At Respect Funeral Services, we understand that arranging a funeral is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience.
Our mission is to guide you through this process with compassion, clarity, and professionalism.
Whether you choose a direct cremation, direct burial, or a woodland green burial, we tailor our services to honour your loved one’s wishes.
This post outlines the format for funeral order of priorities at Respect, drawing on our straightforward process to ensure a meaningful farewell.
Why Choose Respect’s Order Of Priorities For Funerals?
We pride ourselves on offering flexible, dignified funeral options that suit your needs.
Our direct cremations and burials provide a simple, cost-effective solution without compromising respect.
For those seeking a serene and eco-conscious farewell, our woodland green burials offer a full-service ceremony in beautiful countryside settings.
Every service we provide is designed to ease the burden on you during this difficult time.
With over a decade of experience, we’ve refined our process to be as seamless as possible.
You can trust us to handle every detail with care, from legal pronouncements to final arrangements.
Our 24-hour support line (01427 612992) ensures we’re always here when you need us.
Immediate Steps After A Death
When someone passes away, the first steps for planning a funeral are critical.
We’re here to guide you through these initial moments with clarity.
Legal Pronouncement of Death
You must obtain a legal pronouncement of death.
If the deceased was under palliative care, contact the provided 24-hour number to verify the passing.
For sudden or unexpected deaths at home, call 999 to involve police or paramedics, who may direct the body to a coroner’s mortuary or funeral director.
In nursing homes or hospices, staff will arrange for a nurse to pronounce the death.
For other cases, a paramedic, district nurse, or locum doctor will verify the death, typically within five hours.
Transportation of the Deceased
Once death is confirmed, we can arrange transportation to one of our chapels.
Simply call our 24-hour line (01427 612992), or ask care home staff to contact us.
We ensure this step is handled with utmost dignity.
Medical Certificate and Registration
The person verifying the death informs the deceased’s doctor, who issues a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
A Medical Examiner will review this and contact you to discuss the cause.
They then pass your details to the Registrar, who will arrange for you to register the death within five days.
If a coroner is involved, they may issue an order for burial or cremation after their review.
Notifying Loved Ones
We recommend notifying close family and friends promptly.
Ask them to help spread the word, easing the emotional load on you.
Planning The Funeral Service
A few days after the death, you’ll need to make key decisions about the funeral.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Checking for a Funeral Plan
Ask a relative or executor to review the deceased’s documents for a funeral plan.
If none exists, contact us at 01427 612992 to arrange a fitting service.
You can choose a direct cremation, direct burial, or woodland green burial.
We’ll help you select a shroud or coffin, set a location, and confirm the time.
Crafting a Meaningful Ceremony
For woodland green burials, we offer a full-service ceremony in the tranquil countryside.
You can personalise the service with a eulogy, which we can assist in preparing.
We also support with newspaper notices and obituaries to honour your loved one’s memory.
Engaging Relevant Organisations
If the deceased was part of a religious group, association, or served in the military, contact those organisations.
They may wish to conduct the service or provide funeral benefits.
We’ll coordinate with them to ensure a seamless experience.
Caring for the Deceased’s Home
Ask a trusted friend or relative to oversee the deceased’s residence.
They can collect mail, water plants, clear the fridge, and manage phone calls.
This ensures the home remains secure while you focus on the funeral.
Additional Responsibilities In The First Days Following The Order Of Priorities For Funerals At Respect
Within the first few days, you’ll need to tie up several loose ends.
We’ve outlined these to keep you on track.
Follow Up on Documentation
Ensure the deceased’s doctor sends the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Medical Examiner.
Register the death with the county registrar’s office within five days.
Request multiple death certificates only if necessary, as they may incur fees.
Choose an Eco-Conscious Option
If sustainability matters to you, consider our Green Burial or Greener Cremation services.
These options minimise environmental impact while providing a dignified farewell.
Contact Employers and Financial Institutions
If the deceased was employed, inform their employer to inquire about benefits or owed pay.
Contact past employers, especially large ones like NCB or British Steel, for potential life insurance or bereavement funds.
Reach out to banks to close accounts, transfer funds, or access safe deposit boxes.
Care for Dependents and Pets
Arrange care for any dependents or pets left behind.
Family or friends can take on this responsibility, or you can contact the RSPCA if rehoming is needed.
We suggest sharing pet photos on social media or with local veterinarians to find new homes.
Managing The Deceased’s Estate
If the deceased had significant assets (over £6,750 in cash or £325,000 in total), we recommend consulting a professional.
Here’s what to consider.
Legal and Financial Advisors
A trust and estates solicitor can assist with probate and asset transfers.
A tax professional can advise on final income-tax or estate-tax returns.
Contact the deceased’s investment adviser for details on holdings.
Government and Utility Services
Notify the DWP, Social Security, or other agencies to stop benefits.
Contact pension providers to halt payments and request claim forms.
Inform utility companies to change or stop services, and redirect mail via the postal service.
If the property is rented, consider closing utilities entirely.
Digital Legacy
Close the deceased’s social media accounts, such as Facebook or LinkedIn.
Online resources can guide you on accessing and cancelling these profiles.
Notify followers of the closure to maintain transparency.
Reduce Unwanted Mail
Register with the Bereavement Register online to stop junk mail.
This free service helps protect the deceased’s identity.
Three Things to Avoid
To ensure a smooth process, steer clear of these common mistakes.
- Failing to Notify Legal and Government Agencies
Promptly inform the Registrar and other authorities to avoid delays.
We’ll remind you of key deadlines to keep things on track.
- Neglecting Financial Matters
Address bank accounts, insurance, and benefits early.
Our team can point you to the right contacts for these tasks.
- Overlooking Funeral Funding
Plan the financial aspects of the funeral in advance.
We offer affordable options like direct cremations to suit your budget.
Why Woodland Green Burials Stand Out
Our woodland green burials are a unique offering.
Set in peaceful countryside, they combine a full-service ceremony with environmental care.
You can create a lasting legacy in a natural setting, perfect for those who love the outdoors.
We’ll work with you to craft a service that feels personal and meaningful.
Reach Out Today For Support With A Natural Burial Or Greener Cremation
Ready to explore your options? Contact Respect Funeral Services at 01427 612992 or contact us directly at respectgb.co.uk/contact to learn how we can help you plan a dignified, eco-friendly farewell.
Q&As For Average Price Of A Funeral UK
Q1. What is the difference between a direct cremation and a woodland green burial at Respect?
A direct cremation is a simple, unattended cremation without a ceremony, while a woodland green burial includes a full-service ceremony in a natural countryside setting. You can choose based on your preferences for simplicity or a more personalised farewell.
Q2. How quickly can Respect arrange transportation after a death?
Once the death is legally pronounced, we can arrange transportation to our chapel promptly. Simply call our 24-hour line at 01427 612992, and we’ll handle the rest with care. We aim to act swiftly to ease your burden during this time.
Q3. Can Respect help me write a eulogy for the funeral?
Yes, we offer support to help you craft a meaningful eulogy for your loved one.
Our team can guide you in creating a tribute that reflects their life and legacy.
Reach out to us for personal assistance.
Q4. What should I do if my loved one didn’t have a funeral plan?
If there’s no existing funeral plan, we’ll work with you to arrange a fitting funeral, from direct cremations to woodland green burials. You can choose a shroud or coffin and set the location and time with our guidance. Call us at 01427 612992 to start planning a service that honours their memory.
Q5. How can I ensure my pet is cared for after my loved one’s passing?
We advise asking family or friends to take responsibility for your loved one’s pets. If that’s not possible, you can share pet photos on social media or contact your local RSPCA for rehoming support. Our team can provide guidance on these arrangements.
Book A Visitation At One Of Our Burial Parks
North Nottinghamshire & South Yorkshire Burial Park
Lincolnshire & North Lincolnshire Burial Park
Contact Respect Directly
After Care
If you need extra help, there are excellent resources available:
- NHS: The NHS offers advice on coping with bereavement, including mental health support. Visit their page on Dealing with Grief and Loss for practical tips and helpline details.
- Respect: the Respect Guide, What To Do When Someone Dies covers benefits like the Bereavement Support Payment.
- Cruse Bereavement Support: A UK charity dedicated to grief, Cruse provides free counselling and resources. Learn more at cruse.org.uk.
- Bereavement Advice: Documents needed for arranging a funeral
- GOV: See if you qualify for a Funeral Expense Payment from the government.
