If you’ve just experienced a loss, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Our team is here to assist you in the event of a loved one passing.
When a loved one passes, it’s important to take a moment to process what has happened. The very first step, depending on where the death occurred, is to contact the appropriate authorities: a doctor if at home, or emergency services (000) if the death is unexpected.
After that initial call, the next steps typically involve notifying close family and friends, making preliminary funeral arrangements, and obtaining a Death Certificate.
Importantly, you don’t have to go through this alone. Shakespeare Funerals is here to provide immediate support and clear guidance.
We understand that the moments and days following a passing are filled with a mix of emotions, and grief doesn’t follow a straight line. It’s important to take things at your own pace. If you need immediate emotional support, please explore our Grief Support resources. When you’re ready, the information below outlines the practical steps that need to be taken.
You'll need to officially confirm the death: Contact a doctor if the passing occurred at home, or emergency services (000) if it was unexpected. Hospital or aged care staff will usually handle this if the passing occurred in their facility.
You can begin notifying close family and friends, and consider contacting your family's clergy, spiritual advisor or relevant cultural leaders, if applicable. A trusted friend or family member can help with this.
You'll need to obtain an official Death Certificate and later register the death. We'll take care of this paperwork for you as part of our service, but it's helpful to know it's a key legal requirement in NSW.
You can rely on us for respectful transportation. We use our own vehicles locally in Dubbo, and for longer distances within NSW, interstate, or international repatriation, we partner with a trusted provider to ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity every step of the way.
You don’t have to go through these steps alone, we’re here to support you through this. Feel free to call our compassionate team or visit our Dubbo office at 94 Talbragar Street to discuss arrangements and view our selection of memorial products.
Experiencing a loss is overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions during this difficult time. We’re here to provide clear, practical answers and immediate support.
If the death was expected, such as after a long-term illness, the first step is usually to contact the person’s doctor so they can officially confirm the passing. If the death was unexpected, call emergency services (000) immediately. Once this has been done, you can contact us at any time for immediate assistance with the next steps.
There’s a list of people and organisations to notify, but it doesn’t all have to be done at once. This can include their employer, real estate agent, superannuation fund, banks, insurance companies and relevant government agencies like Centrelink. We provide a detailed checklist as part of our funeral arrangements process to make things easier.
There’s no strict legal timeframe, but most funerals in NSW take place within a week or two of the death. This allows time to make arrangements, notify family and friends and obtain the necessary paperwork. We can guide you through setting a timeline that feels right for your family. If you are thinking of preplanning, this is something you can consider.
A Death Certificate is an official legal document issued by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. It’s needed for many legal and financial matters (like closing bank accounts, claiming insurance, etc.). When you work with Shakespeare Funerals, we handle the Death Certificate application process for you, as well as assist with all the details for arranging a funeral.
This is called repatriation – transporting the deceased back to NSW (or to another state/country). We have extensive experience with repatriation and can handle all the necessary arrangements and paperwork, both interstate and internationally.
Yes, in most cases. We understand that viewing can be an important part of the grieving process. We can arrange a viewing at our Dubbo office or, in some circumstances, at another location. We have our beautiful on-site chapel, which is suitable for this.
This is a deeply personal decision. We can talk you through the process involved and all of your options for burial or cremation to help you make a choice.
There’s a lot to manage when a loved one passes, and it can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone. The first step is to call us for support and guidance in the moments immediately following a loss.
Fill out the form to get in Touch with us.
Get in touch with our team for all your Funeral Arrangements.
