What happens when a death occurs?

This section is intended to guide you through some of the things you need to do at this difficult time.

Informing the family doctor.

Obtaining a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death signed by a doctor or, if the Procurator Fiscal is involved, take instructions from the Procurator Fiscal Officers with regards to registration of the death.

Registering the Death.

When someone dies in Scotland, their death can be registered anywhere in Scotland. A death must be registered with The Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 8 days, but it is desirable to register the death as soon as possible. In Edinburgh you can register a death at the following offices: (By appointment only.)

When you are registering a death, the registrar will be able to help you with advice about the certificates you might need. Take the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, other useful documents that should be taken to the registrar (where appropriate) are the deceased’s National Health Service Medical card or number, National Insurance Number and Birth and Marriage Certificates. Do not worry if any of these documents are not available as the Registrar can still proceed to register the death.

When you register the death, the registrar will give you free of charge:

• A form 14-Certificate of Registration of Death which should be handed to the Funeral Director taking charge of the arrangements.
• An abbreviated death certificate. If you require a full death certificate for legal purposes, a fee is payable.
• A green certificate which is useful for any transactions with the Department of Work and Pensions.

Please call us or visit our premises for any further help or information