Notifying family and next of kin
What efforts are typically made to try to contact next of kin?
Via the Police or local contacts, doctors, social workers, friends, or work colleagues.
Where appropriate a search of the deceased’s property will be undertaken to attempt to find paperwork which will help trace relatives.
The services of a professional genealogist may also be employed as officers will make every effort to identify next of kin prior to a funeral taking place. Such searches normally last a few weeks but can take several months.
Is the Bereavement Service's officer obliged to notify the family members or next of kin if they are not already aware of the death?
The next of kin will always be informed of a death immediately as soon as the contact details become available.
What procedure does the council follow in order to notify family members of the death?
On receipt of a funeral referral the Bereavement Services Officer will attempt to trace and contact relatives, friends and work associates if known to confirm the department’s involvement or after information has been gathered to make contact.
If family members or next of kin have not been located, does Lambeth Council place a public or legal notice?
Due to historically poor responses Lambeth Council does not commission a public notice for a death.
Legal notices will be used by the Government Legal Department if deemed appropriate when a case is referred to them by the council.