What to do after a death in Connecticut

Quick facts

• Good to know: A licensed funeral director is required by law to oversee final disposition.

• Tip: The death certificate must be filed before burial or cremation can occur.

Getting started in Connecticut

• Connecticut requires a licensed funeral director to handle final disposition, but families can still be involved in caring for their loved one.

• The Department of Public Health oversees funeral home licensing, while the Department of Consumer Protection handles prepaid contract issues.

• Death certificates can be obtained from any town hall in the state for deaths occurring after 2021.

Good to know: Take your time with decisions. You can be involved in caring for your loved one even with a funeral director present.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice nurse if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. They’ll guide you through next steps.

• A licensed funeral director must be contacted to transport the body.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will come to pronounce death and complete necessary paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with your chosen funeral home.

• You can spend time with your loved one before they’re moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected. The medical examiner may need to be involved.

• Once death is pronounced, contact a licensed funeral home.

• Connecticut law requires a funeral director to transport the body.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

• You can spend time with your loved one before leaving.

• The hospital will ask which funeral home you’d like to use. You can take time to decide.

Cremation in Connecticut

• Connecticut requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur.

• A cremation certificate from the medical examiner is required.

• The death certificate must be filed before cremation.

• Next of kin must provide written authorization for cremation.

• No casket is required. An alternative container is acceptable.

Burial in Connecticut

• Private burial on your own land requires approval from the State Department of Public Health.

• The burial site must be at least 350 feet from any residence and half a mile from any reservoir.

• You must check with local Planning and Zoning before establishing a private burial ground.

• The burial location must be recorded on the property deed with an easement for future access.

• No law requires a casket for burial, though cemeteries may have their own rules.

Paperwork in Connecticut

• Death must be registered within 5 business days (or 3 calendar days if using electronic registry).

• The death certificate must be filed before burial or cremation.

• Certified copies cost $20 each.

• Plan to order 8–10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

• Veterans’ families can get 1 free certified copy with proper documentation.

Consumer rights in Connecticut

• You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making decisions.

• Prepaid funeral contracts are regulated and funds must be held in escrow.

• File complaints about funeral homes with the Department of Public Health.

• File complaints about prepaid contracts with the Department of Consumer Protection.

• Violations of prepaid contract rules can be pursued as unfair trade practices.