When Death Occurs A guide to the practical information that you need to know
Registering a Death
If possible the next of kin should attend at the registrar's office. Failing this, another close relative or the executor is usually acceptable.
A death is registered at the registrar's area in which the death occurs.
The local Registrar's offices and hours are listed below. If you are in any doubts as to which Registrar to visit, please do not hesitate to telephone our office.
Registrar Offices
By Appointment
| Plymouth, (01752) 268331 | Mon - Fri 9.30 - 4.00. Tues until 6.30 |
|---|---|
| Totnes, (08451) 551002 | Mon - Fri 9.00am - 12.30pm |
| Newton Abbot, (01626) 206340 | Mon-Fri 9.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm |
| Torbay, (01803) 207130 | Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm |
| Exeter, (08451) 551002 | Mon-Thu 9.00am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Fri 9.00am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4.00pm. |
| Saltash, 0300 1234 181 | Mon & Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm. Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm |
| Liskeard, 0300 1234 181 | Mon & Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm. Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm |
| Tavistock, (08451) 551002 | Mon-Thu 10.00am - 2.00pm. Fri 10.00am - 1.00pm |
The Registrar will Require
- Doctor's or Coroner's certificate of death.
- Deceased medical card - if available.
- Details of any pension paid by the Paymaster General i.e. Dockyard or Service.
And, if the Deceased was a Lady
- Her maiden name.
- Full occupation of her husband/father.
- His occupation.
And the following informaiton
- Deceased's full name.
- Date and place of birth.
- Usual residence.
- Last full-time occupation.
- Any surviving partner's date of birth.
The Registrar will Issue
- Green certificate for Funeral Director.
- White certificate for D.S.S.
- And for a small charge will issue further copies of the certificate for solicitor, bank, insurances, building society, premium bonds etc.
Coroner's Procedure
Occasionally Her Majesty's Coroner will become involved if a death is deemed to be unexpected. That is, if the deceased hadn't been treated by a doctor in the last fourteen days or if the death was sudden, as a result of an accident or if it occurred in an institution.
Sometimes this is just a formality when the Coroner decides, after examining the facts, that they do not need to get involved although it could well mean that there will need to be a post-mortem examination to find out why the person died.
Alternatively, it could mean that it is necessary to convene an Inquest following the post-mortem examination. The Coroner's Office will keep you informed of their progress, but it could well mean that there will be a delay before the funeral can take place. We will be happy to discuss individual cases more specifically and liase with the Coroner's Office, although you will still need to become involved with them.
