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DEATH CERTIFICATES
A New York State Certificate of Death is an important legal document which requires the legal next of kin or informant to provide personal information about the deceased. The certificate will also show the date, location and type of disposition of the deceased's body. On the lower portion is the medical section showing the cause(s) of death that must be completed and signed by a medical doctor.
Once the medical section is completed a licensed NYS funeral director must obtain the death certificate from the doctor, complete the deceased's information and disposition sections, and file the death certificate with the NYS Deptartment of Health - Office of Vital Records - within 72 hours of the time of death.
The Vital Records Office will assign a file number after which the funeral director may obtain CERTIFIED COPIES OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE. As of July, 2004 CERTIFIED COPIES OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE cost $30.00 each. The document has a raised seal and a tri-colored individually number inducia on the reverse side.
Certified copies are needed for a variety of estate matters including, but not limited to, probate of the will; obtaining Social Security and Veterans benefits; receiving any death benefits from employers; transferring assets such as real estate, bank accounts, stocks, etc.; gaining entry into safe deposit boxes; and a host of other circumstances depending upon the deceased's financial situation and legal obligations at the time of death.
Consult an attorney and/or your financial advisor to better determine how many Certified Copies will be needed. The funeral director will also provide helpful information during the arrangements conference.
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