We handle all forms and certificates required for cremation on your behalf, making the process as straightforward as possible during a difficult time.
Since September 9, 2024, the cremation process has been simplified. The medical examiner review has replaced the old Cremation Form 4, which is no longer required.
Certificates and Forms Required
Green Certificate (Certificate for Burial or Cremation)
This is issued by the Registrar when you register the death. The registrar will usually email this certificate directly to us.
Cremation Form 1 (Application for Cremation)
This is a statutory document usually completed by the nearest relative or executor of the will.
We’ll help you complete this when you come in to make funeral arrangements. This document:
- Authorises the cremation of the deceased
- Provides you with the opportunity to raise any concerns you may have regarding the cause of death
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
The medical examiner reviews the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and sends it to the registrar. This replaces the old Cremation Form 4 that was previously required.
If the Coroner is Involved
When the coroner is investigating a death, they will issue a Cremation Form 6 (Certificate of Coroner) which takes the place of both the MCCD and the Registrar’s green certificate.
We Handle Everything
We will:
- Help you complete Cremation Form 1
- Liaise with the registrar to obtain the green certificate
- Deliver all completed forms to the crematorium on your behalf
- Coordinate any additional forms if needed (though the forms mentioned above are those most commonly required)
The Cremation Process
The cremation code of practice is strictly adhered to throughout the process.
Identification
The coffin must bear the deceased’s name for identification purposes. This is carefully checked at every stage.
The Cremation
- Only one coffin is cremated at a time
- The cremation process is carefully monitored throughout
- The ashes are carefully removed, labelled, and stored before the next cremation takes place
Important: Items in the Coffin
The cremation code requires that nothing can be removed from the coffin once it has been received at the crematorium. The coffin must be placed in the cremator exactly as received.
You must decide at least two hours before the funeral service whether items of jewellery or personal effects should be removed. Legally, these cannot be recovered once the coffin has arrived at the crematorium.
There are also restrictions on what items can be placed in the coffin for safety and environmental reasons. For detailed guidance on suitable and unsuitable items, please see our guide: Placing Items in a Coffin for Cremation
Cremated Remains (Ashes)
You have several options for what happens with the ashes:
At the Crematorium:
The crematorium offers facilities for:
- Scattering in the gardens of remembrance
- Interring in memorial plots
- A variety of memorial options (plaques, benches, etc.)
Family Graves or Churches:
- Ashes can be interred in an existing family grave
- Many churches have facilities for receiving ashes
- You may wish to hold a committal service where the ashes are placed in a grave
Collection and Storage
If you need time to decide:
- The crematorium will hold the ashes temporarily (usually making a small charge after one month)
- We can collect the ashes from the crematorium on your behalf at no cost
- We’ll look after them until you’re ready to collect them
- We’ll keep in contact with you about collection
Ashes Delivery
We can arrange to transport ashes to you:
- Free within 20 miles of our offices
- Mileage fee for distances beyond 10 miles
Urns, Caskets, and Keepsakes
We can provide:
- Ashes caskets and urns
- Scatter tubes
- Jewellery containing a small amount of ashes
- Keepsakes for dividing ashes among family members
Examples are available on our website and in catalogues at all our offices.
If you already have a container you’d like the ashes placed in, we’ll do this for you free of charge.
Advice and Support
If you need advice about:
- The final resting place for ashes
- Memorial options
- Scattering locations
- Any aspect of the cremation process
Please contact us or speak with the crematorium directly. We’re here to help you make the right decision for your family.
Related Information
Registration →
Information about registering a death and obtaining the necessary certificates.
Medical Examiner →
Understanding the medical examiner review process introduced in September 2024.
Coroner’s Procedure →
What happens when a coroner is involved in investigating a death.
Coffins and Urns →
View our range of coffins, caskets, urns, and memorial options.