A Helpful Guide to Death Certificates

After a death, family members are often left with the daunting task of paperwork and legal formalities. Accounts need to be closed, things need to be sold, and assets need to be released. In order to do many of these things, you will need a death certificate. At Wing-Bain Funeral Home , we have put together this guide on death certificates to help Chippewa and Yellow Medicine County families in their time of need.

What are death certificates?

A death certificate is an official document that states the date, time, and cause of death. When you meet with the funeral director, they collect the information needed and file the death certificate with the state where the death occurred. The certificate also gets sent to your loved one’s doctor or the medical examiner and the medical professional signs the document with the cause of death.

How much are death certificates?

In Minnesota , the first copy is $13 and each additional is $6. Each state is different and your county’s registrar office can answer what the local cost is.

What are death certificates used for?

Death certificates are needed for when you have to legally prove a death. This is usually needed when referring to large monetary transactions like accessing a life insurance policy or retirement account. Closing bank accounts, real estate transactions, and transferring vehicle titles are other times where you would be asked to provide a death certificate. Other examples may include final tax returns, closing stocks and bonds, or military benefits.

When asked to provide a death certificate, it is important to ask whether they need one of the original, certified certificates or if a copy would be accepted. Larger transactions, like life insurance, may need a certified where closing a bank account may just require a copy.

How many death certificates should I order?

This depends on what assets your loved one has, but it generally is better to have too many than too few. For example, someone who is 90 years old and has a smaller financial portfolio may only need a few whereas some who dies in their 40’s and has investments, property, or multiple credit cards may need 15. On average, people order six to ten copies. However, you can order more from the state if needed at a later date; proof of tangible interest will be required.

What about social security?

In Minnesota, Social Security is notified electronically when the funeral director files the death certificate, if it is filed with the social security number. Although Social Security will be aware of the death, they suggest that families call to confirm or discuss if there are further benefits.

The staff at Wing-Bain Funeral Home understands that this can be a confusing time and is happy to help with any questions you may have.

 

Helping a Grieving Friend: the Dos and Don'ts

By Wing-Bain Admin • November 4, 2024
When someone is grieving, you may not always know what to do or how to help them. Each person deals with their grief differently and may need different things from those who support them. At Wing-Bain Funeral Home, we want people to get the support they need whether it is from our staff or from people in their personal lives. This list may be helpful when you’re wondering how you can help your grieving friend. Respect their process: even if someone’s grief journey does not align with your expectations or experiences, it’s important to understand that their coping mechanisms are different. Offer specific help: it’s easy tell someone, “Let me know if you need anything” but those who are grieving usually don’t know what they need. It may be more helpful to offer something direct, for example “can I get you any groceries?” or “are there any errands I can run for you?” Listen and be patient: allow your grieving friends to express their feelings without giving any judgement. Grief can be a long process for some, so be understanding and provide support when you can. Don’t rush or pressure them: there is no fixed time for healing, so allow your friend to take the time that they need. Avoid pressuring them to talk if they’re not ready, and try to comfortable with silence. Don’t disappear: being supportive to your friend even after the initial shock is gone and the funeral is over is important. The weeks and months following a funeral are often the hardest, and this when your friend needs you the most. Don’t compare: every loss hurts and each grief is different. Comparing situations can minimize someone’s pain and complicate their grief. Instead, try working on being there for them and allowing them to process things as they need. People never get over their grief, they just learn to manage it. They often lean on the people around them for support, and to give them the best support you can patience and compassion are key.

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Your Options with Cremation at Wing-Bain Funeral Home Cremation is becoming a more and more popular alternative to a traditional burial with a casket. At Wing-Bain Funeral Home in Montevideo, MN , there are different routes you can take when you choose cremation . Here are a few examples: Memorial Service At a memorial service, the body may or may not be present. Often, the cremated remains are put in an urn and family and friends gather to celebrate their loved one’s life. Their picture may be on display as well as flowers or other memorabilia. Traditional Service with Cremation This option involves preparing your loved one for a public viewing. This means that embalming would have to take place, and the deceased would be in a rental casket for the funeral service. The rental casket contains a liner that, after the service, would be taken out and brought to the crematory. From there families choose what they would like to do with the ashes, whether it is a burial, scattering, or taking them home. Direct Cremation This is the term used when the deceased is cremated and there is no formal viewing or funeral service. The funeral director will arrange to have the body cremated and then the remains are given back to the family. Cremation is appealing to some because of this flexibility that it offers. Other benefits that cremation has is the possibility of keepsake urns, jewelry, or other items so that you can keep a portion of the cremated remains in remembrance. It is important to determine what is right for your family and what would be the best way to honor your loved one’s wishes.

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