Which document is needed to formally transfer a body after a funeral service?

To formally transfer a body after a funeral service, a release form or receipt is required. This document serves as a legal acknowledgment that the body is being released from the custody of the funeral home or facility to a designated person or entity. The release form ensures that the funeral service provider has complied with all necessary legal requirements and that the receiver is authorized to take possession of the remains. This step is crucial to maintain proper chain of custody for the deceased and to protect the rights of all parties involved in the transfer.

Other documents, while important in the overall process, do not serve this specific purpose. For instance, an authorization letter typically confirms consent for disposition but does not directly facilitate the transfer. A burial permit is essential for the burial process itself, as it allows for interment but does not govern the transfer of the remains post-funeral service. Meanwhile, a death certificate serves as an official record of death, providing important information for legal and administrative purposes, but it does not pertain directly to the act of transferring the body. Thus, the release form or receipt is the appropriate document needed for this transaction, ensuring compliance with legal protocols in Washington State.