Explanation of cremation forms
There are 4 different types of forms in a set of cremation papers. They are Forms A, B, C and D.
Form A - Confirmatory Order Form
This is to be completed by the funeral director or the family relative who is organising the cremation
Form B - Application for Cremation
This is to be only completed by the executor or the nearest surviving relative of the deceased person who is to be cremated. Please note that a partner or friend is not legally entitled to fill out this form.
Form C - Medical Papers to be completed by a Doctor
This form is to be completed by the (one) doctor attending the deceased during his or her last illness. Please note that the doctor must first satisfy the 5 criteria listed on the top of the first page of form C in the red box addressed "Dear Doctor" before starting to answer the twenty questions of Form C.
If no single doctor can fulfill the 5 criteria listed, then the coroner for the area must complete a Form D even though the cause of death does not warrant a coroner's case or post mortem.
It is advisable to contact the relevant coroner if the doctor is unsure about any detail. For example:
- deceased passed away in a private residence or a nursing home
- if alcohol or drugs were factors in the cause(s) of death
- if the deceased suffered any recent falls or fractures
- any other special mitigating circumstance that should be brought to the coroner's attention.
Form D - Coroner's Certificate for Cremation
This form is completed by the coroner appointed to the area where the deceased person passed away when (a) no single doctor can satisfy the 5 criteria of Form C (b) When death is due to unnatural causes. i.e. sudden unexplained death, car accident, suicide, etc. (c) when the medical referee requests a Form D when certain medical details of the medical papers (Form C) require further investigation.
