Episode 26: Changing Cause of Death on a Death Certificate

Attorney Merrell Bailey discusses the process of changing the cause of death on a death certificate.

What happens when the cause of death on a death certificate is wrong?

The cause of death can be changed in Florida depends on the facts and the timing of the request.

  1. Determine the reason for the change. Provide evidence that supports your claim that the cause is incorrect.
  2. If filed within the last year, you need to complete a form called the “Statement to Amend a Florida Death Record.” Submit the form to the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

    If it’s been more than a year, you may need the help of an attorney. The Court Order to Amend the Record will need to be obtained.
  3. Hang in there. This is not a quick process, and it may take many weeks. It can be done, though.

Episode 2: Death

Weddings and funerals are two of the most stressful occasions we may encounter and they both require that you throw a party, too. Krystal and Merrell discuss information necessary to complete funeral home paperwork and why decisions made ahead of time really pay off, in many ways.

Resources

Estate Planning and Funeral Arrangement Resources from Your Caring Law Firm

Timestamps

2:10 Three questions asked by a mortuary for a death certificate

3:10 Naming an independent fiduciary to handle the passing of a loved one

5:30 Disposition of Human Remains document

8:00 Consider pre-paying if you think there will be a disagreement

9:45 Pre-planning pays off in a time of shock and sorry