Providing essential guidence & practical information regarding the cremation of a loved one in the uk.
For many people, losing a close relative or friend is a difficult, emotional and stressful time. There are some important choices to be made, whether you would like your loved one to be cremated or buried is usually the first thing to be decided.
The decision whether to have a burial or cremation will depend on ...
- the wishes of the deceased,
- the wishes of the next of kin, and
- the costs involved.
It should be noted that the wishes of the family can over-ride the wishes of the deceased when deciding on the type of funeral. In some exceptional cases the coroner (procurator fiscal in Scotland) will decide whether a cremation can take place or not.
70% of all deaths result in cremations and this website will give you the information you would like to know but were afraid to ask.
Before a Cremation
No one can be cremated until the cause of death is definitely known. Five forms are usually required by the crematorium. These forms are issued by the crematorium and are available from the funeral director (these forms will vary when the coroner is involved). They have to be completed before the cremation can take place. They are:
- An application form to be signed by the executor or next of kin.
- Two cremation certificates (forms B & C). Form B is completed by the doctor who looked after the deceased prior to death. Form C is again completed by a doctor but one who is not related to or in practice with the first doctor. A charge will be made for completing these forms. These forms will not be required at the crematorium if the coroner decides to hold a post-mortem examination.
- A fourth certificate is signed by the medical referee at the crematorium who has the power to refuse the cremation, request a post-mortem examination or refer the matter to the coroner. The charge for this form is usually included in the cremation fee.
- The certificate for disposal (green in colour and usually referred to as "the Green Certificate" by funeral directors to avoid saying the word 'disposal'). This certificate is issued by the Register Office. If the coroner holds a post-mortem examination the 'Green Certificate' will be replaced by a form issued by the coroner. This certificate is yellow in colour and also replaces the 'two cremation certificates'.
Deaths from abroad may require further documentation subject to which certification arrives with the deceased from the country where death occurred.
