Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
The MCCD is issued by a doctor who attended last illness, saw deceased within 14 days, and viewed body after death. Issued within 1-2 days (hospital) or by GP (home/care). Required to register death—funeral cannot proceed without it. Since April 2024, Medical Examiner reviews all MCCDs (adds 2-3 days). Collect from hospital bereavement office or GP surgery.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a legal document issued by a doctor that confirms the cause of death. You need this certificate to register the death.
The MCCD must be issued by a doctor who:
The hospital bereavement office will arrange for the doctor to complete the MCCD. You can usually collect it within 1-2 working days.
Contact the GP surgery. The GP who attended the deceased will complete the MCCD. You may need to collect it from the surgery.
The care home will contact the GP. The certificate will be sent to the care home or GP surgery for collection.
Not sure if you need probate?
1 in 3 applications are sent back. In under 2 minutes, we'll tell you whether you need it and what to do next.
Delays can occur if:
If you experience delays, contact the bereavement office or GP surgery for an update.
Since 2024, most deaths in England and Wales are reviewed by a medical examiner before the MCCD is issued. This is to ensure accuracy and may add 1-2 days to the process.
The death must be referred to the coroner if:
If referred to the coroner, they will issue the necessary paperwork instead of the doctor.
1 in 3 probate applications are sent back.
Answer 5 questions in under 2 minutes. We'll tell you whether you need probate, which route to take, and the mistake most people make at this stage.
Free to check · 2 minutes · No account needed · £179 for your full probate pack