After-Death Paperwork

The steps involved in a funeral can seem daunting but the paperwork is surprisingly limited. Keep in mind, as always with death care, that the requirements varies by state. But the following documents are the most common.

• Death certificate: This document records the fact that someone died, where they died, how they died, and how they were disposed. Typically, the decedent’s representative fills out a form with the vital statistics; the physician signs the death certificate; the death certificate is filed with the county clerk.
• Transportation permission: This document grants the holder permission to transport a body.
• Disposition permission: This document releases a body for disposition either in the form of burial or cremation. The document is signed by a medical professional or a medical examiner. Some states may require that it be signed a second time once disposition occurs. It is typically filed with county clerk. The cemetery will require this document for burial because burial is one form of final disposition. Although cremation, as opposed to burial of cremated remains, is the other form of final disposition, a cemetery may still request the disposition document to ensure that disposition was authorized before accepting the cremains for inurnment.
• Embalming authorization: This document allows a body to be embalmed by a licensed death care professional.
• Cremation authorization: This document permits the crematory to cremate the body, as the process is irreversible. In most states, individuals are allowed to sign their own authorization prior to death. If not, the individual’s assigned representative or next-of-kin will be required to sign it.

Funeral homes and crematories typically include the price of after-death paperwork but it is good to be aware of the list of documents and their purposes. If you choose to handle after-death paperwork yourself, be sure to ascertain the proper agency and due date for each document. Your state's health department can supply this information.

Lisa S.
August 3, 2010