Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Stanley J Nicholas Ltd, one of the services we offer is known as a Simple or Direct Cremation. This is an unattended cremation carried out with all the dignity and care you would expect from our dedicated team. As there is no funeral service, it means you can choose your own way to remember someone. This can be at a place and time that suits you.

At Stanley, J Nicholas, the cost of a Simple or Direct Cremation starts at £1,600.

A person’s next of kin (NOK) is generally the closest living blood relative or someone who had the closest relationship with the person who has passed away.

Here at Stanley J Nicholas we will help and guide you every step of the way so that you know what to do when a death occurs. Initially, you must inform the local authority that a death has occurred, as soon as possible. After which, you are able to advise us that you require our services.

When the death occurred in a hospital

If a death occurs in a hospital, the ward staff or bereavement office will assist with the issuing of a Death Certificate. This certificate will need to be taken to the appropriate Registrar’s Office for the death to be registered. The registrar will (in most cases) give you an Order for Burial or Cremation (sometimes called a green form), this will need to be brought to us as soon as possible so that we can begin the arrangements to transport the deceased to our funeral home, here at The Paddocks.

When a death occurs at home

If a death occurs at home or in a nursing home, and you were prepared for the passing, you or the nursing home staff will need to inform a doctor immediately, unless a qualified nurse was present at the passing. The doctor (or qualified nurse) will attend and certify the death as soon as possible. Upon receiving the verification, you will need to contact us so that we can arrange the transportation of the deceased to our funeral home. Usually, within a day or so, the doctor will issue a death certificate. Once this has been issued you will then be able to register the death.

If the death was sudden or unexpected

If a death is sudden or unexpected, the emergency services will have normally already been called and be in attendance. Once the death has been confirmed the police will have to attend and will act as a liaison and advise when to contact us. In all cases of unexpected/sudden death, we are legally required to take the deceased to the designated hospital mortuary on behalf of HM Coroner.

If a doctor cannot issue a death certificate, HM Coroner will become involved. Unfortunately, this can result in there being a short delay in obtaining the necessary paperwork. After an examination/investigation, the coroner will liaise with you regarding issuing the relevant documentation and inform you when you can register the death. You will need to contact us when the coroner has spoken to you regarding their decision. We will provide advice and support throughout this process.

The areas we cover here at Stanley J Nicholas Ltd are Bargoed, Caerphilly, Newbridge, Rhymney Valley, Risca and Tredegar. However, we will travel as far as necessary to bring your loved one into our care. Our Simple or Direct Cremation covers a 25-mile radius. However, we are happy to travel further than this, but this will incur additional costs.

For a simple or Direct Cremation your loved one will be laid to rest in a basic coffin.

The cost of a Simple or Direct Cremation does not include the option for you to come and see your loved one.

With a Simple or Direct cremation, the family would need to liaise with the crematorium to arrange to collect the ashes themselves at an agreed date and time.

For a Direct Cremation your loved one would be transported to the crematorium in our Private Ambulance.