Registering a death

                                            Registering a death

In Scotland, a new law came into place on Wednesday 13th May 2015.

ALL deaths must now be registered before burial or cremation can be booked.

No time can be arranged for a funeral until the form has been issued from the registrars and brought to the funeral director.  However preliminary arrangements can still be made with the funeral director prior to registering the death.

Where

If the death has occurred in Scotland, it can be registered at any registrar’s office in Scotland. Phone first to make an appointment at the office you require. 

Who

It’s usually a relative of the deceased who is responsible for registering the death. If a relative isn’t available, then any of the following people can register the death:

any person present at the death.

the executor or another legal representative.

the occupier of the place where the death took place.

any person who has the necessary information.

Who can register the death in Scotland?

The following people can register a death:

Any relative of the person who has died.

Any person present at the death.

The deceased’s executor or another legal representative.

The occupier of the property where the person died, or if there is no such person present.

Anyone else who knows the information to be registered.

What to take with you?

Prior to attending the registrar, you should take the following documents with you, if they are available:

The medical certificate showing the cause of death.

Their birth certificate.

Their marriage/civil partnership certificate.

Their medical card.

What If the Death Occurs Abroad?

You should register the death according to local regulations in the country concerned and obtain a certificate of death. You may also be able to register the death with the British Consul in that country for a fee. However, there is no obligation to do so. A record of the death will be sent to Scotland and you will thereafter be able to get a copy