Police, ambulance and nursing staff will complete a life extinct test to confirm the person has died. They will usually complete a Life Extinct Form. This is not a legal requirement, but it is best practice for these services. If the death is expected and has occurred at home, you do not need a Life Extinct Form.
All deaths that are not being investigated by the Coroner will need a Cause of Death Certificate to be issued. This is completed by a doctor, usually the person’s treating doctor. A Cause of Death Certificate can be issued by simply reviewing the person’s medical records. The doctor does not need to visit your house or nursing home to examine the body, but the doctor may request that.
A funeral director will not collect a body from a private home unless a Cause of Death Certificate has been issued. Call the person’s doctor first and ask for them to prepare a Cause of Death certificate and email it to you.
