Frequently asked questions about registering a still-birth
- How do I register a still-birth?
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We aim to make the registration process as quick and easy as possible at this difficult time. If the still-birth occurred in Kensington and Chelsea, you can book an appointment to register the still-birth. You can also contact us on 020 7361 4100 or email so that we can arrange an appointment for you to register the still-birth. The still-birth must be registered within 42 days. The parents would need to attend the appointment, bringing with them the Medical Certificate of Cause of Still-birth and the discharge note from the hospital. If you don’t have these, or the still-birth has been referred to the Coroner, please call us on 020 7361 4100 and we can advise you of the process.
- Where is the Register Office?
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Please find our address on the contact details webpage.
- Do I need an appointment to register a still-birth?
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We strongly recommend that you book an appointment to register the still-birth. Alternatively you can call us on 020 7361 4100 or email [email protected]. We have a procedure for ensuring that still-birth appointments are prioritised above all other appointments and services. If you attend without an appointment, we will still see you, but you may unfortunately be required to wait for longer before being seen.
- Can we be seen if we have not booked an appointment?
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If you attend without an appointment, we will still see you, but you may unfortunately be required to wait for longer before being seen. Therefore, we recommend that you contact us first to arrange an appointment by calling 020 7361 4100 or emailing [email protected].
- What documentation do I need to bring to the appointment?
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You would need to bring the Medical Certificate of Cause of Still-birth and the discharge note from the hospital. If you don’t have these, please call us on 020 7361 4100 so that we can advise you further.
- Who can attend to register a still-birth?
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Only the parents may register a still-birth. If the parents were not married or in a civil partnership at the time of the still-birth, both parents will be required to attend the appointment. We regret that the law doesn’t allow friends or other relatives to register on your behalf.
- What should I do if it is almost 42 days since the still-birth occurred?
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We will still see you as soon as possible. Please contact us on 020 7361 4100 or email us at [email protected].
- What documentation will be issued to me after the registration?
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At the end of the appointment, the registrar will be able to give you a Certificate of Registration, and a document allowing the burial or cremation to proceed, both free of charge. There is a statutory fee of £12.50 to obtain any full copies of the still-birth certificate which can be paid at the appointment.
- The still-birth did not occur in Kensington and Chelsea. Can I still register at the Kensington and Chelsea Register Office?
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If it is not possible to attend at the Kensington and Chelsea Register Office to register the still-birth, you can attend at any other register office in England or Wales. They will require the same documentation, and will send the registration to Kensington and Chelsea. Once we’ve received this, we’ll be able to issue any certificates. Please call us on 020 7361 4100 to request these.
- How can I correct an error on a still-birth certificate, or obtain duplicate certificates after the registration?
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You should contact the General Register Office by calling 0300 123 1837.
Last updated: 20 May 2024