Legal Requirements for Funeral Planning

Required Documentation

Death Certificate

  • Must be filed within 72 hours
  • Required for most legal proceedings
  • Multiple copies recommended
  • Available through funeral home or vital records

Burial/Cremation Permits

  • Required before final disposition
  • Issued by county health department
  • Must be obtained by funeral director
  • Different permits for burial vs. cremation

Timeline Requirements

  • Death Certificate Filing: Within 72 hours of death
  • Medical Certification: Within 72 hours of death
  • Disposition Permit: Before burial or cremation
  • Transit Permit: Required for interstate transport

Professional Requirements

  • Licensed Funeral Director
    • Must oversee arrangements
    • Responsible for documentation
    • Ensures compliance with laws
  • Medical Certification
    • Signed by attending physician
    • Or by medical examiner in certain cases
    • Required for death certificate

Special Circumstances

Medical Examiner Cases

Required for deaths involving:

  • Suspicious circumstances
  • Accidents or trauma
  • Unknown cause
  • No attending physician
  • Workplace incidents

Transportation Requirements

  • Within Arizona
    • Disposition permit required
    • Licensed transportation service
    • Proper containment
  • Interstate
    • Transit permit required
    • Special container requirements
    • Additional documentation
  • International
    • Consular notification
    • Apostille certification
    • Special embalming requirements

Obtaining Documents

Death Certificates

  • Through funeral home (recommended)
  • Arizona Department of Health Services
    • In person
    • Online ordering
    • Mail request

Important Contact Information

  • Arizona Vital Records: (602) 364-1300
  • Maricopa County Medical Examiner: (602) 506-3322
  • Arizona Board of Funeral Directors: (602) 542-3095
  • County Health Department: (602) 506-6900

Cost Information

  • Death Certificate: $20 first copy, $10 each additional
  • Disposition Permit: Varies by county
  • Transit Permit: Varies by jurisdiction
  • Apostille Certification: Additional fees apply

Record Keeping

Recommended documents to maintain:

  • Multiple copies of death certificate
  • Disposition permit
  • Transit permits (if applicable)
  • Medical examiner reports (if applicable)
  • Funeral service contracts
  • Cemetery deeds

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