by oncillakat » Thu Jul 28, 2011 09:15 pm
Someone I know recently was informed that she was sole beneficiary on a large life insurance policy of someone who had recently died. She had been this woman's therapist and had seen her for years mostly for free. She had not seen this woman in 10 years and had no idea about the policy. The woman had been estranged from her family for many years and wanted them to have nothing to do with her life or death. Now the claim is waiting, but since this person is not a relation she cannot get a death certificate in the state of California without the family, and they are horrible people who not only would not help, but asking them would go against the wishes of the deceased. How can she go about getting a copy of the death certificate (must be official) in order to file the claim?
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:01 pm Post Subject:
Death records are public information, so she shouldn't need the families consent. This stuff is pretty routine. You go to city hall and request proof of death.
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:05 pm Post Subject: Deat Certificate
The insurance company requires an official certified copy of the death certificate, and it seems that the rules for obtaining one are particularly strict in California. You have to be a direct family member, executor of the estate, or a law enforcement officer with probably reason to have it. As I am sure there are many non relatives who are named as beneficiary where the family may not be involved or willing to help there must me another way to get this.
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 03:02 am Post Subject:
In California, a person unrelated to a decedent can obtain an "Informational Copy" of a death certificate. Insurance companies know the legal situation here in CA and will accept this as proof of death for the purpose of filing a claim as beneficiary. I've done this several times in order to process death claims.
You can make the request for the informational copy with the County Recorder's office in the county where the death occurred. If you need additional assistance, send me a PM or email by clicking the link below my signature.
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