When a relative dies it can be difficult to deal with death and grief. However, there are some important practicalities which need to be taken care of. The guide below outlines the process in Berkshire.
After this checklist, there is also the task of administrating someone’s estate. Please see our guide to probate for more information on how this process works.
If you are struggling to come to terms with the death of a loved one, you may benefit from our guide to bereavement support groups in Berkshire.
Obtaining a Medical Certificate of Death in Berkshire
A medical certificate of death is a document issued after someone has died. It outlines the cause of death and it is necessary in order to register a death. Only a doctor can issue a medical certificate of death. If your relative has died at home or in a care home, a doctor must be called. If the cause of death is uncertain, it may be referred to the coroner’s office.
Coroner's Office in Berkshire
- Address: Berkshire Coroners' Office, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH
- Telephone: 0118 937 2300
- Email: [email protected]
Registering a Death in Berkshire
Deaths should be registered in the council area in which they occurred. An appointment is required to register a death. You can make an appointment by telephone and below are the contact details for each council in Berkshire. Remember, a medical certificate of death is required to register a death; it is important that you register a death within five days.
Death certificates cost £11.00 and can be paid for in advance. They are required to sort out the person’s affairs, so normally families purchase more than one.
Bracknell Forest
- Telephone: 01344 352000
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Bracknell Forest Council, Times Square, Market Street, Bracknell, RG12 1JD
- Visit Website
Reading
- Telephone: 0118 937 3533
- Address: Reading Register Office, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU
- Visit Website
Slough
- Telephone: 01753 787600
- Address: Slough Register Office, The Curve, William Street, Slough, SL1 1XY
- Visit Website
West Berkshire
- Telephone: 0118 937 3533
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Windsor & Maidenhead
- Telephone: 01628 796422
- Address: The Windsor & Maidenhead Register Office, Town Hall, St Ives Rd, Maidenhead SL6 1RF
- Visit Website
Wokingham
- Telephone: 0118 974 6554
- Address: Wokingham Register Office, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WH
- Visit Website
At the appointment:
It is important to bring the right information to your appointment. We’ve prepared a checklist below that you can use to make sure you remember everything you need.
Information about the deceased person:
- Date and place of death.
- Full name and any other names they were known by.
- Date and place of birth.
- Last occupation.
- If married/widowed or in a formal civil partnership, full name, date of birth and occupation of their spouse or civil partner.
- Last address.
- Details of any public service pension the deceased was receiving, e.g. civil service, teacher or armed forces.
Information about you:
- Relationship to the deceased.
- Full name.
- Usual address.
Tell Us Once
Tell Us Once is a national service that lets you report a death to most government organisations at once. After registering the death, you will be given a unique reference number to use the service online or by telephone.
The list of organisations that Tell Us Once will notify can be found on the gov.uk website.
Arranging a Funeral in Berkshire
A funeral can only take place after the death has been registered. Organising the funeral of a loved one can be daunting, especially during a time of grief. However, it is important to make sure their memory is treasured. Please see our comprehensive guide to funeral planning for help in arranging the day.
