Information about what to do after someone dies can also be found at:
the government website: https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death
the Money Advice Service: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/help-paying-for-a-funeral
The Money Advice Service was set up as an independent body with responsibility for improving people’s money management in April 2010. They were initially known as the Consumer Financial Education Body, the name used in the Financial Services Act 2010 which sets out their statutory objectives. The Money Advice Service is funded by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) who appoints the board of the Money Advice Service.
In summary here are some useful points:
It is a legal requirement for the family to register the death, if there is no family the local authority will be responsible
Other than parents of the deceased the family is not legally bound to pay for the funeral.
Payment of funeral expenses is payable by the deceased estate and usually have priority over any other payment requirements such as debts.
However the person who contracts the funeral director is ultimately responsible for payment and if the estate of the deceased is unable to provide sufficient funds to pay for the funeral expenses the person who signed the funeral contract will be responsible for the outstanding amount.
Funeral expenses may need to be paid prior to money from the estate being released which could be a financial strain for family members.
It can be considered that when a person has a pre-paid funeral plan is place it makes the whole process of arranging the funeral and collection of the deceased much easier for their family and removes the burden of cost.
“I have spent some considerable time going through the literature from Funeral Plan and found it to be very thorough in all aspects of what is a somewhat depressing subject (well, it would be its my funeral!) I know the funeral director and have the utmost faith in his ability to conduct the funeral in the best traditions of this sad time.”
“From the first phone call we were dealt with compassion and care. I cannot recommend them enough, the staff were so lovely and you get a designated contact who looks after you and is your point of contact. We used them for my mum , the crematorium was in beautiful grounds and the staff there were very good too”
“I was a little worried because I had never heard of them before but it was a caring and easy always there for me when I wanted them can very highly recommend thank you”
“From the initial phione call through to the aftercare, the staff at Funeral Plan Market were kind, friendly and we were trated with respect. Everything was handled by them and we were informed of developments at every stage.”
“The service and organisation of all the funeral arrangements were extremely good and conducted in a caring and sympathetic style. The Celebrant was particularly wonderful.”
“Having lost my daughter suddenly and unexpectedly I didn’t know what to do. we had discussed unattended cremation so I just looked online. I received an excellent and professional service nothing was too much trouble and I was kept informed”