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When a death occurs

A certificate to certify the cause of death must be signed by a doctor or coroner. The family doctor will normally be able to sign the certificate providing they have treated the person during the previous months for a condition that may have caused their death. If the family doctor is unable to sign the certificate, then the coroner will be notified.

A doctor or registered nurse is required at all times to certify the death.

prepaid funerals
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cremations
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prepaid funerals
chapel services
cremations
burials
transfers
certificates
catering
interior photo of a bedroom in light and airy colours after someone has died

deaths in the home

When Death Occurs at Home

hospital and nursing home deaths

When Death Occurs in A Hospital or Nursing Home

The majority of natural deaths now occur in a hospital or nursing home with a doctor in attendance. In these cases, it is a simple matter to obtain the death certificate from the attending physician.

a young woman with long brown hair holds a small bouquet of flowers wrapped in kraft paper close to her chest after her husband died
unexpected death

When Death Occurs Accidentally or Suddenly

If your loved one dies accidentally or suddenly it can often be a shock and an experience for which you are not prepared. The coroner will need to be notified through the police and an autopsy performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Once the death has been reported to the police, they will make arrangements for the body to conveyed to the Coroner’s facility by the Government Undertaker. Please note that you do not have to use the Government Undertaker to make the funeral arrangements. You are free to use any Funeral Director you choose.

Once the police have been contacted you should then contact your funeral director who will advise you of what needs to be done and will liaise with the police and the Coroner.

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Est. 1979  |  100% Local  - 100% Australian

What to do When Someone Dies

The Queensland Government Publication “Managing Affairs After a Death” is an online checklist of important tasks you’ll need to take care of when a loved one dies.

  • Death Certificate, Wills and the Estate

  • Financial Matters

  • Transport

  • Health Services

  • Lifestyle and Personal

  • Government Support

  • Property

  • Utilities

  • Work and Professional Life

  • Insurances

For more information, please visit the Managing Affairs After a Death website below:

a happy male and female couple laughing in black and white photo discussing their funeral plans

Friendly feedback from our visitors

We as a family cannot recommend Darren and his team more highly. They were exceptional, both in the manner in which they assisted us during this devastating time but also in the way they put the service together with St Paul's. Highly recommend.

David
Source : Google

The team at Len Russell Funerals were incredibly professional and helpful. They worked hard to create a perfect memorial for my wife, and connect us with a video service who helped our distant family members be present.

Bruce
Source : Google

Len Russell Funeral Directors were very professional, very courteous and went over and beyond to ensure my family were taken care of. They made the process very stress free and made sure the funeral was very sentimental in every way. Could not recommend highly enough.

Kelleigh
Source : Google

My parents now feel a sense of relief that something so confronting was handled with such expertise and care. Our family is very appreciative of the service that Len Russell Funerals has given us to face the inevitable in years to come with clarity. Thank you Darren.

Shane
Source : Google

Darren's quiet demeanour and genuine care for his client is quite obvious. I have every confidence that when my time comes I will be in very good hands.  

Pauline
Source : Google

During a time of extreme sadness and loss, my family and I are eternally grateful for the compassion, organisation and thoughtfulness of Darren and his team at Len Russell Funerals in preparing the final journey of our beloved sister Marissa. Thank Darren & team for treating and caring for our family as if they were one of your own!

Vinesa
Source : Google

The unfortunate process of arranging my mother's funeral and cremation was made stress free and simple due to the great services received by staff. We were able to organise everything in one meeting that suited all our needs so we could focus on other aspects, organising family from out of area etc. Highly Recommended by the Brighton Family of Yamanto.

Mark
Source : Google

We as a family cannot recommend Darren and his team more highly.  They were exceptional, both in the manner in which they assisted us during this devastating time but also in the way they put the service together with St Paul's.  Highly recommend.

Amity
Source : Google

We have been very impressed with the personal and considerate nature of Len Russell Funerals. It's a true testament to their experience and probably why they're still the longest run family owned funeral home in Ipswich. Thankyou!!!

Andrew
Source : Google