What to do when someone dies: a guide for Leeds families
Losing someone is overwhelming enough without also having to work out what needs to happen next. This guide sets out, in order, what to do when someone dies in Leeds or the surrounding areas, from the first hour through to registering the death.
If you’d rather talk to someone than read, we’re here 24 hours a day on 0113 253 2087.
What should I do in the first hour after someone dies?
What happens first depends on where the death took place.
At home, expectedly (for example, at the end of a long illness): Call the deceased’s GP or the out-of-hours doctor service. They’ll come to confirm the death and, in most cases, can issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
At home or in public, unexpectedly: Call 999. Paramedics or police will attend, and the death may be referred to the coroner. This doesn’t necessarily mean anything suspicious is suspected, it’s a standard step whenever a death is sudden or unexplained.
In hospital: Ward staff will guide you through the hospital’s own process, and the Medical Certificate is usually issued by hospital doctors.
In a nursing or care home: Staff will contact the person’s GP, who will attend to confirm the death.
There is no need to call a funeral director in this first hour. That call can wait until you’re ready.
How do I get the medical certificate of cause of death?
Once a doctor is satisfied about the cause of death, they’ll issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This is what allows the death to be registered. In most areas, including Leeds, this is now sent electronically straight to the Register Office, so you may not need to collect anything in person.
When does the coroner become involved after a death?
A death is referred to the coroner in certain circumstances, for example if the cause isn’t clear, the death was sudden or unexplained, or the person wasn’t seen by a doctor in the two weeks before they died. This is a legal requirement, not a sign that anything is wrong, and it’s usually arranged by the doctor, hospital, or police rather than something you need to do yourself.
If the coroner is involved, registration is put on hold until their part is complete. This can add a few days, occasionally longer if a post-mortem or inquest is needed. Read more about the coroner’s procedure →
How do I register a death in Leeds?
Once the Medical Certificate (or the coroner’s paperwork) is ready, you’ll need to register the death, normally within 5 days.
Who can register: A relative, someone present at the death, the person who found them, or the person making the funeral arrangements.
What to take, if available: Birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, NHS medical card.
Where to register in Leeds:
Leeds Register Office
Merrion House, Merrion Way, Leeds LS2 8BA
Tel: 0113 222 4408
Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:45am–4:45pm · Wed 9:45am–4:45pm · Sat 9am–12pm
You can register at any Leeds area office, not just the one nearest to where the death happened. See the full list of local register offices, including Morley, Dewsbury and Wakefield →
When should I contact a funeral director?
There’s no rush to make this call. When you’re ready, we can take on the practical load, contacting the register office if needed, arranging the venue, and guiding you through the choices ahead.
We’ve cared for families across Morley, Churwell, Drighlington and the wider Leeds area for six generations. If you’d like to talk it through, call us any time on 0113 253 2087, or get in touch here →.
What practical things can wait after someone dies?
These don’t need to happen today, but you’ll likely need to deal with them in the coming weeks.
- Notifying banks, pensions and government departments (the Tell Us Once service can do most of this in one go)
- Cancelling or transferring utilities, subscriptions and insurance
- Locating a will, or finding out whether probate is needed
Related reading: When Someone Dies · First Concerns · Registration · Leeds Funeral Director