Frequently asked questions

What should I do if a person in my care dies?
What is the role of a Coroner?
What is a Death Certificate and how is it obtained?
Who can register a Death?
What information do I need to bring to the Registry?
Can you Register the death on our behalf?
Can you help us arrange a grave for the deceased?
What choices and prices are available in coffins?
Do you supply Monumental stones?
Can you supply fresh high quality flowers?
How much do your services cost?
Do you conduct funerals for people of different religions?
Is your service strictly limited to the County Down area?


What should I do if a person in my care dies?

You will most naturally seek the support of family and friends first. Then inform your, or the deceased person's, Doctor, who will issue a Medical Certificate recording cause of death. Next, you should contact a Funeral Director.

What is the role of a Coroner?

If the deceased died suddenly and had not recently (within the previous two weeks) been visiting their Doctor, the Doctor must refer the case to the local coroner whose responsibility it is to establish cause of death. We would liaise with the Coroner and keep the family informed.

What is a Death Certificate and how is it obtained?

A Death Certificate is a legal requirement for burial. It is obtained at the local Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages - see under this in the telephone directory. See below for information you should bring to the Registry. If a Coroner is required to determine cause of death, they will issue the Death Certificate.

Who can register a Death?

Any of the following may legally Register a death:
> a person present at death;
> relative who witnessed last illness;
> close relative;
> relative living in district where the death occurred;
> the person causing disposal of the corpse.

What information do I need to bring to the Registry?

The following:
> Medical Certificate recording the deceased's cause of death;
> Date and place of death and Date and place of birth;
> Name(s) of deceased, including maiden name,
   where applicable.
> Occupation and home address of deceased.

Can you Register the death on our behalf?

As the person in possession of the corpse and responsible for its disposal (to use the legal terminology), the Funeral Director may, with your and the Registrar's agreement, obtain the Death Certificate on your behalf. We frequently do this.

Can you help us arrange a grave for the deceased?

Yes. We will discuss with you which graveyard or cemetery with available plots would be appropriate and liaise with you and those responsible for providing grave plots to enable you to make suitable arrangements.

What choices are available in coffins?

We offer a choice of coffins that satisfy the majority of requirements. These are (a) solid oak, (b) Plain and (c) Panel (the Panel option is also available with a wooden cross design on the top). For more details please contact our office.

Do you supply Memorial grave stones?

Yes, you can visit our office and choose from the selection on display. See also our web page Memorials. Prices vary, according to your requirements.

Can you supply fresh high quality flowers?

Yes, all our flowers are supplied by our local Saintfield florist, The Orchid. We have taken great care to present only the very best quality of fresh flowers at all times, and - thanks to The Orchid - we never disappoint!

How much does your service cost?

In order to supply price details we would need to know more about your circumstances and preferred choices. Please feel free to contact us for details.

Do you arrange funerals for people of different religions?

Yes, we consider it one of the great honours our local community has given us to be invited to provide our services to families from all sections of our community - and we treat all with equal respect.

Is your service strictly limited to the County Down area?

We regard it as important that our services should be available to the bereaved family 24 hrs per day prior to and immediately after the funeral. We can offer this throughout county Down and adjoining counties as well as in Greater Belfast.