to ask if only next of kin can collect death certificate?

[halcyondays]

from the hospital.

There is no legal next of kin. My sister collected from the hospital when her partner died

thanks

What do you mean there is no 'legal next of kin' ? If I popped my clogs the hospital wouldn't release documents to Old Mary From The Corner Shop intsead of my DH.

I think it will be to whoever registers the death.

The death certificate is a public record and anyone can order a copy

You don't get the death certificate from the hospital - you get the medical certificate showing cause of death which is then taken to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. They will register the death and then give the death certificate plus copies.

In the UK there is no legal next of kin. You can nominate someone to be next of kin and they don't need to be family

www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/when-someone-dies-hospital-or-care-home

I collected my Dads death certificate but my mum was his next of kin. The hospital never questioned it.

it is a medical certificate that you get from the hospital. This is generally given to next of Kin. Ring the hospital to let them know who will be collecting it They can advise you if any issues. The medical certificate is taken to the registry office to register the death, which is when you get the death certificate. This can be done by next of Kin or relative or someone who was there at time of death or person arranging funeral.

Sorry for your loss.

thanks everyone, it was the medical certificate I meant. It was my dad who died but my dh was able to collect it.