When there is a death in Monterey County, California that involves violent or unnatural circumstances, the cause of death must be determined by a medical examiner with the Monterey County Coroner’s Office. The address and phone number for the Coroner’s Division are as follows:
1414 Natividad Road
Salinas, California, 93906
831-647-7911
An investigation by the county coroner can take around a few weeks, though more complicated cases may take up to several months. Family members have a lot of questions during this time, and it’s not always easy to get answers when you’re dealing with a government agency. In particular, loved ones of the decedent need to know how they can get a copy of a death certificate from the Monterey County coroner’s office.
While the Coroner’s Division will issue the cause of death, you cannot ask them for copies of the death certificate. Authorized individuals must order this document through the County Recorder’s Office, which has specific procedures on how to request and pay for certified copies of a death certificate. We will go over the process in this article, as we know that this information is vital to settling your loved one’s estate and distributing their assets according to their wishes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office for guidance from a lawyer with experience in cases of accidental death.
Can A Family Member Get a Copy of a Death Certificate from Monterey County?
Certified copies of a death certificate can only be issued to authorized individuals, as defined by California law. These individuals include the following family members of the deceased individual:
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- Children
- Spouse or registered domestic partner
Monterey County also issues death certificates to law enforcement agencies, funeral directors, and attorneys that are representing the estate or surviving family members in a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits are filed by people whose loved ones passed away due to acts of negligence, like reckless driving or hazardous conditions at a store. If you need legal advice on a case of wrongful death, contact our office for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We can help you obtain a Monterey County death certificate after an accident and file a claim for compensation against the party that’s responsible for your loved one’s passing.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate from Monterey County
Death certificates from the Monterey County Vital Records Office can be ordered by mail or in-person. If you’re able to visit the County Recorder’s Office, you can fill out the application while you’re there, which is typically the fastest way to get a copy of a death certificate from Monterey County. The office is located at 168 W Alisal St, # 1, Salinas, CA 93901. We recommend calling ahead of time to verify the office hours and what you should bring in order to complete the application.
You can also mail the application to Monterey County Recorder, P.O. Box 29, Salinas, CA 93902. Please be aware that mail-in applications must be notarized, which will confirm your identity as an authorized individual. You must also include the fee for each certificate in the form of a check or money order.
How to Order a Copy of a Death Certificate Online from Monterey County
There are two ways that you can use the internet if you’d like to order a copy of a death certificate from Monetary County after an accident. With the first method, you can fill out the application form on the county’s website at https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/home and transmit the file directly to the County Recorder’s Office. If you use this method, you must come down to the office within 2 weeks to pick up the application.
The other method involves using the online platform known as VitalChek, where you can locate the death certificate and place an order using a major credit or debit card. This is the most convenient way to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate. However, there are additional processing and shipping fees on top of the cost for each copy of the death certificate.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Death Certificate from Monterey County?
It takes around 2 to 4 weeks on average to get a Monterey County accident death certificate, though it really depends on how quickly they can locate your loved one’s death record. This timeline, by the way, starts from when the coroner’s office concludes their investigation and sends the information over to the Monterey County Vital Records Office. Thus, it may be several months from the date of death before you are able to obtain a certified copy of the death certificate.
How Much Does it Cost to Order a Death Certificate from Monterey County?
Monterey County charges $24.00 for a certified copy of a death certificate, no matter which ordering method you use. As we mentioned before, there are additional fees for online orders, which are assessed by VitalChek. These fees add up quickly when family members are filing for probate and trying to recover pension funds, life insurance, and other benefits they are entitled to. Unfortunately, most of these institutions require a certified copy of the death certificate, which can end up costing you hundreds of dollars.
Paying for multiple copies of a death certificate is not easy when you’ve already paid for a funeral and other expenses resulting from your loved one’s death. If you are in this situation, you may be looking for a way to get a death certificate for free from Monterey County.
Is there a Way to Get a Free Death Certificate from Monterey County?
Monterey County does not offer discounts or financial assistance if you’re unable to pay for your loved one’s death certificate. However, our law firm can possibly get a death certificate for free as part of a legal action on behalf of you and your family members. If you are eligible for wrongful death compensation through a civil lawsuit, we can request a certified copy of the death certificate and help you with the necessary procedures to settle your loved one’s estate.
For assistance with obtaining a Monterey County death certificate after an accident, contact our office at your earliest convenience. We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to answer your questions and educate you on the available legal options.
Getting a Death Certificate from the Funeral Director
If you’ve made arrangements to bury or cremate your loved one, a death certificate will be issued to the funeral director so that they can take possession of the remains. They can provide you with a free copy of the death certificate, but this document has very limited uses. If your family member died from an accident, it’s more than likely that there is an on-going investigation by the coroner’s office. As a result, the death certificate that’s given to the funeral director will not have an official cause of death.
Without a cause of death, you will not be able to close out bank accounts or claim life insurance benefits. You also need an official cause of death to establish grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit if the decedent passed away from an accident that was caused by someone else. That’s why it’s essential to obtain a certified copy of the death certificate as soon as it becomes available at the Monterey County Recorder’s Office.
However, there is one important task you can accomplish with a copy of the death certificate from the funeral director. Even without an official cause of death you, can go ahead and file a probate application with the court if you are going to act as the executor of the estate. You should do this right away to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed in a timely manner.
Normandie Law Firm is Here for You
We understand the tremendous pressure that families are under when a loved one passes away unexpectedly. The procedures to resolve your loved one’s affairs and seek justice from the negligent party can be overwhelming when you’re struggling with the grieving process. Our lawyers will do everything they can to assist you during this painful time in your life. If you’re having trouble obtaining a certified copy of a death certificate, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
We can also provide you with strong and aggressive representation on a wrongful death lawsuit if misconduct or carelessness by someone else caused or contributed to your family member’s death. All clients receive free legal services under the Zero Fee Guarantee, so there’s no upfront cost to hire a lawyer with experience in wrongful death compensation claims. We only get paid for our services if we win your case; otherwise, you walk away with no responsibility for any legal fees.
If you’re interested in learning about your rights and legal options from one of our attorneys, call us right away to schedule a free case review.
