Death certificates
What if the cause of death is listed incorrectly?
Short answer
The attending physician or coroner can file an amendment. This sometimes happens when toxicology results come in after the initial filing. It takes several weeks. Ask the coroner's office what their process is for amended certificates.
What this usually means
The attending physician or coroner can file an amendment. This sometimes happens when toxicology results come in after the initial filing. It takes several weeks. Ask the coroner's office what their process is for amended certificates.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.