Question 1

What does legal next of kin mean?

Accepted Answer

The State of Ohio dictates that legal next of kin means the HIGHEST person available on the priority list as follows:

The representative appointed by the decedent to have the right of disposition – a completed State of Ohio Declaration for Funeral Arrangements form. See link in Resources.
The decedent's surviving spouse.
The decedent's surviving child or children (equal rights).
The decedent's surviving parent or parents (equal rights).
The decedent's surviving sibling or siblings (equal rights).
The decedent's surviving grandparent or grandparents.
The lineal descendants of the decedent's grandparents (aka aunts, uncles, cousins).
The decedent's personal guardian at the time of death.
Any person willing to assume the right of disposition, including the personal representative of the estate or the licensed funeral director with custody of the body, after attesting in writing and good faith that they could not locate any of the persons in the above priority list.

Question 2

Does Power of Attorney (or HCPOA) get to determine the funeral home or final disposition?

Accepted Answer

No – Power of Attorney ends at death and rights of disposition return to the legal next of kin.

Question 3

How do I obtain a death certificate?

Accepted Answer

A death certificate is necessary to take care of personal business on behalf of the decedent. In the State of Ohio, the funeral home is tasked with the responsibility to file a death certificate with the local health authority and State. Decedent Affairs will provide some information to the funeral home; they will also need the help of the legal next of kin.

You may obtain a certified copy of the death certificate from the funeral home, or you may order copies from the State of Ohio Department of Health. See link in Resources.

Question 4

What is an autopsy?

Accepted Answer

An autopsy is an examination of the body to primarily determine the cause and manner of death. Coroner offices perform forensic autopsies and only upon determination of the county coroner office. OhioHealth performs medical or clinical autopsies to understand the medical conditions present at death.

Autopsies are considered only under limited circumstances and must be signed by the legal next of kin and approved by the Attending Provider and the Pathologist. Requests must be for reasonable cause to determine the clinical conditions at the time of death. Autopsies are performed only Monday-Friday, and patients will be held in a temperature-controlled environment until approved and completed. The Decedent Affairs Office will contact the funeral home or crematory of choice for release following completion. Private pay autopsy information may be obtained by calling the Decedent Affairs Office.

Question 5

How do I make final arrangements for my loved one?

Accepted Answer

When a loved one has passed away, the family may choose any funeral home. The funeral home of choice does not have to be in the location in which your loved one has passed. The funeral home of choice will assist the family in making decisions for final arrangements, including memorial or funeral services, burial, embalming, and cremation options. It is helpful to prepare the following information of your loved one when meeting with your funeral home of choice:

Social security number
Date of birth
Place of birth
Legal name
Years of education
Occupation
Life insurance policies
Mother's maiden name
DD214 (military discharge)

If finances are a concern, contact Decedent Affairs right away so they may provide information and resources to assist.

Question 6

How long do I have to make final arrangements?

Accepted Answer

The State of Ohio states that the legal next of kin has 48 hours to contact Decedent Affairs stating they are making final arrangements. OhioHealth will always work with families to provide the support and time necessary to reasonably make arrangements. Communicating with Decedent Affairs will help us ensure your loved one is treated with dignity and respect and allows us to provide support to the process and answer any questions you may have at any time.

Question 7

How do I reach the Decedent Affairs office for OhioHealth?

Accepted Answer

You can reach Decedent Affairs any time of day by calling (614) 955-2700.

Decedent Affairs

Navigating the next steps after loss

How can Decedent Affairs help you?

What are the next steps after my loved one dies?

Resources

Frequently asked questions