WHAT TO DO AFTER A DEATH IN SCOTLAND

. . .practical advice for times of bereavement

Contents

Introduction

PART I. FROM THE TIME OF DEATH TO THE FUNERAL

1. First things to be done

2. Donation of organs for transplants

3. Getting a medical certificate

4. Deaths reported to the Procurator Fiscal

5. How to register a death

6. Planning the funeral

7. Cremation or burial

8. Help with the funeral

9. Paying for the funeral

PART II. POSSESSIONS, PROPERTY AND CHILDREN

10. Is there a will?

11. The executors

12. Small estates

13. Distribution of property and possessions

14. The home

15. Debts

PART III. SOCIAL SECURITY HELP FOR THOSE WHO ARE LEFT

PART IV. WHAT ELSE HAS TO BE DONE?

PART V. PUBLICATIONS AND ADDRESSES

Most people at some time in their lives find themselves responsible for making the arrangements after the death of a relative or a friend. It is a difficult and worrying time and this booklet tells you some of the things that have to be done. It applies to Scotland only. Benefit Agency leaflet D49S "What to Do After a Death In Scotland: Social Security Supplement" gives extra information on help you can get from Social Security. It is available from a Registrar's office or Social Security office. There is a similar leaflet, D49, which applies to England & Wales and is available from offices there.

There may be other information or advice that you need:

Personal Advice

You can get practical advice from a funeral director, your family doctor, a solicitor, the Social Work Department of your Local Authority and Citizens Advice Bureaux. If a health visitor or district nurse attended the person who has died, he or she may be able to help; if the death was in hospital, ask the Charge Nurse who may refer you to the hospital chaplain or social worker. You may feel that you need to talk with someone sympathetic who is outside your immediate family or with other people who have been through a similar experience. In addition to ministers of religion there are several organisations which give this kind of support; the addresses of local organisations may be obtainable from the telephone directory or the Citizens Advice Bureau or Age Concern group in your area or, in cases of difficulty, by writing to:

Citizens Advice Scotland, 26 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD, or Age Concern Scotland, 113 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DT.

This leaflet has been prepared by The Scottish Office Home Department. Additional copies can be obtained from The Scottish Office Home Department, V1 Spur, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD, telephone 0131 244 3581, E-mail:perry.clarke@so082.scotoff.gov.uk or from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.