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.

To arrange a funeral in England or Wales you will need:

• An authenticated translation of a Death Certificate showing the cause of death and a Certificate of No Liability to Register from the registrar in England and Wales. This certificate must be obtained from the registrar in whose area it is intended to bury or cremate the deceased.
• To arrange a cremation, a cremation order from the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) or a form E from the coroner will be required. If the death was from natural causes, the DCA will require the following documentation; Application for cremation (form A) All original documentation from the country where death occurred Translation of documents if necessary.

If the death was not natural it will be referred to the coroner who will open an inquest to investigate the cause and circumstances of death. In this case the coroner will issue form E for cremation. For more information about each of these areas please click see the DCA's website.

Responsible District Council Officer:
Telephone: 01621 854477, or use our online Contact the Cemeteries Officer e-form.

Other useful contacts:

Registrar,
Carmelite House,
White Horse Lane,
Maldon
Tel: 01621 852849 or 01245 430700

An appointment system operates –
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2 pm to 4.30 pm.
Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 am to 12.30 pm

Essex Coroner for No. 1 District:
Mrs Caroline Beasley-Murray
County Hall,
P O Box 11
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 1LX

Telephone: 01245 438011 or 01245 514076