Research shows that deaths have increased by 19.7% from 2019 to 2021. Deaths in the US also increase over the winter and decrease as summer comes around.
If you had a death in your family, you may be wondering about the details of this. This includes how long does it take to get a death certificate for your loved one.
This is just one of the many aspects that family members have to deal with. Understanding how long you will have to wait can simplify the process.
Keep reading to find out how long does it take to get a death certificate in Texas.
What is a Death Certificate?
Every death certificate is going to be slightly different. This is because the details depend on the individual and the state where they died.
A death certificate is similar to a birth certificate. It is a document that shows that that person’s deceased.
You can use it later on for legal purposes if you need to prove this fact. Most certificates will include the person’s full name and Social Security number.
It will also have the time and place of death as well as the date of birth. You can also add parental information, as well as spouse information.
It will usually have the last known address and the signature of the medical examiner. Personal details like occupation and industry are also required.
This is an important legal document that the family will have access to when a family member passes. Because of this, you want to make sure you provide the information and have access to the document.
Who Provided the Death Certificate?
If you are wondering how long does it take to get a death certificate, you are alone. One concern family members may have, is if they have to make this document themselves.
The good news is that family members don’t usually make this document. The funeral director will collect the information and create the certificate.
This is a joint effort between the funeral director and the medical professional. This is because a signature’s required from the medical professional for this document.
These people will take care of the certificate if the death involves a cremation or burial. Burial and cremation services include this as part of the package that you get.
This helps to reduce your stress and ensures that the certificate will be legal. It will follow all the Texas death certificate requirements with the signatures.
Who Gets the Death Certificate?
The reality is that not everyone gets access to the death certificate. Some states keep death certificates as public information, but this isn’t always the case.
You may be able to see the death certificate, but you don’t have a copy of your own. Family members can get their own copy if they are a spouse, parent, child, or sibling.
The executor and administrator of the estate also get a copy. As well as the funeral director and the government agency.
Friends or extended family members don’t usually get access to an actual copy. This is decided by the state, but the majority of people usually don’t have access to copies.
A death certificate may be public for a certain amount of time. If you want a copy, you will have to provide proof of your relationship to the deceased.
How Long Before You Receive the Death Certificate?
How long you have to wait to get the death certificate depends on the state. A Texas death certificate usually takes 20 to 25 days to be processed.
You can expect to get the certificate in the mail within 25 to 30 days. Keep in mind that there are extenuating circumstances that can delay this process.
There may be issues getting the required information or correcting inaccurate information. There may be other state issues that slow down the processing time as well.
What Goes into Getting a Death Certificate?
There are a few steps that go into making a death certificate. This ensures that this certificate is legal and has all of the information that is required.
A death certificate goes into the vital records division of the state health department. It will be a permanent record that is accessible if necessary.
You will need to work with your funeral director and a medical professional during this process. Although, family members don’t usually have to contribute too much to this process.
General Information
Someone who is close to the deceased will need to provide information. This is usually a spouse or a close family member that works with the funeral director.
They will need to provide the deceased’s legal name, sex, and Social Security number. They should also have the deceased’s last known address and their veteran or marital status.
Their mother’s maiden name and father’s name may also be required. As well as personal information about the deceased occupation and industry of work.
You may also need to provide information about the surviving family, including the spouse. That is why it is important that you are close to the deceased so that you can provide accurate information.
Certificate Completion
The next step will only include the funeral director and the medical professional. They will work together to create the other necessary information.
This includes the cause of death, burial instructions, and other medical information. They will also need to provide their license number on the document.
They’ll be responsible for submitting the certificate to the state vital records office. This is where this document will go for storage for the foreseeable future.
Local laws dictate how long they have to complete this. For the most part, most areas require that a death certificate be filed within 72 hours of the death.
Once completed the funeral director should let you know. When the document’s submitted, it will start to process so that you can receive a copy.
Certificate Copies
In some cases, you can get a death certificate from the funeral home. This may be provided at a fee that allows you to get it within a few days.
Some people prefer to get it from the local vital records office. This usually takes between 20 to 30 days before you receive the physical copy.
You can usually request this online through a government-endorsed Netwerk. This is a simple process that also allows you to check the status of your application.
If you are trying to get a copy, you need to provide proof of who you are. This includes showing things like a valid government-issued photo ID.
This could be a birth certificate or a driver’s license. You also need to show documentation of your relationship with the deceased.
If you are a parent, child, or sibling, this should be obvious from your ID. If you are a spouse, you will need to show your marriage certificate.
The fees are determined by state and postage. You may be able to avoid larger fees by getting an online copy instead.
What to Do With a Death Certificate
Once you have a death certificate, you need to take care of it. This is similar to a birth certificate since it is legal proof that you may need at some point.
It is usually used to settle the deceased’s estate and legal affairs. But you never know when you may be required to show this document.
You will need this certificate if you’re going to close a bank account from the deceased. You will also need it to handle their financial affairs.
This document is also used to notify government agencies about the death. This includes Social Security or Veterans Affairs if the deceased was a veteran.
A very important use of the certificate is if you need to file a life insurance claim. You should keep this document filed away safely or in a bank deposit box.
Texas Guide: How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate
Are you wondering how long does it take to get a death certificate after a loved one has passed? This can take between 20 to 30 days before you get your copy.
The good news is that family members do not have to create the certificate themselves. This is done for you, and you can request a copy so that you can handle different legal affairs.
Are you dealing with the details of a loved one passing? Contact us today at Lone Star Cremation to make online arrangements for your loved one.
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