When a loved one passes away, you will need a death certificate in order to handle many of their accounts. These accounts include everything from bank to social media accounts. You may also need one when dealing with the cemetery in Hagerstown, MD. While your funeral director will help you obtain this important document, there are things you should know. Below is what you need to know about these certificates. 

What is a Death Certificate? 

A death certificate is an official document that states the details about the death such as the date, time, location, and cause. These certificates are government issued and required by law. 

Who Completes the Certificate? 

These documents are completed by a medical practitioner, such as doctor, hospice nurse, coroner, etc., and a licensed burial agent, funeral director, or family member. 

What is Their Purpose? 

Death certificates serve to verify your loved one’s death. They are also used on a broader scale to help track things such as overall mortality and society trends. 

What Other Information Do I Need to Provide? 

The funeral director, family member, or licensed burial agent will need to know the following about the deceased: 

• Their full name 
  
• Social security number 
  
• Date and Place of birth 
  
• Address at time of death 
  
• Marital status 
  
• Spouse’s name (if applicable) 
  
• Military information (if applicable) 
  
• Father and mother’s name (with maiden name) 
  
• Highest level of education 
  
• Race 
  
• Occupation 

What Accounts Will Need a Certificate? 

When contacting your loved one’s accounts, you will need to show a death certificate. Some of these accounts include: 

• Social security 
• Bank accounts 
  
• Credit cards 
  
• Cell phone companies 
  
• Utilities 
  
• Student loans 
  
• Mortgages 
  
• Insurance 
  
• Property transfers such as with vehicles or houses 
  
• Retirement accounts 
  
• Social media accounts 
  
• Credit agencies 
  
• Department of motor vehicles 
  
• IRS/Taxes 

These are just some of the accounts you may need to contact. The specific accounts will depend on what your loved one had open. Also note that some of these accounts will only require a copy of the certificate while others may need an original.  Headstones act as not only a grave marker, but a visual monument to honor and show respect for the loved one resting there. 

Where Do I Get the Certificates? 

When working with a funeral home, ordering them from the home directly is the simplest way to get certificates. If you need more or not working with a funeral home, you can get them from the county or state vital records office. 

It is important to note than not anyone can order a certified copy. These are typically only allowed to be given to immediate family members, executors, and others who can prove they have a direct financial relation to the estate. 

Also, it’s important to know that the certified copies do cost. The cost can vary anywhere from $10-$25 depending on what state and county you live in. After the first copy, the fees normally go down if you need additional copies. 

As you are dealing with funerals home and the cemetery in Hagerstown, MD., we understand this can be a difficult time and a lot to process. If you need more information about obtaining a death certificate or have any other questions regarding handling accounts after your loved one has passed, we are here to help anytime.