What Happens After a Death in Victoria? A Funeral Director’s Guide

Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things you’ll ever face. In those first hours and days, everything can feel overwhelming; there’s so much to think about while emotions run high.

At Glen Funerals, we’ve been supporting Victorian families through their most challenging moments for years. Having a clear understanding of what needs to happen can take some of the pressure off. Let’s walk through this together, step by step.

The Very First Steps: What to Do Immediately After a Death

When someone passes away, the first thing you need to do is have the death verified. If your loved one dies in a hospital or aged care facility, the staff there will take care of this for you.

If the death happens at home and was expected, contact their regular GP or palliative care service. The doctor or nurse will verify the death and complete the necessary paperwork. There is no need to rush; take the time you need to say goodbye before making these calls.

For unexpected deaths at home, you’ll need to contact emergency services or the police. In such cases, the death will be reported to the Coroner’s Court of Victoria, which is a normal procedure to ascertain the cause of death. This may seem intimidating, but experienced funeral directors in Melbourne, such as ourselves at Glen Funerals, can assist you through this process with compassion and care. As professional Melbourne funeral directors, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Understanding the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

Before any funeral can take place, a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) has to be filled out. This is different from the official death certificate. This document is the doctor’s confirmation of how and why the death occurred.

The doctor who was caring for your loved one will complete this certificate within 48 hours. They’ll provide copies to you and the funeral director, and send one to Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria. Without this certificate, funeral arrangements can’t move forward; however, we can assist you in attaining this certificate, so feel free to call us for assistance.

If the death is being investigated by the coroner, the coroner will need to complete their investigation before authorising release; this can take a few days to progress. We are able to contact the coroner on your behalf to get updates and coordinate transferring your loved on einto our care. You can start planning the service with your funeral director in the meantime, if you are ready to do so.

Choosing Your Funeral Director

Once the death has been verified, it’s time to choose a funeral director. This is where funeral directors in Victoria become your greatest support. At Glen Funerals, with our funeral homes located in Rosanna and Thomastown, we are here to assist with the details so you can concentrate on what is most important, remembering and celebrating your loved one.

A good funeral director will organise the transfer of your loved one into their care, assist with all the paperwork required, make arrangements with the cemetery or crematorium, and walk you through every step with understanding and empathy.

As a funeral director in Victoria, we recognise that budget is often a consideration during this difficult time, which is why Glen Funerals operates as one of the most sensibly priced funeral homes in Melbourne. Our funeral directors are dedicated to delivering quality service and care without the high price point.

Registering the Death and Issuing Death Certificates

Your funeral director will take care of the death registration, lodging necessary paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM).

In the state of Victoria, there are two forms of legal death certificates. The standard death certificate includes essential information without the cause of death, while the detailed version includes medical information. Many Melbourne funeral directors recommend ordering the death certificate package, which includes both types. This gives you flexibility when dealing with banks and organisations while keeping your sensitive information private.

The death certificate can take a number of weeks to arrive, and it’s best to make sure all the details are correct to avoid headaches later. Your funeral director can help you with this.

Death certificates are issued after the funeral or cremation, and the cost of these services is typically included in the funeral expenses. If the coroner has to be involved, you will get an interim certificate initially, and then the final certificate will be given out after the investigation is finished.

Arranging a Funeral

You will have the opportunity at this point to consider how to honour your loved one’s life through the scheduling and organisation of their funeral service. Funeral planners in Melbourne are available to assist families in developing a unique, personal, and memorable funeral service.

Burial or Cremation: This is typically the first major decision, often driven by cultural or religious beliefs or personal preference.

Date, Time, and Location: The date will most likely depend on the availability of your desired venue and priest/celebrant, as well as any travel time or scheduling needs of family and friends.

The time of day may come down to religious or cultural beliefs, or it may simply be a matter of convenience and preference.

The location could be a church, a chapel, or another special location that is important to you. You can discuss these core elements with your funeral planner.

Service Details: Consider who is going to deliver a eulogy, what type of music you want to play, and whether you want to display photo slideshows or videos. These are the things that will make the funeral service personal and turn it into a real celebration of life.

Coffin or Casket Selection: Funeral directors in Victoria can display different options available to suit different tastes and budgets. At Glen Funerals, we assist families in finding something that feels right to them without placing any unnecessary financial burden on them. As professional funeral directors in Melbourne, we are here to make sure that all your selections are in line with the personality of your loved one and your family’s wishes.

Catering: Our funeral directors can assist you in organising catering. Enjoying light refreshments or simply tea and coffee after the service can be a nice time for families to connect and share stories.

Practical Matters: Who to Notify and When

After a death, there’s a long list of organisations and people who need to be informed. It can feel like a mountain of paperwork, but it can be done one step at a time. Our Funeral directors can provide you with a comprehensive guide to assist with this.

You’ll need to notify Centrelink (within 28 days if they were receiving payments), banks, superannuation funds, insurance companies, and the Australian Tax Office. Don’t forget about employers, clubs, and subscription services. Services Australia provides a helpful checklist of organisations to contact.

Understanding Funeral Costs in Victoria

Prices for funerals can differ substantially throughout Melbourne and Victoria, which is why we are proud to be one of the most sensibly priced options in the state. When comparing prices for funerals from different funeral homes in Melbourne, it is essential to examine the whole picture and make sure you are getting the best value for your money.

The basic costs of a funeral will include the services of the funeral director, care and preparation, the coffin, transportation, the venue, and the cemetery or crematorium. Other costs may include flowers, catering, death certificates, and memorial products.

Glen Funerals is committed to being completely transparent with regard to pricing. You can expect no unpleasant surprises when you use Glen Funerals to plan a funeral.

Special Circumstances: When the Coroner is Involved

If your loved one’s death is being investigated by the coroner, the process can take a little bit longer, but you’re not in it alone. The coroner will authorise the release of your loved one once the required medical processes are complete.

In the meantime, your funeral director can begin planning the service with you. As caring funeral directors in Victoria, we will keep you informed every step of the way and deal with all communications with the coroner’s office on your behalf.

Your funeral director will then apply for the release and transport once approval has been given. Although this waiting period can be very hard, it is necessary to ensure all legal requirements are met.

Support for Your Journey Through Grief

It is important to remember that it is okay to not be okay. Grief is a complicated process, and there is no right way to do it. Many funeral directors, including Glen Funerals, can refer you to grief counselling services. You do not have to go through this alone.

We’re Here for You

At Glen Funerals, we believe it is an honour to be with Victorian families in their most difficult times. From our offices in Rosanna and Thomastown, we are here to serve you with professionalism, care, and value.

If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, we are here to help. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you create a farewell that celebrates your loved one’s life. Because that’s what this is all about, saying goodbye in a meaningful way that brings comfort to those left behind.