Cause of death certificate vs death certificate
Shortly after death, a doctor will complete the cause of death certificate (also referred to as the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death). The cause of death certificate identifies the disease or condition directly leading to the death. It may also identify underlying conditions that contributed to the immediate cause of death. Significant conditions that contributed to the death may also be included. These are conditions that did not directly cause the death but prevented the person from recovering from or overcoming the disease or condition.
If your person chose Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), in Queensland, the cause of death certificate will not mention VAD as the cause of death. It will say that the cause of death was the person’s underlying disease, illness, or medical condition.
The cause of death certificate must be completed within two working days of a death.
A doctor’s cause of death certificate shouldn’t be confused with an official death certificate, which is issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
When a death occurs in Queensland it needs to be registered within 14 days from the date of death. It is free to register the death however there is a cost for the actual death certificate. Visit registering a death for more information on how to register the death. If you are using a funeral director, they will usually register the death on your behalf.
It can take some time to get a death certificate. Once you receive the death certificate, make multiple copies and have them certified by a Justice of the Peace. This will help you when you need to provide certified copies to all the people and organisations who request them.
Locate personal papers
There may be important documents to help you to act on behalf of the person who died as they tell you what their final wishes are. The Will is a legal document that sets out a person’s wishes with regards to the distribution of their assets, possessions, or other personal effects after the death. Requests for special arrangements may be included in the person’s Will and should be located before any arrangements are made.
If you are unsure whether a person has made a Will, useful places to check include the person’s bank, insurance company, lawyer, accountant, trust corporations and the Public Trustee.
Other helpful documents to look for include:
- Pre-paid funeral paperwork
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Property ownership information
- Loan details (home loans, personal loans etc.)
- Lease agreement for rented properties
- Life insurance and/or superannuation policies
- Other insurance policies (e.g. home, contents, car)
- Taxation records
- Bank account details
Executor of the will
The role of the Executor/s for the deceased person commences upon death. The role of the Executor is to notify the beneficiaries, look after the estate, value the estate, obtain authority to administer the estate, complete income tax returns, pay all debts, divide the estate, and establish trusts.
No will
If the person has not left a Will, the Public Trustee or a solicitor can give you advice about what to do in these circumstances.
Financial assistance
Following the death of someone close to you, you may experience financial stress. If the person who died is your partner, and/or if you cared for the person who died, Services Australia may be able to provide financial assistance. The type and amount of payments you may be eligible for when someone dies, depends on your individual circumstances, your relationship with the person who died and when you tell Services Australia about their death. When you notify Services Australia of their death, they will assess your eligibility. You may be eligible for:
- Bereavement payment
- Pension bonus bereavement payment
- Bereavement assistance for carers
Digital legacy
In this digital age we live in, it is important that just as we manage people’s physical things in their death, we also consider how to manage their digital lives and their digital legacy. If a family member or friend has not left any details about how to handle their digital legacy, your options may be limited. The Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner has developed some resources to support people to navigate this situation.