A Comprehensive Guide to Death Certificates
At Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, with locations in Hammond, Ponchatoula, and Denham Springs, Louisiana, we understand the challenges that come with the loss of a loved one. One important task during this time is obtaining a death certificate, an essential document for many post-death processes. Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible for you.
What Is a Death Certificate?
A death certificate is a legal document that records the date, time, and cause of death. It is required for settling estates, claiming life insurance, closing financial accounts, and notifying government agencies. The certificate is typically signed by a physician or coroner and filed with the local vital records office.
Death certificates are necessary for:
- Insurance Claims: To process life insurance benefits.
- Legal and Financial Matters: To close bank accounts, transfer assets, and begin probate.
- Government Notifications: To notify agencies like Social Security and stop payments.
- Genealogy: For family historical records.
How to Obtain a Death Certificate
At Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, we assist with filing the paperwork and obtaining the death certificate. Once it’s filed, you’ll receive certified copies for various purposes. Additional copies can also be obtained from the Louisiana Office of Vital Records or local parish offices.
How Many Copies Do You Need?
We recommend ordering at least 5 to 10 certified copies to handle tasks like insurance claims, legal matters, and bank transactions. In Louisiana, the first copy is $9 and each additional is $7. Please note that fees and requirements may change, so we recommend verifying the latest information with the appropriate local office. If you need assistance, we are here for you every step of the way.
