Deaths, Funerals & Cremations
Category Items
Bereavement
When you lose a loved one it's is a difficult time. Death in itself is distressing and unfortunately, the administrative procedures which must be followed can be an additional unwelcome burden.
Burial Registration and Cemetery Management
Welwyn Hatfield Council operate two cemeteries within the borough
Burials and purchasing a plot
We appreciate that during this difficult time you will have to make important decisions about the cemetery and grave you want for the funeral. The following information will help you make your choice, but normally your funeral director will be able to help you make the necessary arrangements.
Cemeteries and funerals - funeral expenses
Information on Welwyn Hatfield Council's funeral expense charges.
Civil Funerals
Hertfordshire County Council provides extensive information about civil funerals.
Copy Certificates
Procedure for requesting copies of death certificates
Coroners
Information on the work of coroners is available on the Hertfordshire County Council website.
Cremations
Organising a cremation.
Death - registering
Information on how to register a death that occurred in England or Wales. The registration systems in Scotland and Northern Ireland differ from those in England and Wales.
Deaths historical searches
The indexes in a Superintendent Registrar's office relate only to births, marriages and deaths which occurred within the Superintendent Registrar's district.
Exhuming a deceased body
The process of gaining permission for an exhumation can be long and complicated. Exhumations are generally rare and expensive to perform. Because exhumations can be traumatic for the family involved consultation with relatives is important.
Independent Funerals
Information on how to conduct a funeral without the assistance of an undertaker
Ordering a Memorial
Memorials are a lasting symbol of remembrance. Welwyn Hatfield Council are able to offer technical advice and ensure that all memorials meet cemetery regulations.
Ordering a municipal funeral
The council provides a Municipal Funeral Service for deceased residents who have no known next of kin.
Repatriation of a deceased body abroad
Some countries require a Cadaver Certificate before they will allow a body into the country for burial. The certificate, if issued, confirms that no epidemic of infectious disease occurred in the borough for some three months preceding the death.
Repatriation of a deceased body from abroad to England or Wales
If a death occurs abroad, the death should be registered according to the local regulations of that country and a Death Certificate should be obtained. To bring a body back to England or Wales you will need either the Death Certificate or an authorisation for the removal of the body from the country of death by someone authorised to do so.
Stillbirth - registering
Information on how to register a stillbirth that occurred in England or Wales. The registration systems in Scotland and Northern Ireland differ from those in England and Wales.
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