Do-It-Yourself Death Paperwork for Home Funerals

In most states, you have the right to obtain and handle legally required death related documentation. The documentation required and where it needs to be submitted will vary by location. Most documentation will also require signatures from professionals which will also vary by location. But you can get assistance from home funeral organizations, memorial societies, health departments or attorneys (consumer, elder law or estate). In general, here are the categories of paperwork:

• Death certification: All states require that death be documented and registered with the state.
• Transportation authorization: While most states allow non-licensed individuals to transport a body, it is necessary to have formal authorization. Be aware that transportation permits may only be valid for the state where issued. Transporting a body across state lines may require multiple permits.
• Disposition authorization: To ensure that authorities have all of the information needed on the circumstances of death (and to prevent any impropriety), a medical professional must grant permission to proceed with disposition, whether burial or cremation.
• Cremation authorization: This is one document that does not require an official signature. In many states, an individual may sign one’s own cremation authorization. In any other state or in the absence of a self-signed authorization, the next-of-kin, as defined by state statute, can sign the authorization. This document is required primarily because cremation is irreversible.

When you obtain the necessary forms, make note of: 1) the agency which needs to receive the completed form and 2) the due date of the form. Mail forms certified so that you have a record of the submission.

Lisa S.
August 20, 2010