Death Certificates: What You Need to Know
You may have heard of death certificates before and know they play a role after a loved one’s death, but aren’t exactly sure how. Don’t worry. You are not alone as most people don’t truly understand these documents, who issues them, or how they are of use after a death. Today we talk to directors of funeral homes in Elk Grove Village, IL. to learn more about these important certificates.
What is a Death Certificate?
The death certificate acts as the official and documented declaration of a death that has occurred. This certificate will record information such as the deceased’s full name, date and time of death. There will always be a death certificate when a death has occurred because they are required and issued by the federal government.
Who Completes the Certificate?
If a death happens at a hospital or in other immediate medical care, the death certificate will typically be completed by the doctor on duty. However, it can also be completed by several other people including medical professionals, hospice nurses, coroners, licensed burial agents, funeral directors, or even family members.
Why Are Death Certificates Important?
Death certificates serve to verify your loved one’s death. They are also used on a broader scale to help track things such as overall mortality and societal trends.
What Other Information Do I Need to Provide for the Completion of the Certificate?
To complete the death certificate, the funeral director, family member, or licensed burial agent will need to know the following about the deceased:
- Their full name
- Social security number
- Date and Place of birth
- Address at time of death
- Marital status
- Spouse’s name (if applicable)
- Military information (if applicable)
- Father and mother’s name (with maiden name)
- Highest level of education
- Race
- Occupation
What Accounts Will Need a Certificate?
One of the biggest reasons you will need a death certificate is to show for proof of death when dealing with your loved one’s accounts. Some of these accounts include:
- Social security
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Cell phone companies
- Utilities
- Student loans
- Mortgages
- Insurance
- Property transfers such as with vehicles or houses
- Retirement accounts
- Social media accounts
- Credit agencies
- Department of motor vehicles
- IRS/Taxes
These are just some of the accounts you may need to contact. The specific accounts will depend on what your loved one had open. Also note that some of these accounts will only require a copy of the certificate while others may need an original.
Obtaining a Death Certificate
Obtaining a death certificate for a loved one can be done in a couple of ways. First, if you are working with a funeral home, the director can help you in ordering a certificate. If you need more than one copy (which is often recommended), you can either order multiples or visit your local county or state records office.
When getting the death certificate directly from the records office, it’s important to know that not everyone can request a copy. To have a certified copy you may need to show proof of relations to the deceased as well as any legal papers you have should you be acting as a representative of the estate.
If you need more information about death certificates or how to obtain them from funeral homes in Elk Grove Village, IL. or the records office, give us a call today as we are here to help.
