I need to find out how to obtain a death certificate when the body has never been found. ?

Question

my friend was murdered by her ex husband and he is currently in prison for her murder.

I have now been advised that she has left me a sum of money in a life insurance policy and that i need to get either a coroners report or a death certificate. I would be grateful if anyone could advise as her body was never found.

Answer 1

After 7 years, if the body still hasn't been found, then after this time, they can actually declare a person dead and issue a death certificate.

Answer 2

The Coroner is the only person who can authorise the issuing of a death certificate. If her husband has been convicted of her murder, this should not be a problem. You will need to contact the Coroner's office in the area where either she lived or is suspected of having been murdered.

Answer 3

I would first contact the prosecutor who handled the trial.  They would be able to advise you where to obtain a death certificate.

If that does not work, you will probably need the services of an attorney.

Answer 4

You cant get charged with murder unless they find the body

Answer 5

I remember that if its unexplained IE someone going missing. they coroners usually issue one after a number of years, i imagine it might be the same on the off chance she mysteriously turns up....understand unlikely given the circumstances but they have to be sure..either way the area coroner is the person to call.

Answer 6

Hello Amanda. You can contact the Prosecutor's Office for relevant details, but if no corpse was found, the standard rule is to file a missing person's report. After 7 years, if the person cannot be located, they can be declared legally deceased. This is going to be a mess since the insurance company will not want to pay without a death notice or body.

Best advice would be to retain an attorney to see what your rights would be in a situation like this.

Best of luck and I hope this is useful to you

Answer 7

Ask the police or the solicitor handling the case at the time. Has it gone to probate?

In reply to Muff's answer Yes you can be charged with murder although the body has not been found.

Answer 8

Contact the Coroners office where she was buried and the police