Wondering what happens when someone dies? Allow us to guide you
Knapman Family Independent Funeral Directors in Plymouth offers compassionate support and expert advice during the most challenging times, ensuring every detail is handled with care.
24/7 compassionate support available
Fixed professional fees for 12 months
Personalised guidance every step
Understanding the first steps after a loss
Losing a loved one is an emotional and often overwhelming experience. At Knapman Family Independent Funeral Directors, we understand the importance of having clear guidance during such a difficult time. Our team in Plymouth is here to provide you with the support and information you need to navigate the immediate steps after a loss. From understanding legal requirements to arranging the first meeting, we ensure that you are never left feeling uncertain or alone.
When someone dies at home
First contact will be with the deceased’s Doctor or surgery (Devon Doctors when out of hours). They will determine the cause of death, issue a Medical Certificate accordingly, and advise you on what to do next (this may be the following day when the GP surgery is open). The certificate can then be taken to register the death upon appointment at the registry office. If the death is sudden or unexpected, then dial 999.​
Once the Doctor has been and verified the death, they will give their consent for you to contact us (01752 603552). We can make arrangements to bring your loved one into our care.​ A member of our team will be available to support and guide you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no matter the time.
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We will contact you to discuss the funeral arrangements at a place and time that is comfortable and convenient for you, e.g., your home.​
If the death is unexpected, sudden or suspicious
You will need to dial 999 and ask the operator for the Ambulance and Police. The operator will help and support you through the steps you may need to take, such as resuscitation or preserving the scene.
It is standard practice for the death to be referred to the coroner. The coroner will investigate the circumstances and cause of death before releasing the deceased into our care. This may require a post mortem investigation.
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A coroner is involved when:
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The individual had not been seen by a Doctor in the previous 14 days
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The death was unexplained or sudden
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Death occurred during an operation
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An individual has died in suspicious circumstances or in an accident
An coroner can hold an inquest if the post mortem is inconclusive and death is still unknown, if the person died in police or prison custody, or if it was an unnatural or violent death. Once the inquest has been concluded, the coroner will issue the correct documentation.
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The death can be registered once the coroner has made a decision and issued you with the correct documentation, or possibly issue an Interim Death Certificate prior to the conclusion of an inquest. We can liaise with the coroner on your behalf and keep you informed of proceedings.
When someone dies in a care or nursing home or hospital
The staff of the care / nursing home will contact the appropriate professional (family doctor or out of hours) to verify the death. They can, on your behalf, contact us to make the necessary arrangements to bring your loved one into our care, or contact the coroner if the death was unexpected.
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You can make the care home aware in advance that you would like to use us as the funeral directors. The nursing / care home can liaise with us directly regarding arrangements when the time comes, and we'll contact you when your loved one is in our care.
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If the death is in a hospital:
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The nursing staff on the ward / unit will notify the next of kin.
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You will be put in contact with the hospital's bereavement office, who will talk you through what happens next and arrange a time to collect personal effects together with a Medical Certificate of Death if a Coroner is not involved.
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Nursing staff will make the necessary arrangements for the deceased to be taken to the hospital mortuary until a funeral director has been identified by the family / next of kin.
Denise and I would like to thank you and the team for your professional and personal service. From the first initial telephone call when my sister passed on the 5 October through to the final farewell at Ford Park Chapel was faultless. Cassie, you guided us through a difficult process and talked through the various options before we decided on a service at Ford Park Chapel, which was a perfect. The order of service that Marc put together was amazing, and I particularly liked the personal contact with the florist. We had the opportunity to meet the wonderful Zoe, and finally the Celebrant Sharon who put together a perfect service to celebrate my sister's life.
We were very grateful