Definition of a Death Certificate

A death certificate serves as a vital legal document affirming the occurrence and details of a person’s passing. It may be issued by a medical professional, certifying the date and time of death, or by a government civil registration office, documenting essential information such as the date, place, and cause of death, formally recorded in an official register of deaths.

What is a death certificate

Think of a death certificate as an important record that confirms the details surrounding someone’s passing. It’s a formal note issued either by a doctor, noting the time of death, or by a government office, stating when, where, and why the person passed away. It’s all part of keeping official records of life events.

How can I get a death certificate?

The best way to get a death certificate is to Contact the vital records office of the state where the death occurred.

Each state’s vital records office will help understand how you can order a certified copy of a death certificate (online, by mail, or in-person), how you can get a copy quickly and the cost for each certified copy.

Can I get a death certificate ordered online?

Many states offer the capacity to order a death certificate copy online. If the state where your loved one departed does not have the capacity to order a copy of a death certificate online there are also external platforms where you can request a death certificate online. One popular option is Vital Check

Can anyone get a copy of a death certificate?

Initially, the right to obtain a death certificate usually lies with specific family members such as a spouse, siblings, or children following the loss of a loved one. However, once they enter the realm of public records, anyone can request them. 

Can I do a burial at sea with just a death certificate?

In order to have a burial at sea in the state of California you need to have a Disposition for Human Remains Permit.This can easily be attained if you have the death certificate of the deceased. A burial at sea service is not possible with only  a death certificate.   

Do I need a death certificate to get a disposition for a human remains permit?

Yes, you need a death certificate to procure a Disposition for Human Remains Permit. The death certificate helps to verify to the government the details of the deceased and allows them to put in the records where they were laid to rest.

For a variety of reasons families and acquaintances, come into contact with the remains of those who have passed. Whether you inherited ashes you aren’t sure what to do with or you are finally ready to release a departed loved one we are here to help. 

I inherited ashes. Can I do a burial at sea?

Yes. You can scatter ashes you inherited in a burial at sea as long as you obtain a Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit you can have a burial at sea ash scattering. You can obtain this easily with the death certificate. For more details please check out out out Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit page. 

Can I keep ashes and do multiple people’s burial at sea ash scattering at one time?

Yes. You can scatter ashes of multiple people in a burial at sea as long as you obtain a Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit for each family member. You can obtain this easily with the death certificate per person. For more details please check out out out Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit page 

Can I do an ash scattering with very old ashes?

Yes. You can scatter ashes no matter how old they are as long as you obtain a Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit you can have a burial at sea ash scattering. You can obtain this easily with the death certificate. For more details please check out out out Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit page 

What is the most economical way to spread ashes I inherited?

One of the most economical ways to spread ashes is through a burial at sea services. We can scatter them on your behalf on an unattended burial at sea for a minimal fee or help your family find a boat within your price range. See a video on what a unattended burial at sea is here

Is there any specific protocol or legality concerning scattering ashes that have been kept for a long time?

For a burial at sea ash scattering it does not matter how old the ashes are. As long as you have a Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit we are able to assist you in performing a burial at sea ash scattering servicce.

Can someone scatter ashes for me?

Yes. We offer unattended burial at sea ash scatterings. We perform the service with dignity as if you were on board. After the service we send you a digital certificate with the latitude and longitude of where your loved one was scattered.

👉See a video on what a unattended burial at sea is here

Are there any considerations or restrictions when scattering ashes that have been held for an extended period?

The only thing families need to arrange for burial at sea ash scattering, no matter how old the ashes are, is a Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit.  

Are there any special permissions required to scatter ashes that have been kept for a significant amount of time?

The only thing families need to arrange for burial at sea ash scattering, no matter how old the ashes are, is a Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit.  

Does the age of the ashes impact the scattering process or location choices?

No, the age of the ashes does not impact the scattering process or locations. No matter how old the ashes are, we will help you in providing a beautiful and dignified service. 

Is there an alternative to throwing away ashes? It’s been so long and I don’t know what to do with them.

In most states you need a permit to scatter or dispose of cremated remains because they are human remains. A nice alternative is to do an unattended burial at sea ash scattering. We will take the ashes out on your behalf. We will then send you a digital certificate with the latitude and longitude of the scattering location for your reference.

👉See a video on what a unattended burial at sea is here

How can I  scatter ashes at the beach?

In the majority of states, acquiring a permit is necessary for the scattering or disposal of cremated remains, as they are legally recognized as human remains. If you want to have beach ash scattering the best thing to do is have a burial at sea so that everything is done legally and with public safety in mind. You can see the shore and have a clean conscience and non rushed services looking over your shoulder as you give a beautiful service honoring your loved one. 

I accidentally dropped ashes. Can I still scatter the remaining ashes I have?

Yes. We can scatter whatever ashes you have remaining in your positions. 

What can I do with ashes?

There are many ways to honor your loved ones’ remains. We of course recommend looking into a burial at sea service. It’s a beautiful and serene way to say goodbye. You an see a video of what to expect on a burial at sea service here

What can I do with my mom, dad, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, grandma, grandpa’s ashes?

Losing a loved one is difficult, especially if they didn’t have any special requests to follow. Placing the ashes in a special place like the ocean is a great way to say goodbye and honor their memory. If you think a burial at sea ash scattering service could be a good fit we are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

What do I do with unwanted ashes?

If you have or will come into ownership of ashes of the departed, but aren’t sure what to do with them, an unattended burial at sea ash scattering is an economic and respectful way to lay the departed.  See a video on what a unattended burial at sea is here