Registration of the death
All deaths must be registered with the district in which the death occurred. This is required by law.
After registration a green certificate is issued to the person registering the death. This certificate has 2 parts, "b" and "c". Part "c" must be completed by the person responsible for recording the burial. It must be returned to the issuing registration office within 96 hours of the burial.
Part "b" should be kept with the deeds to the property.
Coroner
The coroner's office will advise the next of kin:
- when a burial can be carried out
- what certificate will be issued
- the type of funeral that can be held.
This is in cases where a coroner is involved and informed of the intention to bury on private land.
Notifiable diseases
If a person has died from a notifiable disease certain arrangements must be made. These can be discussed with the hospital who cared for the deceased or with a funeral director. Funeral directors arrangements can be made without the need to involve a funeral director. However, it is not advisable to proceed without at least discussing the requirements with a funeral director. This is because their assistance can be invaluable.