Dealing with death in Leeds: registration, funeral and probate.
This is what you need to know when dealing with a death locally. It can be a daunting task, but our printable list of what to do and who to contact should make it much easier and avoid the legal jungles some folk land themselves in.Many people will be able to manage the Probate side without professional help, but we can introduce you to tailored and economical services should you need professional help – just call 03 300 102 300 or use the form at the foot of the page. At the time of writing, most probate registries are closed to the public and any executor who has already submitted probate applications and wishes for an update should see Probate delays before ringing the Probate Registry. If it is probate forms you are after, you can download them here or call 0300 123 1072 (not us!)Wrong area? Where to Register a Death in other areas.If you are appointed as Executor, but don’t wish to do it, there are two main options and it is a decision which needs to be taken quickly, as once you have held yourself out as executor by performing some of the executors duties, your only option is then to delegate as you can no longer resign.
- Renounce or take Powers Reserved – give up all rights to act or reserve the right to return as executor.
- Delegate the work to a professional.
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A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD or Green Form)
Delaying this will delay other things, if the death was in a hospital, they may well provide it. If not, notify the deceased’s doctor and request the MCCD. If they haven’t seen the deceased within 4 weeks, or if the death was sudden they may refer it to the coroner, which may mean the funeral is delayed. If the death is sudden and unexpected you should contact the Police non-emergency service on 101 to be on the safe side, and always the deceased’s doctor. You can’t register a death in Leeds until the Registrar has received the MCCD.
Who to Notify of a Death in Leeds
One of the most important steps after someone dies is to inform their next of kin. This should be done as soon as possible, and all dependents/family members should also be informed. Ideally, a list should be in place long before: create a plan that outlines who you want to contact, how you want them to be contacted, what details need to be shared and when you will contact them. It may also help to create a physical list or a form with all the necessary details in case further discussions come up while informing people. The address book is the obvious place to look, though these days that might be computerised. Some families organise viewings of the body, but I would suggest these are restricted to adults (personal experience.)The executor should arrange to secure any valuables if the property is no longer occupied – we would recommend photographing everything before removing it.
(Placeholder for an FD kind enough to be page sponsor – other Leeds area Funeral Directors can list themselves at the foot of the page)
The next step is usually to appoint a Leeds undertaker to collect the deceased part 1 HOWEVER…
1) Thousands of pounds can be wasted if there is a prepaid funeral plan and the wrong funeral director is used. Find a funeral plan.2) ONLY if the death in Leeds, has been referred to the Leeds Coroner, and around 43% of deaths are, you will need their agreement to move the deceased as they may wish to examine the body. Local contact: Coroner’s Service for West Yorkshire (Eastern) 71 Northgate Wakefield WF1 3BS Phone: 01924 292 301