ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Let's face it, talking about death is not a pleasant subject. But no one lives forever, and at some point, all of us will cease to exist. When a death occurs, the government issues a death certificate. If the death of a US citizen takes place overseas, more paperwork and administration are involved. This article examines the Consular Report of Death Abroad and what it entails.
What Is The Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA)?
A death certificate is required when someone's life comes to an end. It has many purposes. It acts as proof of death and serves various legal requirements such as accessing the deceased's estate, pensions, life insurance, etc.
The document also allows the government bodies to investigate the death, should the need arise. A death certificate in the United States is issued by a medical officer and can be accessible from the vital records office.
However, things work differently when a person dies abroad in another country. The US embassy or the consulate provides a Consular Report of Death Abroad to reflect the death of a US citizen. The report is based on the death certificate issued locally in the country.
A death certificate from a foreign country is not valid in the United States. But the Consular Report of Death Abroad acts in the same capacity as a death certificate issued in the USA.
The US Embassy And The Bureau Of Consular Affairs
The US embassy is found in nearly every country in the world, including nearby countries such as Canada and Mexico. It promotes diplomatic ties between the US and the host nation and helps American citizens in that country. That, of course, involves dealing with US citizens who have sadly died. The Bureau of Consular Affairs exists to serve and protect United States citizens overseas. These two organizations work together with relatives to deal with citizens who have perished.
What Do They Do?
The embassy confirms the person's death, identifies them, and that they are a U.S. citizen. Often relatives of the deceased are present in the country, and it makes the administration process easier. The Bureau Of Consular Affairs attempts to find and inform their near relatives if required. Without the availability of relatives, the Bureau Of Consular Affairs coordinates with the next of kin or legal representatives in the U.S. to deal with the dead person's remains and personal belongings. It will include things such as a local burial or the return of the body to America. The Bureau Of Consular Affairs does not provide funds to assist with returning the remains or conducting the funeral locally.
Who Is The Next Of Kin?
The spouse is the next of kin of the deceased person. If the person does not have a spouse, their children take priority. If there are no children, the dead person's parents fall into the next of kin category. Finally, the individual's siblings become the next of kin if no spouse, children, or parents are present.
The next of kin should be the person dealing with the affairs of the individual who has perished. If the next of kin cannot be present, they can sign a Power of Attorney (POA) for someone else to act on their behalf.
How To Access The Consular Report of Death Abroad?
The next of kin can obtain copies of the CRDA from the consulate or US Embassy of the country where the death occurred. The document request is possible through the embassy website. Under "U.S. Citizen Services" choose the "Death of a U.S. Citizen" option. 20 copies of the document are given without charge.
What Documents Are Required To Obtain The CRDA?
To obtain a Consular Report of Death Abroad, the next of kin must submit a Local certificate of death, and United States passport or proof of citizenship for the deceased individual. These documents should be submitted to the embassy online or by mail. Additional copies of the Consular Report of Death Abroad are available from the vital records office. You can contact them by calling 1-202-485-8300. Alternatively, visit this US government website. Of course, the Bureau Of Consular Affairs is at hand to assist where no relatives are present or in other emergencies in the country where the death occurred.
The US Embassy Is Here To Help
Dealing with any aspect of death is not a pleasant prospect. However, it is something everyone will face at some point. For any US citizens that perish in a foreign country, the US embassy and the Bureau Of Consular Affairs are there to assist. They will help to obtain the CRDA document required for the relatives to finalize arrangements following the death.