How death certificates are completed

We complete a death certificate on every case that comes to our office. For each case we receive, our office enters the medical information onto the death certificate and sends it electronically to the funeral director.

What you should know

Once we enter the medical information onto the certificate, the funeral director will add other information about the deceased onto the death certificate such as:

• Date of birth
• Marital status
• Occupation
• Address
• Any other relevant information

The closest legal living relative must provide this information when they meet with the funeral director.

The funeral director may obtain a burial permit and the death certificate will be electronically filed with the city or town clerk where the death occurred.

The funeral director will obtain a copy of the death certificate for the family.

Pending cause and manner of death

• After our examination of the deceased, the cause of death may not be immediately apparent.

• The medical examiner may require more testing, such as toxicology. The medical examiner may also request additional information, such as medical records or police reports.

• The additional testing will not delay the deceased's release from our office.

• A death certificate will still be filed, but the cause of death will be listed as pending.

• If you are the closest legal living relative, you may contact a family liaison at [phone] or [phone] for additional information and assistance.