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Modern Estate Planning Blog

Elder Law & Special Needs Planning

Probate Attorney in Sacramento County Answers, “How do I obtain a death certificate?”

June 2, 2011

If you have lost a loved one and are now attempting to close out their estate, we are sorry for your loss and we understand how frustrating the process can be.

The steps to take after the loss a loved one can be overwhelming, but requesting a death certificate is a great place to get started. You will need a death certificate to complete many of the administrative tasks you will face in the weeks to come, so it only makes sense to order a copy of this as soon as possible.

While the exact process to order a death certificate can vary from county to county, there are basic guidelines that you can follow to make the request for a death certificate as quick and simple as possible.

Let’s take a look at these guidelines:

– I typically recommend ordering 8-10 copies of your loved one’s death certificate. As mentioned above you will need them for many tasks over the next few weeks, so it’s best to have them on hand. The easiest way is to order them through the funeral home, as there is generally a time when you order straight from the county recorder’s office.

– Make sure to have the following information readily available when filling out the request:

  • Full name of the deceased
  • The date of death
  • The place of death
  • The deceased’s date of birth
  • The purpose of your request
  • Your driver’s license number
  • Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your request
  • Typing or printing the information is helpful

If you are not sure where to obtain a death certificate for your loved one, or you need to know whether or not you should obtain one based on your responsibilities, contact our Sacramento County probate lawyers at the Chubb Law Firm by calling (916) 241-9661 to schedule a free consultation. Not only will we provide you with information on how to obtain a death certificate in Sacramento County, but we can also help you navigate the complicated world of probate after a loved one’s death. Call today!

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CLIENT Story

I totally see the difference between your service and your typical legal estate planning service. The experience you mentioned where you get this big document you don’t understand and a trust that never gets funded was EXACTLY our first experience. It cost a small fortune too. Really - it is the difference between providing a legal document and providing an estate planning service.
Susan

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