Spanish death certificate - no cause of death

joolsybools

Hi All,

I'm hoping someone with family/connections in Spain might be able to help me.

My Dad passed away in the Autumn last year. He lived in Spain and passed away in hospital over there.

When I received the death certificate (it was posted to me a few weeks after I came back to the UK) there was no cause of death on it, not even a place on the form for it to be put. I was a bit surprised it was not there but assumed they just do things differently in Spain. I have never seen any other death certificate in this country or anywhere else so have nothing to compare it to.

We are now going through probate and he never made a will in Spain so we are going with his last will and testament which was done in the UK.

The solicitor has been in touch with a company (in the UK) that my Dad had some shares with and come back to us to say that the company are not very happy with the death certificate because there is no cause of death on it.

I'm at a bit of a loss what to do about this. What I suppose I am trying to find out is if the death certificate was 'normal' for Spain. I could contact the place that issued the death certificate but am a bit hesitant because of the language barrier. Has anyone else had an experience like this? Any advice?

shell2001

Firstly may I offer my condolenses for your loss.

My Dad passed away whilst living in Spain getting on for 3 year ago. My Dad's death certificate showed no cause of death because we had to go to court to have the death certified and to be allowed for the body to be realised. The cause of death was discussed between the funeral director, judge and my Mum.

I dealt with all the paperwork this side and only had problems with one company who sent me a futher form to complete which asked for further details, such as place of death etc - I would have thought as your dad passed away in hospital I would think you would have no problem. Due to how my dad had passed away (massive heart attack with noone around to witness it) I was worried as I had to leave some info blank such as name of Doctor who pronounced death.

It may be worth contacting the Company direct to explain the situation - I found them very helpful.

PinkLipgloss

Sorry for your loss.

Help is available through the British Embassy in Spain:

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/when-things-go-wrong/death-brit

joolsybools

Thanks to both of you and sorry for your loss too Shell.

I will have a look at the embassy website too, I hadn't thought of that.

Has anyone else got any thoughts?

Ta

sueeve

I wonder if the Spanish consulate in London might also be able to advise. They would speak English to deal with your enquiry.

Mojisola

Do posts 5 and 6 on this page help - https://www.absolutespainforum.com/living-spain/3258-spanish-death-certificate.html

joolsybools

Thanks all