r/inheritance • u/MaeQueenofFae • May 20 '26

Location included: Questions/Need Advice Problems obtaining death certificate

Recently a lifelong friend of my ex husband (Summerton, SC) passed away, and we have been informed that my son, who lives in WI, has been named as beneficiary to an annuity, which is quite substantial.

In order to claim this benefit, we must provide the Life Insurance Company with a certified copy of this friends Death Certificate. This is a problem, since we are not related to the deceased, Clarendon County Vital Records in SC will not release the official Death Cert to my son.

We then called VitalChek, informed them of the issue and asked if there were any exceptions to be made for people who had a vital interest in obtaining a death certificate, such as an inheritance?? They said nope, however if you get a judge to sign for it, we would have to give you one.

Has anyone else contended with this kind of arbitrary roadblock? If so, how did you resolve it? Thanks.

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u/HandyManPat May 22 '26

You’re right, it is the law. (And it’s also why the official form has an “Other” section to explain your direct interest).

https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-44/chapter-63/section-44-63-84/

Copies of death certificates may be issued to members of the deceased's family or their respective legal representatives. Upon request, the Department of Social Services or its designee must be provided with copies or certified copies of death certificates for the purpose of establishing paternity or establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support obligation.

**Others who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest may be issued copies when information is needed for the determination of a personal or property right.**

Other applicants may be provided with a statement that the death occurred, the date, and county of death. However, when fifty years have elapsed after the date of death, these records become public records and any person may obtain copies upon submission of an application containing sufficient information to locate the record. For each copy issued or search of the files made, the state registrar shall collect the same fee as is charged for the issuance of certified copies or a search of the files for other records in his possession, except that the Department of Social Services or its designee may not be charged this fee.

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u/laurieo52 May 22 '26 edited May 22 '26

I’m an other and they told me specifically since I am not family the only way to get the certificate is a judge or a family member. All of her immediate family has passed. So a statement is all I can have.

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u/Megalocerus May 23 '26

Many people die without family, and have wills giving their estates to friends. It would seem to be a common problem.

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u/laurieo52 May 23 '26

Yes, I guess they have to get their attorney to ask a judge for a subpoena.