Documents you need when arranging a funeral

In most circumstances when you register a death the registrar will give you a certificate for burial or cremation (known as a ‘green form’).

You should give this form to your funeral director as the funeral cannot take place without it.

In certain circumstances when a coroner is involved no green form will be issued - see burial.

You may need additional forms depending on whether you choose burial or cremation. Your funeral director will handle most of these elsewhere on this website.

Documents you need when arranging a funeral for a burial

You will need to have completed an application form to purchase a grave plot or to bury (inter) the deceased in a plot that is already owned.

When you purchase a private grave you will be given deeds granting you the right to use the plot. The deeds do not mean you own the land outright. The grave deeds should be given to your funeral director.

When a coroner is involved

If a coroner has been involved no green form will be issued. Instead the coroner will issue a Form 101 Order for Burial. This will usually be collected from the coroner by the funeral director on your behalf. If you are uncertain as to which forms you need or where to get them from, talk to your funeral director.

Documents you need when arranging a funeral for a cremation

Whilst there are many forms that could be associated with a cremation the one you are most likely to see is Cremation Form 1. This is an application to cremate the body of a person who has died.

Your funeral director will help you complete this form which should be sent to the local authority. A fee will apply and will usually form part of the disbursements charged by the funeral director.

The form also includes a section on ‘disposal of cremated remains.’ that is, what you would like to do with the ashes. A tick box sheet gives you a number of choices, amongst which is taking them away with you, or having them buried in the grounds. See Scattering the ashes

Other forms

Other forms that may be used in connection with the person who has died could be:

• Cremation Form 4 - completed by the doctor who issued the medical certificate cause of death.
• Cremation Form 5 - completed by a doctor who was not looking after the patient when he/she died.
• Cremation Form 6 - used by a coroner whenever a post-mortem examination has been carried out. Replaces the green form from the registrar.

All the above forms will usually be collected by the funeral director on your behalf.

• Cremation Form 10 - final authorisation of cremation by the crematorium doctor