If death occurred in a hospital, the body is usually moved to the hospital mortuary for collection after the issuance of a medical certificate. Nursing homes and hospices will typically ask next of kin or a funeral director to make arrangements to move the body.
When death occurs at home, the doctor who confirms death will let you know if the body can be moved. If the death was unexpected the body may have to go to hospital for a post mortem.
In the old days some families kept the body at home, typically in the front parlour. Nowadays, most people prefer to employ a Funeral Director to take the body to their premises and keep it there until the day of the funeral.
At Harry Tomes Ltd. we have six chapels of rest, so after we move the body there will be opportunity to see your loved one again, lying in a coffin in our chapel of rest.
Since the body is normally ready for removal within hours of a person’s death, please do not worry about contacting us at any time – day or night.
Who’s in charge when I die
Your next of kin and your executor(s) are in charge when you die. If you have no will or no close relatives there can sometimes be complications.
Should I make a will
By making a Will you will ensure that your assets, no matter how small, are distributed in line with your wishes.
Making a Will
A will sets out how your estate (your assets) should be distributed, and names an executor(s) to take care of this task. A will is only valid if your signature has been witnessed by 2 adults who are not beneficiaries of the will in anyway.
Using a Solicitor
It is a good idea to ask a professional for help when you are writing your will, and it is not very expensive to hire someone for this task. You will receive help putting together a will that is free of confusion, and will most clearly reflect what you desire.
