January 24, 2025
Time frame:
Once you are aware a death has occurred, it should be registered within 5 days. It is important to be aware that a fine or criminal charge may result if the death is not reported within this time frame. There are certain valid delays, such as if an inquest is required to take place.
How to register a death:
To register a death, you will need to contact a registry office to book an appointment. Usually, it should be the registry office that is within the area that the death has occurred.
Who is required to register a death:
It is preferred that the death is to be registered by a relative but there are circumstances in which another person may do so. For example, if a non-relative were present at the time of death or if they found the deceased.
Documentation:
Certain documentation will be required for the appointment to register a death, the registry office will inform you of these documents upon making an appointment.
Next steps after registration:
Once a death has been registered, a certificate will be provided for permission of a burial or application for cremation. At this time, death certificates can be purchased, which you will need to administer the estate of the deceased.
Coroners:
If a death was unknown or unexpected, then the registry office may report the death to the coroners for an investigation. A postmortem examination or inquest will only be necessary if the cause of death is unclear.
Different roles and responsibilities:
There are different people who have different roles within the process of registering a death. A Registrar is the person who will record the details of the deceased in order to register their death. A Coroner will investigate the cause of death, only if this remains unclear. An Executor is the person responsible for all assets within the deceased’s estate until all has been distributed to beneficiaries.
If you need further guidance on registering a death or managing the next steps, contact our Solihull office on 0121 705 7571 or our Dorridge office on 01564 779393 for assistance.
Grace Viney
Paralegal – Wills & Probate Department
This article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute technical, financial, legal advice or any other type of professional advice and is no substitute for specific advice based on your individual circumstances. We do not accept responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information in this article. For more information, please click here.







Solihull: 0121 705 7571
Dorridge: 01564 779393