From Where Do We Move Forward

Issuance of the Death Certificate

Let's say that you decide to engage the services of the funeral home for the burial or cremation. There would be a chance that the funeral director would ask whether you'd like them to handle the paperwork or if you'd want to liaise with the National Registration Department.

I guess it depends on how soon you need the death certificate. It's advisable to do it yourself if you are in a rush to get the document, although be prepared with the list of required documents (head to the NRD's website for the updated checklist) and the time needed to travel to the department. Getting the mortician to do it works just as fine, but it would take some time to file the application instead.

Regardless of which option you select, ensure that you have copies of the deceased's IC, especially since the NRD would require you to hand in the original IC with the application for the death certificate.

I can't fully remember how long it would take for the certificate to be issued, but I'm sure you'd be notified once it's ready for collection.

Use of the Death Certificate

With the original death certificate in hand, ensure that you have copies of this, as it is evidence that the person's already… well, deceased. As long as you are dealing with anything that is under the deceased's name (yes, even if there is a will), this is the required proof.

It also enables the wills & probate lawyer to proceed with the application for the issuance of the grant of probate (if a will has been drafted and registered when the deceased was still a fit and proper person) or letter of administration (when a will is absent). I won't delve much into these two, as a lawyer would be in a better position to advise you.

On another note, if the deceased has a living spouse (or ex-spouse), ensure that the death certificate has been safely kept along with the marriage/divorce certificate. Should you need to deal with the government department, it would come in handy to ascertain your connection to the deceased.