Do you need a document to prove that someone is deceased? For many purposes, a simple Proof of Death or Funeral Director’s Proof of Death may be enough. These are issued to the person arranging the funeral or to the deceased’s Executor, usually at the time of the funeral.
However, in some circumstances a government-issued Death Certificate may be required. For a death to be registered, the local municipal clerk’s office requires both the Medical Certificate of Death (issued by a physician or coroner) and a Statement of Death completed by the Funeral Director usually based on information provided by the family.
Once a death has been registered, anyone can apply for an uncertified Death Certificate. However, only the deceased’s next of kin, extended next of kin or an authorized representative may apply for a certified copy of a Statement of Death. To apply to the Registrar General for the Province of Ontario for either of these documents, the following information is required:
- the deceased’s first and last name;
- gender;
- date of death;
- city or town where the death occurred;
- information about the deceased’s parents; and,
- information about the deceased’s spouse or partner (if applicable).
The deceased’s next of kin includes parents, spouse or common-law partner, children, and siblings. If all of the deceased’s next of kin are no longer living, extended next of kin of the deceased may apply. Extended next of kin include aunts, uncles, first cousins, grandchildren, grandparents, nephews and nieces. For more information and to apply for a government-issued death certificate, check http://www.ontario.ca/en/life_events/death/STEL02_119203
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Blog posts pre-dated December 1, 2015 were originally published under Neff Law Office Professional Corporation.