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?
This information is not always readily available when a referral is passed to the service however we currently undertake great efforts to trace Next of Kin and will ensure that they are informed.
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 to confirm the department’s involvement or after information has been gathered in order 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.