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Why We Need Death Certificates?

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A death certificate is an official document that is issued by the government which generally states the time and place along with the cause of the death of an individual. However, death certificates are used for legal purposes and these are served as proof of an official death. 


A death certificate is also used to close the Estate of the deceased. In fact, it is also used by the government for tracking vital statistics on the population. 


When it comes to the question ‘who provides the death certificate?’ The answer is:


A county medical examiner, coroner, or certified physician generally prepares the original death certificate. Hence, the initial provider files the death certificate with the vital records office at the state health department only after verifying personal information with a relative. And then a government official reviews the information and provides an official government seal.  


Why to Obtain a Death Certificate of the Deceased?


At first, a death certificate is required to provide official documentation of the cause of the death of a deceased person. However, death certificates are not only crucial for public records but are also required before arranging a burial or cremation.


For the executor of the estate, it is required to provide copies of the death certificate before beginning managing their financial affairs. Therefore, you should generally request 5-10 certified copies of the death certificate because a death certificate may be required to be used in the following situations: 


The burial and cremation providers request a copy of the death certificate before disposing of the deceased.

Banks and financial institutions also ask for a death certificate to verify the death before they grant the Executor of the Estate or to another close relative who wants to access the financial accounts and assets.

The death certificate is also asked when you go to transfer the ownership of vehicles, real estate, and other property. 

Sometimes, there is an ongoing investigation into the death of an individual in many cases then in that situation also the government officials will need the death certificate which has the official cause of death mentioned.  

When you go to file the life insurance claims, then also death certificates will be required. 

If your spouse passes away and you want to keep receiving pension or Medicaid benefits, in that case as well you will need to submit the death certificate.


So, now when you know why you need a death certificate of a deceased person, here comes the question who can obtain a death certificate?


Well, if you are the spouse, parent, child, legal representative, or sibling of the deceased, you can obtain the death certificate.


However, when you request an official copy of the death certificate then you will need to provide the information that proves your relationship with the deceased. The proof can be a marriage license or birth certificate. The legal representatives of the deceased are also required to provide the documentation that proves that they act on behalf of the deceased. 

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