Dealing with a death is a difficult and painful process for anyone. So many decisions have to be made so quickly when the pain of grief feels most raw. This page gives you information on what needs to happen first when someone dies.

Here is a list of the very first practical steps to take when someone has died. Obviously, the circumstances of the death will determine precisely what has to happen.

Someone needs to:

• Notify the family doctor

• Register the death at the Registry Office
• Contact a funeral director to begin funeral arrangements (you'll need to check the will for any special requests--the deceased's solicitor may have a copy if you can't find one)
• Contact your parish priest if you know him or her

It is also a good idea to arrange for a friend or relative to begin telling people about the death as soon as you can. The people who should know are the deceased’s:

• Friends, family and colleagues
• Employer
• Church or religious organisations
• Clubs and social organisations
• Landlord
• Lawyer

There are a number of good websites that provide more detailed information on the practicalities of what has to be done. Here are three of them:

DirectGov What to do after a death

Westminster Council Registering a Death
This gives local information for Westminster residents about registering deaths and other Westminster services.

Here are the details of some funeral directors located near to St John's church:

You are entitled to use the parish church of the deceased for a funeral or memorial service, and your local vicar will be able to help you.

There are other sections on this website to help you arrange a funeral and to cope with grief  and bereavement.