Widows & Widowers Support Group

This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.

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Nicker07 02/26/2011

I am trying to get information for my friend - her husband just died from horse accident. When my husband died in Colorado the coroner gave his cousin many certificates we requested (I think 12) and she brought them to me. Her husband died in Seattle hospital - they gave her a copy not an original. I thought they had to give you an original at least one
what happened in your state? Does she have to pay for many copies that she now needs? I actually have only 3 of the originals left because of all the things I needed to do.

Any advice? I told her to contact the hospital in Seattle - or that coroner's office that had taken care of his remains???

deleted_user 02/26/2011

I was allowed to request as many certificates as I needed without cost. This was at the time of the service and arrangements.

I am not sure if they are original...but they have the seal on them.

Frank was buried in Germany and we had to provide one to the consulate here in America (Chicago was the closest) and then one to the airline that traveled with him. I also had to surrender his passport so it could travel with the casket.

lovelos 02/26/2011

Not sure about the states but in Ontario the funeral home gives you as many and you need for no cost. Lu Ann

Mgould 02/26/2011

I had to request copies and I know I had to pay - but I don't remember how much. I was told I would need quite a few - but that hasn't been true. The only places that wanted them were social security and life insurance. Every place else - banks, credit cards, insurance, etc - said they didn't need it.

deleted_user 02/26/2011

I am in Texas and the funeral home got the certified copies of the death certificate for me and there was a charge. I needed one when the will was probated and at Social Security, the VA and for the Military retirement and other retirement funds. They are prepared at the county clerk's office, I think.

deleted_user 02/26/2011

I am in Nevada. The funeral home got me as many copies as I needed, but there was a cost.

deleted_user 02/26/2011

I am in Oklahoma and I had to pay $ 4.50 for each certified death certificate. I bought 6 and have a couple left. I made several copies of originals and they have often been enough.

deleted_user 02/26/2011

Each state is different in the US. I think that the mortuary provides this service, but there was a cost. I originally got 3 certified copies. Not all institutions need a certified copy, but just a copy will do. Ask to be sure. I remember paying about $12.00 each for the certified copies. Judith

Parmela 02/26/2011

In Kentucky, I got them through the funeral home.

deleted_user 02/26/2011

I am in Idaho and I got the original from the mortuary. I can get as many originals as I want but each one will cost me $14.00.I have found that I really don't need originals. If I go somewhere like the social security office I take my original and they just copy it and give it back to me. Most other places have also taken copies and I still have the original...never bought anymore! In fact, when need be I copy my original and send the copy to whoever needs it. Hope this helps

widowhoodsucks 02/26/2011

I live in Ky. and the funeral home provided me with the number I requested. I think I got around 10. They told me if I decided that I needed more, I would have to request them from Frankfort,Ky. and there would be a cost per certificate. Some places will accept copies but others want the original certificates.

bobjan 02/26/2011

In IN the funeral home provides them at a cost of $10 each. S.S. needs one for Death Benefit of $255. Some banks need them and in case of law suits more are needed. The funeral home will always provide more for a charge but best to get extra for quick use.

Wmsbaby 02/26/2011

In Louisiana I had to order them from the funeral home. They were about ten dollars each. I too was told I would need quite a few but that has not been the case. They actually came in the mail from the local coroner (he died at home) a few weeks later.

Nicker07 02/26/2011

Thanks that helps I will help her get a hold of funeral home as coroner is on west side of state, we are on east side.

Joely 02/26/2011

I think I had the coronor, who is also the Funeral Home owner, to order me 10 or 12. I do not remember if I paid for each one....if I did it was all included in the funeral expense. They had to be ordered from the State in order for the seal to be on them, here in ALA. I don't know about other states.

Both of the banks we used needed to see an original. I truly do not remember if they just copied it or kept it, but, I think they copied it. That whole first year is such a blur! I know that I had to send originals to Insurance, and some other places.

So, I'm not much help.....sorry!

Patswife 02/27/2011

Two allowed in British Columbia, $10.00 to get copies noterized.
Hugs, Wendy

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