What is the procedure for arranging a funeral?
- It is important not to make final funeral arrangements until it is certain that the death does not have to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
- Most funerals are arranged by the family/relatives. In the event that there is no family/relatives the funeral can be arranged by the local authority or health authority (who will then try to recover the cost of the funeral from the deceased's estate).
- The deceased may have left instructions (in their will or somewhere else) about the type of funeral they wanted and/ or whether they wanted to a burial or a cremation. However, there is no legal obligation for family/relatives to follow these instructions.
- In some cases, family/relatives may want burial or cremation to take place abroad. As the rules about this are very complex, the help of a specialist funeral director will be required. (Permission is always needed from the Procurator Fiscal before a body can be sent abroad.)
- Before contacting a funeral director or making any arrangements, check whether the person had a pre-paid funeral plan or funeral bond. In their absence, the cost of the funeral will normally be met by the deceased's estate. Alternatively, other sources of financial help may be available to cover the cost of the funeral. (Some funeral directors will allow payment to be delayed until finances have been sorted out.)
- Whilst it is possible for family/ relatives to arrange the funeral themselves, most people leave the arrangements to the funeral director. Should the family/relatives wish to arrange an inexpensive funeral that does not require the services of a funeral director, contact the Natural Death Centre for advice.
- It is important to find a funeral director who belongs to one of the professional associations (e.g., National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD); Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), since these associations have codes of practice and complaints procedures. In addition, funeral directors who are members of the NAFD offer a dedicated helpline number (0871 628247) which is available 24 hours a day and provides:
- bereavement counselling.
- advice on inheritance tax, handling an estate, and the execution of a will.
- advice on welfare benefits and other entitlements.
- Some local authorities also run their own funeral services by arrangement with a local firm of funeral directors.
- Funeral directors accept that the family/relatives will seek quotations before they decide which firm to use. It is advisable to shop around as there can be dramatic differences in prices and quality of service, and to: obtain an estimate from at least 2 funeral directors. ask for a detailed description of costs when getting a quote ask for the quote to be put in writing.
- A funeral director who is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) is required to provide a full estimate. This will include a "basic simple funeral" (i.e., coffin, hearse, and one car) as well as any additional services (e.g., church or crematorium fees, flowers, newspaper notices).
- In planning the funeral, it is necessary to decide:
- where the body is to rest while awaiting the funeral.
- the time and place of the funeral.
- the amount to be spent on the funeral.
- whether to have a funeral service.
- whether to have flowers, or to make donations to a named charity.
- whether to put a notice in the newspapers. whether to have a cremation or a burial.
- The following documentation is required for a funeral in Scotland.
- Medical Cause of Death Certificate (Form 11)
- Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14)
- In addition, specific documentation is required depending on whether the funeral arrangements are for a cremation or a burial.
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