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What Do You Do When Someone Passes?

Knowing what to do during one of the most difficult times helps families manage this stressful situation. If there are no plans in place, the first thing to consider is where the person has died and the cause of death.

At Home

When someone dies at home and has been under their doctor’s care, you should call their doctor first. The doctor will prepare a death certificate.

Once you have a death certificate, contact your Funeral Director to arrange to transfer your loved one into their care and work with them to organise your desired service (e.g. cremation, memorial, full service).

In Hospital/Aged Care

It is a good idea to let the hospital or aged care facility know who will be assisting you once your loved one passes.

Contact your Funeral Director who will make all the necessary arrangements directly with the hospital to organise the transfer of your loved one to the funeral home and then work with you to organise the cremation, memorial or funeral service you desire.

Sudden, Unexpected, Accidental, or Suicide

The doctor or a family member must notify the Police. The Police will organise the transfer to the Coroners Department by a government contractor.

In these circumstances, the Coroner may require the deceased to undergo a post mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. As a result, expect a delay with funeral arrangements until an investigation is complete, and the necessary documentation supplied.

Your Funeral Director will liaise with the Coroner and keep you up to date of the expected release.

Interstate or Overseas

Your Funeral Director must follow the local regulations and procedures, liaising with local authorities to make arrangements to return your loved one home.

Remember, it always remains the privilege of the family to choose the Funeral Director. Ignore anyone who attempts to tell you otherwise.

Even when the government-contracted company has taken the deceased to the Coroners Department, they hold no authority over your very personal choice of a Funeral Director.