When a loved one passes away, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Amidst the grief, there are essential administrative tasks to complete, including obtaining death certificates and making funeral arrangements. This certified document, issued by a government authority, is vital for a variety of legal and financial processes. Having a list of who needs death certificates can help you know how many documents to order.
List of Who Needs Death Certificates
- Family members
- Executor of the estate
- Financial institutions
- Life insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Pensions and retirement plans
- Utility and service providers
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Real estate agents and property managers
- Creditors
Why Are Death Certificates Important?
Death certificates are critical documents because they serve as the official proof of an individual’s passing. They are essential for handling various legal, financial, and administrative matters following a death. Without a death certificate, settling an estate, claiming insurance benefits, or managing financial accounts becomes nearly impossible. Government agencies also require these documents to update records, terminate benefits, and fulfill legal obligations. In short, a death certificate is key to ensuring that all necessary processes related to a person’s death are carried out smoothly and in accordance with the law and to reduce the likelihood of identity theft.
Who Needs a Death Certificate?
What follows is a list of who needs death certificates. However, it’s important to note that not all of these entities need an original death certificate, so you don’t need to necessarily order an original legal document for every one of your loved one’s accounts.
Here are some entities that may need an original or copied death certificate.
1. Family Members Making Funeral Arrangements
Immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, often keep copies of death certificates to handle personal and legal matters. Keep one certified copy in your personal file in case you need it for an estate settlement issue in the future.
2. Executor of the Estate
The executor, responsible for managing the deceased’s estate, requires death certificates to transfer property titles, pay debts and taxes, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
3. Financial Institutions
Banks and credit unions require a death certificate to close or transfer bank accounts and release funds from savings or investment accounts. On the other hand, credit card companies and other companies that your loved one may have owed money may require a death certificate as well.
4. Life Insurance Companies
Insurance providers need a death certificate to process claims from life insurance policies and release death benefits to beneficiaries.
5. Government Agencies
Various federal and state agencies require death certificates for many reasons.
- Social Security benefits
- Veterans’ benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid or other government programs
- Updating voter registration and driver’s license records
- Canceled passport
6. Pension and Retirement Plans
Employers or plan administrators need a death certificate to distribute retirement funds from the deceased’s employer or pension survivor benefits to beneficiaries.
7. Utility and Service Providers
Companies may request a death certificate for verification to cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and other services.
8. Attorneys and Legal Professionals
Lawyers handling estate planning, the probate process, and legal disputes require death certificates as part of legal documentation.
9. Real Estate and Property Management
To transfer ownership or manage property sales, real estate agents, and title companies may need a death certificate.
10. Creditors
Creditors may request a death certificate to settle outstanding debts and close accounts.
How Many Death Certificates Do You Need?
Obtaining multiple copies of the death certificate—typically 5-10—is advisable to ensure you have enough for all necessary transactions. Each institution may require an original copy, and processing additional copies later can be time-consuming and costly.
How to Obtain a Death Certificate
Death certificates can be obtained with the help of the funeral home or cremation provider. The funeral director will complete the required form and notify the three major credit bureaus that the person died.
Death certificates are a critical part of the administrative process following a loved one’s passing. Knowing who needs them and how to obtain them can simplify many of the legal and financial tasks that lie ahead.
At Smart Cremation, we support you through every step of this difficult journey, offering guidance and assistance with obtaining the documents you need to close your loved one’s estate. Do you have questions about the administrative side of death? Contact a member of our team today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about funeral planning or the information you need to provide so we can complete the death certificate form.
