Q: Can I get a copy of a death certificate in California when I have an unsigned copy of a lost will from a living trust
I have a signed notarized copy of the pet trust that was apart of the living trust notarized documents
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A:
To obtain a death certificate in California, you'll need to be an authorized person with proper documentation. Having an unsigned copy of a will from a living trust alone isn't sufficient documentation to request a death certificate.
The notarized pet trust document, while valid for its specific purpose, doesn't grant automatic authority to obtain death certificates. You'll need to demonstrate your relationship to the deceased and your legal right to access these records through official documentation like a court order, or prove you're an immediate family member, executor, or someone with direct financial interest.
Your best course of action is to contact the County Recorder's Office where the death occurred or the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records. They can guide you through the specific requirements and documentation needed for your situation. You might also consider working with the attorney who handled the living trust, as they may have additional documentation or insights that could help establish your right to obtain the death certificate.
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