funeral and cremation service for our late Aunt, who had lived in London for over twenty years. From the very first meeting, Deborah, Alison, Samantha and the whole team at Laverton & Sons have been so kind, understanding and helpful. They took care of tiny details and made what could have been an overwhelming process so much easier for us. We felt completely supported throughout, and we’re so grateful for the compassion and care they showed our family. I have no hesitation in recommending the Muswell Hill team for Laverton & Sons.

Review by Simon C left on 30 Jan 2026

Google

The staff were compassionate, professional, and handled everything with great care. We’re very grateful for their support during such a difficult time.”

Review by Dawn W left on 29 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

A super service which gave my sister a wonderful 'goodbye'. The Levertons team made a challenging emotional event a respectful, but uplifting experience. The webcam of the service was perfect for Sue's friends who could not be present. I recommend the Leverton team.

Review by Peter B left on 26 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

I had an unattended cremation, but the staff at the Belsize Park office were very kind and helpful

Review by mary T left on 26 Jan 2026

TRUSTist

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