You should register the stillbirth within 42 days (6 weeks). Sometimes a stillbirth can be registered after 42 days - the register office can explain when this can happen.
A stillbirth is the death of a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy, before or during birth. The loss of a baby before 24 weeks cannot be registered as a stillbirth. You can request a baby loss certificate if you have experienced a loss under 24 weeks on GOV.UK
Stillbirths are registered in the area where they occurred. If the stillbirth took place in Hartlepool you should attend an appointment at our office.
If the stillbirth occurred elsewhere in England or Wales and you cannot go to the register office for that area, you can attend an appointment at our office. We will take the information and send it to the correct register office to be registered.
How do I register a stillbirth?
You can phone our office on 01429 266522 to arrange an appointment.
About the appointment
The register office is in the main reception of the civic centre.
If you have difficulty understanding English please bring someone with you to help you, they do not have to be a professional, they can be a friend or family member.
Who can register a stillbirth?
Find out who can register a stillbirth on GOV.UK
What information will I need to know?
You will be asked:
- place and date of the stillbirth
- name and surname of the baby
- parents’ names, surnames and address
- places and dates of parents’ birth
- date of parents’ marriage or civil partnership
- parents’ jobs
- mother’s maiden surname
It is helpful to bring documents to your appointment so the correct spellings of all names and addresses are recorded. You could bring:
- a passport
- a birth certificate
- a deed poll
- a driving licence
- proof of address (for example, a utility bill)
- a marriage or civil partnership certificate
Do not worry if you are not able to bring any of the documents to your appointment, the registrar can still register the stillbirth.
It is important that the information entered into the register is right. Mistakes can be difficult to correct and will cost up to £99 to be corrected.
How much does it cost?
Registering a stillbirth is free. There is no charge for the funeral paperwork to be issued.
If the stillbirth occurred in Hartlepool we will issue a stillbirth certificate free of charge at your appointment.
If the stillbirth did not occur in Hartlepool the relevant register office will be able to advise you about certificates and applicable fees.