What You Need to Know in Times of Bereavement.
1. Informing the Doctor
Inform the Doctor that the death has occurred as soon as possible. He/she may write the Medical Certificate of Death when he/she visits the house, or may request you attend the surgery for this purpose.
When death occurs in hospital
When death happens in hospital the procedure is very similar, however you apply to the hospital for the Medical Certificate of Death and not your family doctor.
The Coroner
In cases where the death has been reported to the Corner, the Coroner and his/her officers will work in your interest. A doctor will not issue a Medical Certificate of Death in this case. The Coroner will release the deceased once his/her enquiries are complete, and we are able to inform you when this will take place.
Inform the Doctor that the death has occurred as soon as possible. He/she may write the Medical Certificate of Death when he/she visits the house, or may request you attend the surgery for this purpose.
When death occurs in hospital
When death happens in hospital the procedure is very similar, however you apply to the hospital for the Medical Certificate of Death and not your family doctor.
The Coroner
In cases where the death has been reported to the Corner, the Coroner and his/her officers will work in your interest. A doctor will not issue a Medical Certificate of Death in this case. The Coroner will release the deceased once his/her enquiries are complete, and we are able to inform you when this will take place.
2. Registering the Death
Who can register?
- Close relative of the deceased
- Relative living in the area where the death occurred
- A person present at death
- The person arranging the burial/cremation
What Documents are required?
- Medical Certificate of Death
- Medical Card if available or;
- Birth Certificate & information surrounding date of birth
What Information is required to register?
- Date and place of death
- Full name of deceased (maiden name if applicable)
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation and home address
- If married, full name and occupation of surviving spouse
Certificates
- The Green Certificate is for us, the funeral director
- Social Security Certificate to be handed in at the D.S.S Offices with any pension books
- Copies of Entry of Death for bank, insurance, solicitors (at a cost)
Who can register?
- Close relative of the deceased
- Relative living in the area where the death occurred
- A person present at death
- The person arranging the burial/cremation
What Documents are required?
- Medical Certificate of Death
- Medical Card if available or;
- Birth Certificate & information surrounding date of birth
What Information is required to register?
- Date and place of death
- Full name of deceased (maiden name if applicable)
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation and home address
- If married, full name and occupation of surviving spouse
Certificates
- The Green Certificate is for us, the funeral director
- Social Security Certificate to be handed in at the D.S.S Offices with any pension books
- Copies of Entry of Death for bank, insurance, solicitors (at a cost)
3. Obtaining Probate
What is Probate?
When someone dies somebody has to deal with their estate (the money, property, and possessions left) by collecting all the money, paying any debts and distributing the estate to those entitled.
The Probate Registry issues the document which is called a Grant Of Representation.
There are three types of grant:
- Probate issues to one more of the executors named in the will
- Letter of Administration (with will) issued when there is a will, but no executor named or unable to deal with the estate
- Letters of administration issued when the deceased has not made a will or it is not valid
Why is this grant necessary?
Organisations holding money in the deceased's name need to know to whom the money is to be paid. The distribution of the estate is the responsibility of the person named on the deed. A grant may not be needed if the deceased's money will be released without the holder seeking a grant, when the amount held is small and there are no complications.
Consult a Solicitor
In most circumstances, it is advisable for you to consult a solicitor both to relieve you of any worries and to take control of Will, problems of intestacy, outstanding debts, grants and letters of administration. A solicitor could save you a great deal of unnecessary trouble and eventually save you money.
If it is known that a Will was made, it is important that the contents be ascertained as soon as possible after the death as it may contain instructions regarding the funeral arrangements. A Will may be amongst personal papers, or with the bank or solicitor for safe keeping. If a solicitor has been consulted by the deceased in the recent past it is important that you contact them without delay.
What is Probate?
When someone dies somebody has to deal with their estate (the money, property, and possessions left) by collecting all the money, paying any debts and distributing the estate to those entitled.
The Probate Registry issues the document which is called a Grant Of Representation.
There are three types of grant:
- Probate issues to one more of the executors named in the will
- Letter of Administration (with will) issued when there is a will, but no executor named or unable to deal with the estate
- Letters of administration issued when the deceased has not made a will or it is not valid
Why is this grant necessary?
Organisations holding money in the deceased's name need to know to whom the money is to be paid. The distribution of the estate is the responsibility of the person named on the deed. A grant may not be needed if the deceased's money will be released without the holder seeking a grant, when the amount held is small and there are no complications.
Consult a Solicitor
In most circumstances, it is advisable for you to consult a solicitor both to relieve you of any worries and to take control of Will, problems of intestacy, outstanding debts, grants and letters of administration. A solicitor could save you a great deal of unnecessary trouble and eventually save you money.
If it is known that a Will was made, it is important that the contents be ascertained as soon as possible after the death as it may contain instructions regarding the funeral arrangements. A Will may be amongst personal papers, or with the bank or solicitor for safe keeping. If a solicitor has been consulted by the deceased in the recent past it is important that you contact them without delay.
