When Family Members Live Abroad
A Practical Guide to Understanding What to do When Someone Dies but Their Family Members Live Abroad.
When someone dies and close family members live abroad, arranging a funeral may involve additional communication and planning. Relatives may be unable to travel immediately, may be in different time zones or may be unsure how they can take part in decisions.
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For information about the broader complexities that can complicate funeral arrangements, please see our main guide linked below.
Who Should Contact the Funeral Director?
The funeral director can usually begin discussions with the person who is available to make contact and take responsibility for the arrangements. This does not necessarily have to be the closest relative or the person who will be travelling to the funeral.
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It is helpful to establish:
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Who will act as the main family contact.
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Which relatives need to be involved in decisions.
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Whether anyone has information about the deceased’s wishes.
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Who is able to attend appointments or provide documents.
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How family members will communicate with one another.
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Agreeing these details early can help avoid confusion and ensure that important decisions are not delayed. Although this can make the process feel more complicated, many arrangements can be discussed and organised remotely. A funeral director can help establish who will act as the main point of contact and explain how family members can be involved.
Can Funeral Arrangements Be Made From Abroad?
In many cases, discussions and some decisions can be made remotely by telephone, email or video call. Your funeral director can explain the arrangements, answer questions and keep family members informed as details are confirmed.
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Photographs, music, readings and other information for the funeral service may also be shared electronically where appropriate. If documents or authorisation are required, the funeral director can explain what is needed and how this can be provided. The arrangements will depend on the circumstances, so it is best to discuss any concerns about remote involvement at the earliest opportunity.
What If Relatives Cannot Travel to the Funeral?
Family members may be unable to attend because of work, health, travel restrictions, visa requirements, cost or other personal circumstances. This does not mean they cannot be involved in the arrangements or remember the person who has died in their own way.
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Depending on the funeral venue and facilities available, it may be possible to discuss remote attendance or other ways for relatives to take part. Some families may also choose to arrange a later memorial or gathering when those who could not attend are available. Here at Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we can explain what options may be suitable for the type of funeral being arranged.
What If Family Members Are in Different Time Zones?
Different time zones can make communication more difficult, particularly when decisions need to be made quickly. It may help to agree a main contact, arrange calls in advance and use email to confirm important details in writing. Where several relatives need to be consulted, it is useful to make clear which decisions are urgent and which can wait. This can help prevent delays while still allowing family members to have their views considered.
At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we regularly work with families whose relatives live elsewhere in the UK or overseas. We can discuss arrangements remotely, help coordinate decisions and keep the relevant family members informed throughout the process.
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In certain circumstances, you may find that family members do not agree regarding the arrangements being made for the funeral. If this is something that you encounter, we have prepared a guide for you to read to understand what happens and what options you have.
When Someone Dies Abroad
If the person has died overseas, the arrangements may be different from those following a death in the UK. The family may need to consider whether the funeral will take place in the country where the death occurred or whether the person will be brought back to the UK.
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Bringing someone who has died back to the UK is known as repatriation. This can involve additional documentation, transportation and contact with the relevant authorities. The process will depend on the country involved and the circumstances of the death. If the death occurred abroad, seek advice from a funeral director with experience in the relevant arrangements as soon as possible.
How Clive Pugh Funeral Directors Can Help
If family members live abroad, you do not need to manage the practical funeral arrangements on your own. Once you appoint Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we can act as your main point of contact and help coordinate the arrangements while keeping you informed.
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Depending on your circumstances, we can:
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Discuss the funeral arrangements by telephone or other suitable means.
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Establish who will act as the main family contact.
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Explain the options for burial or cremation.
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Discuss the service, venue, coffin, transport and other arrangements.
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Liaise with the chosen cemetery, churchyard, crematorium, minister or celebrant.
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Coordinate music, readings, flowers, orders of service and other details.
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Explain what information or documents may be required.
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Keep you updated as arrangements are confirmed.
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Discuss possible options for relatives who cannot attend in person.
Our role is to manage the practical organisation and make sure the different parts of the funeral come together properly. We can also help explain how relatives living abroad can remain involved in decisions and arrangements.
If someone has died and close family members live abroad, Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can provide straightforward advice and explain what needs to happen next. You do not need to have every detail decided before contacting us. We can discuss your circumstances, answer your questions and guide you through arranging a funeral in Shrewsbury, Shropshire or the surrounding areas. Contact our team for more advice when you are ready.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a relative abroad arrange a funeral in the UK?
A relative living abroad may be able to take responsibility for arranging a funeral, depending on the circumstances and any relevant requirements. Speak to the funeral director to establish what information, documentation or authorisation may be needed.
Can family members make funeral decisions by video call?
In many cases, discussions and decisions can take place remotely. Your funeral director can explain the options and confirm how information, documents and arrangements can be shared.
What if the closest relative cannot travel to the UK?
The funeral can still be discussed and arranged while the relative remains abroad. It is helpful to establish a main point of contact and agree how the relative will be kept informed and involved.
Can someone attend a funeral remotely?
This may depend on the venue and the facilities available. Ask your funeral director whether live-streaming, recording or another form of remote attendance can be considered.
What happens if someone dies abroad and the family wants the funeral in the UK?
Additional arrangements may be needed to bring the person back to the UK, including documentation and transportation. This is known as repatriation. Contact a funeral director as soon as possible to discuss the circumstances and the next steps.