Legal

WHEN SOMEONE DIES in Vernon Co, Wisconsin

COMMUNICATIONS and PAPERWORK REQUIRED

Instructions for those who wish to carry out a family-directed home funeral, transport, cremation or burial. 

If unsure whether the person is actually deceased, call 911.

For Vernon County: Contact the County Coroner: Betty Nigh   608-637-5284

Contact the Sheriff’s Dept:   Roy Torgerson 608-637-2123 (option 1)

  1. At the time of death the Coroner needs to be notified. Either you as family member or authorized rep, or the facility staff where the person died can make this call.
  2. Any time a death occurs outside of a healthcare facility, whether it’s accidental or expected, contact the Coroner and the Sheriff Dept, unless the decedent was enrolled in Hospice. The Coroner can also notify the Sheriff’s office if you are not able to.
  3. If the Coroner is called to the scene of an accidental death, they will make every effort to contact next of kin. If family does not respond, or contact info is not available, the coroner will order the body to be transported to a local funeral home until next of kin is identified. 
  4. If you are aware of the after-death plans, explain that to the Coroner, ask them to bring:
    1. Report For Final Disposition 
    2. Death Certificate Worksheet (with instructions)
    3. Cremation Release (only if you intend to cremate)
  5. Inform the Coroner: If family member cannot be present but can be reached by phone or email for signatures, or if there is no immediate family but there is an authorized representative to handle matters. 
  6. When the Coroner arrives they will view the body, record time of death, make inquiry into the cause of death and determine whether or not autopsy is required. 

 

 

NOTICE OF REMOVAL FORM– Not necessary when death occurs at home, unless the person was in Hospice Care at home. It is helpful to inform the facility or hospice staff of after-death plans ahead of time.

  1. The facility (hospital, nursing home, hospice) will have this form.
  2. A family member or authorized representative completes the “Funeral Director / Next of Kin” section.
  3. The family or authorized representative takes one copy; the facility files the original.
  4. The name of the doctor who will be signing the death certificate worksheet  is recorded on this form. Make note of this doctor’s name.
  5. Once this form is completed it is legal for a family member or authorized rep to transport the body. Note that a family member or representative must at all times be in the vehicle with the body.

 

 

REPORT FOR FINAL DISPOSITION–      ALWAYS NEEDED

    1. Also known as Burial Transit Permit– even if no transport or burial is needed.
    2. Must be completed and mailed or emailed within 24- 48 hours of the death.
    3. Family member or authorized rep fills out fields 1-16 and should use name and signature fields 25- 37 that are intended for Funeral Director.
    4. Two copies are mailed – 1 to the Registrar of Deeds and one to the Coroner.
    5. This form contains much of the same info as is on the “Notice of Removal.”
    6. If body is being transported, this document must be in the vehicle.

     

     

    DEATH CERTIFICATE WORKSHEET–   ALWAYS NEEDED

    1. When preparing this form, family member or authorized rep fills in all known fields on first page as the INFORMANT and completes fields designated for Funeral Director. Second page is for Coroner and/or physician to complete.      
    2. Must be signed by MD or Coroner. For death in hospital, it all depends. Doctor can sign if it is a natural death, but not a nurse practitioner. Coroner signs all Hospice patient death certificates.
    3. Coroner can also sign after the worksheet is taken or sent in, if necessary.
    4. If Notice of Removal Form was completed, the same MD recorded on that must sign “Medical Certification” section of Death Certificate Worksheet.  Or, if no Notice of Removal Form was needed because the deceased died at home, then Coroner signs as Medical Certifier.
    5. Death Certificate is not required in the case of a stillborn infant.
    6. Mail, take or fax the completed worksheet to the Register of Deeds Office.
    7. Once the worksheet is entered into the state wide Vital Records Information System (SVRIS) you will be able to obtain Death Certificates from the County Register of Deeds.
    8. The Death Certificate Worksheet can be obtained from the Register of Deeds, the state Vital Records Office or the County Coroner/Medical Examiner. This worksheet must be filed within 7- 10 days of death.

     

     

    RELEASE TO CREMATE

        1. This form is completed by family or authorized representative and is signed by the coroner after she/he views the body. If you are planning to cremate there is a 48 hour wait between the time of death and when cremation can occur. Let the coroner know that you are aware of the 48 hour hold rule and are making plans accordingly. Then you will want to contact the cremation facility and keep them informed of your plans.
        2. There generally is no need to report location of spread or buried cremains (ashes) but check with local ordinances before dispersing on public lands.

                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

        DECLARATION OF BURIAL

        1. Needed for burial on PRIVATE LAND only.
        2. File within 30 days after burial on private land.
        3. Helps identify the burial location on your deed.
        4. County will notify Wisconsin State Historical Society.
        5. $234 fee in Vernon County                                                                                          

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