If you have lost a loved one and are now attempting to close out their estate, we are sorry for your loss and we understand how frustrating the process can be.
The steps to take after the loss a loved one can be overwhelming, but requesting a death certificate is a great place to get started. You will need a death certificate to complete many of the administrative tasks that you will face in the weeks to come, so it only makes sense to order a copy of this as soon as possible. While the exact process to order a death certificate can vary from county to county, there are basic guidelines that you can follow to make the request for a death certificate as quick and easy as possible.
Let’s take a look at these guidelines:
It is smart to order 8-10 copies of your loved one’s death certificate. As mentioned above you will need them for many tasks over the next few weeks, so it’s best to have them on hand. The easiest way is to order them through the funeral home, as there is generally a lag time when you order straight from the county recorder’s office.
Make sure to have the following information readily available when filling out the request:
- Full name of the deceased
- The date of death
- The place of death
- The deceased’s date of birth
- The purpose of your request
- Your driver’s license number
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your request
- Typing or printing the information is helpful
If you are still not sure how to properly obtain a death certificate for your loved one, or you need to know whether or not you should obtain one based on your responsibilities, visit the senior citizen and estate planning resource page now, brought to you by Elder Law Attorney Evan Farr.
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About Evan H Farr, CELA, CAP
