Compliance with Regulations
On a practical side, we ensure that all the necessary liaisons and deadlines are met and all the paperwork is completed and handed in at the right place at the right time. A full written estimate detailing the costs will be given with every funeral arranged. This shows the Funeral Directors charges and details of the fees paid on behalf of the family. Much of the work that the Funeral Director does is discreet and is not always readily apparent what duties are carried out. These include :- Service The Funeral Arrangements themselves can be made at anytime just by contacting us. We can call and see you or you may visit our Funeral Home. In selecting ourselves as your Funeral Director, we will ensure that each and every detail is discussed with you thoroughly to ensure your wishes and those of the deceased are correctly carried out.
Documentation
On completion of Cremation and Doctors Forms the Certificates are taken to the relevant authorities along with other legal documents. All Documentation and discussion about the funeral will be retained for future reference by the family and ourselves. All information is kept in absolute confidence.
Liaison and Confirmation
All communications, regarding the funeral arrangements, with clergy, church, cemetery or crematorium and liaison with the police and coroner when necessary, are taken care of.
On the day of the funeral
No one knows when a death will occur, or when you will suffer the loss of a loved one. Death can occur at anytime and anywhere. The Funeral Director will be responsible for the overall supervision of the funeral itself and will always be available from the time of death, to the ceremony and afterwards for help, support, guidance and comfort. Once we have taken your instructions and have arranged a funeral at a given time on a given day, we will carry it out, regardless of circumstances. All arrangements made for the funeral are confirmed in writing, so that the details may be checked and agreed. The Removal of the Deceased from the place of death to our Funeral Home is a service, providing we have the necessary authority. The Arrangement and Payment of Fees and Disbursements relating to the funeral include; Crematorium and Cemetery Fees, Parochial Fees, Press Announcements, Floral Tributes, Hymn Sheets, Attendance Cards, Catering arrangements either at home or an external venue, plus any other detail requested by the relatives of the deceased. Where necessary a grave will be purchased and fees paid.
Where necessary we will provide Limousines to follow the Hearse. All staff will be attired in smart appropriate dress and shall ensure professional dignified attendance and supervision throughout the funeral. If you require any help or advice at anytime, please contact us.
Assistance 24 hours a Day.
As your Funeral Director, we are here to advise you in making all those arrangements which meet your personal needs and desires. Please remember that we are here to help you in whatever way we can, to help you cope and adjust to your bereavement. Providing you with a personal 24 hour, 365 day a year service is just the start. Remember, if you require help at any time during this period, all you need to do is call. Our office is open daily Monday to Friday. A member of staff is available at all other times to provide a 24-hour service.

THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL
The Funeral Ceremony is the culmination of the work that has taken place since the death occurred. Although only one of the many functions of the Funeral Director, to many people, the sight of a funeral cortege is probably the one most associated with funeral service. It is significant to note that the word funeral is derived from the Latin "funeralis" meaning a torchlight procession. Funeral Directors will be in attendance throughout the proceedings, to ensure the smooth running of events. They will take on the role of master of ceremonies, carrying out the task of guiding, directing and overseeing the funeral. As well as the Funeral Director, four members of staff will also be present. These pallbearers will be attired in smart appropriate dress and will ensure professional dignified attendance and supervision throughout the funeral. If you or any member of your family is unsure of what to do, tell your Funeral Director. This is what they are there for, to help and guide people through one of the hardest days of your life.
Costs and other services
In all aspects of the funeral arrangements our staff will point out the procedures and legal requirements. Whilst arranging the funeral, we will advise on costs and charges to be incurred, culminating in a full written estimate which will be given to the person responsible for the arrangements before the day of the funeral. Our account itself is divided into two separate parts, our charges, and the disbursements. Our charges include professional fees and overhead costs, which include the provision of a 24 hour a day call rota, our professional services in making the funeral arrangements and arranging documentation and necessary personal attendance's, the conveyance of the deceased to our private rest rooms and the use of the same until the day of the funeral. Charges for the coffin/casket you choose including the gown and lining etc.
Disbursements
Disbursements are essentially fees that we pay out on behalf of the family. These include Doctors fees, Crematoria/Cemetery fees, Parochial fees, Newspaper Announcements, Printing, Catering and Flowers.
Our written estimate will detail the approximate cost of any disbursements. However, as we have no direct control over these charges, there could be slight variations from the estimate. The account can be paid for by cash or cheque.
Organisations to be Informed of the Death
Car Insurance - Documentation will have to be changed as you are not legally insured to drive.
Social Services/District Nurses - (If there is equipment belonging to either of these, it must be returned)
Hospital and/or family Doctor (Any outstanding appointments should be cancelled)
Inland Revenue
Social Security - (Form 344/BD8 needs to be completed to cancel any direct payments into a bank account. This white certificate is provided by the Registrar of Deaths)
Local Council - (Cancel any housing/rate benefits and council tax)
Items You May Need to Cancel
Milk, Newspapers, Lottery Ticket, Appointments, Meals on Wheels, Home Help, Chiropodist, Dentist, Eye Specialist, Hairdresser, Home Care and Gardener.
Items to be Returned
Passport - (You should return the passport to: The Passport Office, U.K. Passport Agency, 5th Floor, India Building, Water Street, Liverpool.)
Driving License - (You should return the driving license to: D.V.L.A., Swansea, SA99 1AB)
Vehicle Registration Documents - (To change name of ownership)
Car Insurance - (To change Policy Holders name or a refund may be issued)
Television License - (To change name or a refund may be issued)
Season Tickets and Club Memberships Cards - Library Books and Card - National Insurance Papers
If the Property is Unoccupied
Make sure all windows and doors are locked and secure, if there are any cat/door flaps make sure they are secured. In winter leave some heating on, as this will prevent any pipes from freezing. Make sure that the fridge door is left ajar and that all perishable foods are disposed of.
Further Help
In certain circumstances the next-of-kin can receive help with the cost of the funeral from the Social Fund. (Claims must be within three months of death.)
Ask your Funeral Director for further information on Death Benefits.
Your financial circumstances may now have changed and you could be eligible for various state grants. To find out more call Social Security on Freephone 0800 666 555.
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can also help you.

Registration Of A Death - How To Register a Death
In England and Wales,a death must be registered by the Registrar of Births and Deaths for the area in which the death occurred. If you are unsure whether or not you have authority to register the death, we will advise you. The Death Must be Registered Within Five Days. When You Go To The Registrar
1. Things To Take With You
The Medical Certificate of the cause of death - The Deceased's National Health Medical Card
The Deceased's Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate
The Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificate contain all the information required by the Registrar.
2. The Registrar Requires the Following Details
Full Name of the Deceased - Home Address - Date and Place of Death
Date and Place of Birth - Last Occupation - Date of Birth of Surviving Partner
Whether the Deceased was in Receipt of a Pension or Allowance from Public Funds
If the Deceased was a married woman
Maiden Name - Husband's Full Name (even if deceased) - Husband's last Occupation (even if deceased)
From the Informant - Full Name of Informant - Home Address
3. The Registrar Will Give You
A Green Certificate - which must be handed to the funeral director so that the funeral can take place
A White Certificate - this is for social security purposes
4. The Registrar Will SELL You Copies of the Death Certificate
You may need these for:
The Will, Pension Claims, Insurance Policies, Savings Bank Certificates or Premium Bonds

Appointments needed at most Registrar’s

Please click here to register a death in Norfolk

Please click here to register a death in Suffolk

Private Chapels of Rest
We have modern Chapels of Rest at our premises and visits may be made during normal working hours. It is requested that we be notified of an intended visit so that the necessary arrangements may be made and delay avoided. Visits outside normal working hours may be made by appointment.
Newspaper Notices
It is sometimes the wish of bereaved families to place obituary and acknowledgement notices in the local press in which they can publicly announce the funeral arrangements and thank those persons and organisations who have assisted them at the time of their loss, e.g. friends and neighbours, doctors, nurses, hospitals, minister, police, funeral director etc…

As part of our service we will be pleased to arrange publication of any such notices.

As members of SAIF we can offer FREE online obituary notices, which  goes online immediately and includes a no cost interactive condolence book
You can go to either the SAIF website and use the link from their home page or Tribute Times website to view the obituary & sign the inclusive condolence book.
Floral tributes
Working in conjunction with local florists we are able to help and advise you with your floral tributes and also place your order. The flowers may be delivered either to our premises so that they may be placed on the hearse before arriving at the family home, or they can be delivered direct to the family home so you have time to look at them before the hearse arrives.
Donations
Should a family decide to have donations for a charity in lieu of flowers we can accept them on your behalf and forward them on for you.
Printed Service Sheets
We print a high quality order of service, which will act as a keepsake for those who attend the funeral. Inside will be the order of service, hymns, poems, details of donations, reception details etc.
Limousines
Our limousines will seat six persons in comfort. Disable access vehicles available. Due to current legislation, we request notification of any children travelling in our limousines and request that the family provide us with the appropriate child/booster seats.
Memorials
When a grave is to be re-opened for burial, we can arrange for the removal and re-fixing of a memorial. After the funeral has taken place we will be pleased to estimate for any cleaning of the memorial and any additional inscription required, before re-fixing. If a new memorial is required, we would be pleased to have the opportunity to give you an estimate and to show you our brochure.
The various regulations concerning memorials are very complex. It would be appreciated if an appointment could be made to discuss your requirements.
Jewellery
Any jewellery removed from the deceased will be returned to the person who has instructed us to carry out the funeral at least 24 hours before the funeral, at which point we will ask that person to sign for their return.
Distance Funerals Home & Overseas
We are able to arrange funerals in any part of the United Kingdom.
We are experienced in arranging funerals to and from other countries and are fully conversant with government regulations and the documentation required.

The Family Care Line
Michael Denney & Sons are Members of the National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors. This organisation has set up a Family Careline available by telephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is completely free and concerns itself with matters directly related to bereavement and funeral arrangements.

Bereavement/Medical Careline Tel: 08705 234999

Legal/Social Careline 08705 234500