What to Do When Someone Dies

Whatever the circumstances at the time of death, we recommend contacting Anton Brown as soon as possible.

This will allow us to assist and begin the funeral arrangements. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Understandably, not many people know what to do when someone dies. What you do depends on how and where a person dies.

Someone dies at a hospital or nursing home
Someone dies at home
Someone dies suddenly
Someone dies interstate or overseas

For help planning a dignified and personalised funeral service from a professional, family-owned funeral director, the team at Anton Brown Funerals offer high-quality care and commitment every time.

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What To Do

When Someone Dies at a Hospital or Nursing Home

In this instance, the Director of Nursing or the Nurse in Charge will help you with what happens in their particular facility. They will organise the Doctor to issue a death certificate, or a locum doctor may issue an interim certificate.

When Someone Dies at Home

If someone dies at home, and they have been under the regular care of a doctor for the past three months, the first person you should contact is the person’s doctor.

When Someone Dies Suddenly

If the death is sudden or the result of an accident and the cause of death is not confirmed then the doctor will need to notify the Police. The Ambulance Service may do this if they have attended at the place of death.

When Someone Dies Interstate or Overseas

If a death occurs while travelling, or holidaying at a location away from home, you should contact us as soon as possible so that we can make the necessary arrangements to have your loved one returned home.

Queensland Government’s Care at End of Life booklet provides additional practical advice for families when someone dies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I contact a funeral director?

Whatever the circumstances of the death, you are required to contact a funeral director as soon as possible to discuss arrangements for the funeral.

The professional staff at Anton Brown Funerals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you during this time. Contact us today for compassionate support when you need it most.

What documents will I need to arrange the funeral?

You will need the death certificate (or interim certificate), the deceased’s identification documents, and any pre-planned funeral arrangements or will that may specify their wishes. Our team can guide you through gathering these documents and will help you understand what’s required for your specific situation. We can also assist with obtaining additional certified copies of the death certificate, which you’ll need for various administrative purposes.

How quickly does a funeral need to be arranged after someone dies?

In Queensland, there are no strict legal timeframes for holding a funeral, but practical considerations usually mean funerals are held within 3-10 days after death. Factors that may affect timing include waiting for family members to travel, religious or cultural requirements, availability of venues, and whether a coroner’s investigation is required. We’ll work with you to find a timeframe that allows proper arrangements while respecting your family’s needs and any cultural or religious traditions.

What should I do about notifying government agencies and organisations?

After arranging the funeral, you’ll need to notify various government agencies and organisations about the death. This includes Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office, Medicare, banks, insurance companies, employers, and utility providers. We can provide you with a checklist of who to contact and help guide you through this process. Some notifications need to be made quickly (like Centrelink within 14 days), while others can be handled over the following weeks.

What questions should I ask when choosing a funeral director?

Selecting the right funeral director is an important decision during a difficult time. There are many important questions you should consider asking about services, costs, options, and their approach to supporting your family. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering 20 essential questions to ask any funeral director you’re considering. This resource will ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your loved one and your family’s needs during this challenging time.