What to do when your spouse or family member passes away?

When a loved one passes away in Hong Kong, there are certain steps that must be followed in order to handle the necessary tasks and procedures. Here are some of the key steps to take when a loved one passes away in Hong Kong:

1. Notify the necessary authorities: The first step when a loved one passes away in Hong Kong is to notify the appropriate authorities. This may include the police, the coroner or medical examiner, and the funeral home. The authorities will help to confirm the cause of death and will assist with transferring the deceased to the funeral home.

   In the event of a death, the registered medical practitioner of whom which last attended to the deceased will issue a signed Form 18, more commonly known as a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death. 

   Under the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, it shall be the duty for the informant (being the nearest relative or other relevant person of the deceased) to register a death from natural causes within 24 hours.

   The loved one who has been issued the form will then have to take the form to the Registry of Deaths in order to officially register the death. Typically, if the deceased passes away in a hospital, the hospital authorities will take it upon themselves to do the paperwork.

2. Make arrangements for the funeral or memorial service: Once the deceased has been transferred to the funeral home, the next step is to make arrangements for the funeral or memorial service. If there is a will left behind by the deceased, it should be examined if there are any specific wishes the deceased may have in relation to the type of funeral procession they may want and burial method.  This may include deciding on the type of service, selecting a venue, choosing pallbearers, and selecting music and readings. It may also include purchasing a casket or urn, if desired - and in some cases an alternative burial option like a diamond burial.

   
   Memorial diamond made solely from the carbon extracted from ashes.
   
   

3. Obtain a death certificate: In order to settle the deceased's estate and to handle any legal matters, it will be necessary to obtain a death certificate. This can be done through the funeral home or the local government office.

4. Register the death: In Hong Kong, it is also necessary to register the death with the local government. This can be done through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

5. Notify relevant parties: After the death of a loved one, it is important to notify relevant parties, such as family members, friends, and any organizations or businesses that the deceased was associated with. This may include their employer, insurance companies, and banks.

6. Begin the process of settling the deceased's estate: Once the funeral or memorial service has been held and the death certificate and registration have been obtained, the next step is to begin the process of settling the deceased's estate. This may include inventorying the deceased's assets, paying outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining assets according to the deceased's wishes, as outlined in their will or through the laws of intestate succession. The will may or may not appoint one or more executors to be responsible for carrying out the last requests of the deceased. In those cases, an experienced probate expert – generally someone with a paralegal or accounting background – can handle the vast majority of probate issues, and often the entire process of searching for assets in the name of the deceased to be settled.

 How to manage a death in the family.

Most importantly, take care of yourself and your family: Finally, it is important to take care of yourself and your family during this difficult time. This may include seeking support from friends and family, seeking counseling or therapy, and taking time to grieve and mourn the loss of your loved one.

Arranging a funeral can be confusing and tough, but there is help available.  Contact us for any questions your might have about burial arrangements and the options available using the latest Swiss technology to convert your loved one's ashes to a beautiful memorial diamond.

For a more in-depth read on the legal issues regarding the death of a loved one.