We are sometimes asked by clients what they have to do immediately after a relative dies. This is a brief guidance of the things you should take care of.
- Register the Death
When someone dies in Cyprus, the death is confirmed by a doctor. The Doctor should fill in a specific document (Medical Cause of Death Certificate) which you will submit to the District Administration Office to register the death. Once you have registered the death, you will receive the death certificate. You may apply at the Citizens’ Center for more originals and the cost is 5 euro for each one. The documents needed to register the death are:
a. Medical Cause of Death Certificate
b. identity card/passport/alien book
c. signed registration form. The form can be signed by close relatives of the deceased or a person present at death or by the funeral home.
Usually the funeral office arranges for the death registration so before start doing the procedure you may consult with them because usually its included in their services.
In some cases the widow or the person who paid for the funeral expenses may be eligible to apply for a funeral grant from the Cyprus Government. To be given a funeral grant, the relevant application form and the required original certificates must be submitted within 1 year of the date of death. The form can be submitted at the Social Insurance Department.
- Funeral Arrangements
In Cyprus we have many Funeral Offices that offer a full range of death care services and take care for all procedures. Usually the Funeral Office offers services from the selection of the coffin before the ceremony to the care of the grave. At these difficult times, it is wise to allow a funeral office to help with all procedural matters before and after the ceremony.
If the deceased is to be buried in a previously purchased or joint grave, it will help to take the grave deed with you.
- Call the bank
Next thing you should do is to call the deceased’s Bank and inform them about your loss. You should give the death certificate so as to freez his/her accounts.
- Consult a lawyer
It is not a legal requirement to contact a solicitor when someone dies. Yet, a lawyer can help you with all procedural matters, starting with finding out the deceased personal property at the time of death (money in bank, immovable property, shares, etc), if he has any loans or other debts and finally how to fairly distribute the property and assets. In many cases is mandatory to receive letters of administration through the Court, so a trustworthy lawyer will guide you properly.
Our Lawyers can advise and help you. Just call us now +00357 25359247 or email us at alekoso@cytanet.com.cy!