Grieving families will no longer have to share the cause of a loved one’s death as they navigate difficult administrative tasks as the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) has introduced a new, faster, death certificate package.
Welcoming the package, Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said it eased the burden of administering a deceased estate.
Ms Symes said the package offered families the choice to censor sensitive information, such as cause of death, and reduce the wait time for a certificate for deaths under investigation by the Coroner.
“The new legal death certificate excludes the cause of death and burial information and is available immediately, allowing families to start managing the estate of the deceased quickly,” Ms Symes said.
“The new certificate will be accepted for administration processes at organisations such as banks, Government entities and utility companies,” she said.
“The original death certificate listing, cause of death will still be available as it is required by superannuation and insurance companies.”
Ms Symes said the new approach had been carefully developed in response to community feedback and advice from the Coronial Council of Victoria.
She said the Council’s advice was informed by the experience of families and support agencies, as well as insights provided by experts in bereavement and therapeutic laws.
Further information on the new death certificates and packages can be accessed at this PS News link.
