In the aftermath of someone’s death, it can be overwhelming to think about everything that needs to be done. One of the first things you need to do is register a person’s death and obtain a death certificate.
What Is a Death Certificate?
If a person dies, a death certificate is issued by the Department of Home Affairs. You must register a death before funeral arrangements can be made or an estate can be managed.
A death should usually be registered by the next of kin or a relative. However, if this is not possible, the funeral or estate executor may do so. The executor of the estate is usually nominated in the will to do this along with carrying out the directives set out in the will. Deaths should be registered within two weeks unless a coroner has requested an additional investigation.
Is a Death Certificate Required to Arrange a Funeral?
Funeral directors do not need a death certificate when arranging a funeral, but they must register the death. In order for the arrangements to get underway and for the funeral to take place, the registrar will send certain paperwork to your funeral director once the death has been registered.
To answer your question about whether you need to register a death before the funeral can occur, the answer is yes. If you wish to speak with a funeral director before registering a death, there is no reason why you shouldn’t do so. The staff can assist you during this difficult time as well as make arrangements to care for your loved one.
As soon as the death is registered and your loved one is buried, you might want to apply for copies of their unabridged death certificate to handle their estate. If you need assistance, you can rely on Doc Assist to help with that. For more information, feel free to get in touch with the team today.
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