This is the official document that certifies that someone has died. A death certificate typically specifies the cause of death, and is normally signed by the attending or examining physician. Minn Rules 4600.1700 puts the responsibility on the shoulders of the mortician, funeral director, or other person in charge of the disposition of the body to file and sets forth the procedures for obtaining personal date and the cause of death.
The personal data for the death certificate is given by the person that is best qualified to supply it, and that person signs the certificate as the informant. The physician last in attendance or the coroner that has jurisdiction certifies as to the cause of death. After the original death certificate is filed, the local registrar issues the burial permit. Remember, a death certificate must be completed before a burial permit will be issued. Therefore, no cremation, internment, or other disposition of a dead body can take place until this permit is issued.
What if your loved one died in another state? A permit that is issued in the state where the death occurred will authorize the transportation of the body to Minnesota, but a local burial permit will have to be obtained before burial, cremation or other disposition of the body is allowed.
A certified copy of the death certificate is needed to obtain almost all of the non-probate assets, but is not required for probate administration. Non probate assets are usually things like life insurance, qualified plans, etc. Only persons with a tangible interest may obtain certified copies. Persons with a tangible interest are usually the personal representative, spouse, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent. An attorney can also obtain a certified copy. Typically, the funeral director will help the family order certified copies when the funeral or cremation arrangements are being made.
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Vanderhyde & Associates
Scott County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Sherburne County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Stearns County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Wright County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property and [...]
Washington County Probate Attorney
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St. Louis County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property [...]
Crow Wing County Probate Attorney
What is Probate? Generally speaking, it is a court procedure used to determine whether or not a will is valid and how an estate shall be administered. It typically involves gathering together the decedent’s assets, eliminating the decedent’s liabilities, paying the taxes which are owed, and finally distributing the remaining property [...]