Dealing with the passing of a friend or family member is one of the most challenging things to go through in life. After a loved one passes away, it may be hard to find motivation to take care of what needs to be done next like notifying family and planning a funeral. While there are many different things added to the to-do list after a person dies which can be taken care of in time, there are a few that are time sensitive like obtaining a death certificate. A death certificate is the official document issued by the government that declares the cause of death, time and location of death and other personal information about the deceased.
Why you need a death certificate
Having a death certificate within a few days of someone passing is critical, especially because it serves as proof for legal purposes. This certificate can help beneficiaries access benefits, loved ones arrange funerals, and will give permission to those arranging a cremation or burial to do so.
Since Louisiana is considered a “closed record” state, this means death (and birth) certificates are not available on public record and requests for these must be made via a completed application. Death certificates include sensitive and serious information and therefore the state of Louisiana keeps these records strictly confidential by the Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics for 50 years.
Who can request a death certificate?
There are several people who may order a death certificate in Louisiana, and these include:
- The surviving spouse of the deceased
- The parents of the deceased
- Adult children of the deceased
- Siblings of the deceased
- Grandparents of the deceased
- Grandchildren of the deceased
- Person named in a court proceeding as a member of the immediate or surviving family of the deceased
- Beneficiary of an insurance policy or trust
- Succession representative
Where to get a death certificate in Louisiana
Every state has different processes to follow in order to obtain a death certificate. If the death occurred in LA, you’ll need to apply via the Vital Records Central Office either in person, online, or by mail. To get the certificate just show proper identification, pay the appropriate fees, and file the completed application. The application will ask you to include the name and parents’ names of the deceased, date and city of death, your relationship to the deceased, and your information as the applicant.
How to clean up after a death at home
If your loved one died at home, you may unfortunately find yourself responsible for cleaning the space and that’s where biohazard cleaning companies can come in to help. These companies can come in to help, so you can focus on what really matters like obtaining a death certificate and planning a funeral. After a death, a home or space may be contaminated with blood or body fluids and occasionally even property damage.
Xtreme Cleaners has a team of professionals who understand the difficulty of cleaning these spaces and in addition to following all local laws and regulations, are caring and compassionate while carrying out their work. If you or someone you know needs help cleaning up after someone has passed away in Louisiana, give us a call at 800-524-9591.