A cause of death must be determined any time someone passes away in Kern County, but that can be difficult to figure out depending on how the individual died. Medical examiners are responsible for investigating deaths involving violent or suspicious circumstances, which include accidents. The timeline for a coroner’s investigation depends on many factors, but it may be a few months before an official cause of death is listed by the medical examiner. Loved ones of the decedent can check up on the status of an investigation by contacting the Kern County Coroner’s Office at:
1832 Flower Street
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 868-0100
How can I get a Copy of a Death Certificate from the Coroner’s Office?
A copy of a death certificate after an accident cannot be obtained from the Kern County Coroner’s Office. Once the medical examiner determines a cause of death, they will issue an official death certificate to the Kern County Department of Vital Records. This is the office you will need to contact in order to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate. There are three options for purchasing a copy of a death certificate from Kern County:
- In person
You can visit the Vital Records department from Monday to Friday, during the hours of 8AM to 5 PM. The office is located at 1800 Mt Vernon Ave, 1st Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93306-3302. We recommend calling the office ahead of time at (661) 321-3000 to make sure that they’re open.
- By mail
Complete the Application for Death Certificate forms, which can be downloaded from the Kern County Department of Public Health – Vital Records website. Make sure to have the application notarized and send it with the required payment to: Kern County Office of Vital Records, 1800 Mt Vernon Ave, 1st Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93306-3302.
- Online
Navigate to the VitalChek website and select the “Order Now” option for death certificates.
Please note that the Vital Records Office holds death records dating back to 1993. For death records dated prior to 1993, you will need to call the Kern County Hall of Records at (661) 868-6400.
How can I get a Copy of a Death Certificate Online?
You can purchase a copy of the death certificate through VitalChek, which most California counties use for online processing of vital records like birth and death certificates. This is certainly the most convenient method, as you can place an order anytime as long as you have an internet connection. On the other hand, it’s more expensive than requesting a copy in person or through the mail, since VitalChek will charge you an additional processing fee.
How much does it Cost to get a Copy of a Death Certificate?
Kern County charges $24 for a copy of a certified death certificate. The price is the same whether you order by mail, online, or in person from the Department of Vital Records. You can pay by cash for in-person orders, but mail-in requests must be paid by check or money order. For online orders, you will need to pay with a credit or debit card. Keep in mind that VitalChek will assess a processing fee, along with shipping costs.
Should I ask the Funeral Director for a Copy of the Death Certificate?
You can, but there’s a good chance that it will only be a “pending” death certificate, which are given out while an investigation is taking place. The certificate allows you to make funeral arrangement and apply for probate with the court, but it will not list the cause of death as that remains to be determined by the county coroner. Most financial institutions and government agencies will not accept death certificates without a cause of death, so you will need to wait for an amended copy of the death certificate. Furthermore, a cause of death must be established in order to proceed with legal actions, like wrongful death compensation claims.
It can be overwhelming for families to navigate the legal system and ensure that their loved one’s affairs are resolved in a timely manner. Our lawyers are here to assist you, so please give us a call if you have any questions or concerns.
How long does it take to get a Copy of a Death Certificate?
Kern County advises that it will take anywhere from 10-14 business days to receive a copy of the death certificate through the mail. That’s not counting the time it will take for your application to arrive at the Vital Records office, so you should expect to wait at least 3 weeks to receive your order. Turnaround times are generally quicker for online purchases, though VitalChek can still take up to 20 days to process an order.
In general, the fastest way to get a copy of the death certificate is to visit the office in person. You should be able to purchase a copy the same day, but it’s a good idea to call ahead and ensure that there is plenty of time to process the death certificate while you wait. The Kern County Office of Vital Records can be reached at (661) 321-3000.
Should I Order more than One Copy?
Yes, you should definitely order multiple copies at a time, as you will need to provide a death certificate to claim your loved one’s assets or seek compensation from the party that’s responsible for their death. How many copies you’ll need depends on the type and number of assets in your loved one’s estate. As a general rule, we recommend ordering 10 certified copies, especially if you’re the executor of the estate.
The cost of ordering so many death certificates can be a big burden on families, who are struggling with various losses like funeral expenses and medical bills. Many of them look for ways to cover the costs, which we will discuss in the next section.
Can I get Financial Help in getting a Copy of a Death Certificate?
Yes, financial help is available for those who are struggling to pay for multiple copies of a death certificate. One solution you may be thinking of is lawsuit funding loans, which are given out to borrowers with pending lawsuits. The money is paid back once you receive your settlement, so this can seem like an ideal solution if you need immediate funds.
The downside to these loans is the interest rates, which are comparable to payday loans. We’ve seen interest rates as high as 60%, which will certainly take away the better part of your settlement. Before you speak to one of these companies, please give us a call at our office. Our law firm regularly covers the cost of death certificates for clients we represent in wrongful death lawsuits. We recover the fees once we win your case, so you will not have to worry about prohibitive interest rates from private lenders.
Let Normandie Fight for You
An accidental death is an incredibly traumatic event for family members and loved ones. There’s the need for justice when the death was caused by another party’s misconduct. Then, there are the expenses left behind by the decedent, which can be difficult to resolve. Monetary compensation can help cover these losses, but many families are unsuccessful in recovering the settlement they deserve. An experienced lawyer is the key to winning these cases, but most people assume that they can’t afford an attorney.
Let us put your mind at ease with our Zero fee guarantee. When you choose Normandie Law Firm, you will pay zero fees upfront for any of our services. We recover our legal fees directly from the party you’re suing as a part of your settlement award, so we only get paid if you get paid. And if we don’t win your case, you won’t be responsible for any of our legal fees as a promise under the Zero fee guarantee.
If you’re ready to learn more about your rights and legal options, contact our office and schedule a free case evaluation.
