Which document is typically required for the legal handling of deceased individuals?

The death certificate is a crucial document that is typically required for the legal handling of deceased individuals. It serves several important purposes: it officially records the individual's death, states the cause of death, and provides essential information about the deceased such as name, date of birth, and place of death. This document is necessary for various legal processes, including settling the deceased's estate, claiming life insurance benefits, and arranging for burial or cremation.

Other documents mentioned, such as the certificate of cremation, embalming record, and funeral contract, play specific roles in the funeral process but are not universally required for all legal matters concerning the deceased. The certificate of cremation verifies that cremation has taken place, the embalming record pertains to the embalming process itself, and the funeral contract outlines the services agreed upon between the funeral home and the family. While these documents are important in their respective contexts, the death certificate stands out as the primary legal document needed to confirm and record the death in official records.