• It saves time and uncertainty later by keeping everything in one place.
  
  
• It helps ensure your wishes are known and followed exactly as you intend.
  
  
• It provides the details required by the State of New Jersey for accurate vital records.
  
  
• It’s a gift of clarity and comfort to those who will someday carry out your wishes.
  
  

Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one organize their affairs, this checklist is a simple way to start—and we’ll walk you through every step.

When someone passes away in New Jersey, the funeral director must collect specific details to file the official death certificate with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.
This form becomes a permanent legal record—and is required for insurance claims, estate settlement, Social Security, and more.

If you complete even this section of the checklist, it will greatly ease your family’s stress and prevent delays when the time comes.

Below is the information required by the State of New Jersey for a death certificate.
(If you’ve downloaded our Planning Checklist, you’ll see these same items in Section 1.)

Personal Information

• Full legal name
  
• Legal address (street, city, state, zip)
  
• Social Security number
  
• Date of birth and place of birth (city, state, country)
  
• Domestic status: never married, married, divorced, widowed
  
• Race
  
• Hispanic origin? (If yes, specify country of origin)
  
• Highest level of education completed
  

Parental Information

• Father’s full legal name
  
• Mother’s full maiden name
  

Occupation & Industry

• Lifetime occupation or job title
  
• Kind of business or industry
  
• Name and location of last employer (even if they went out of business)
  

Next of Kin / Informant

• Name of the person in charge of arrangements
  
• Relationship to the funeral recipient
  
• Mailing address, email address, and phone number(s)
  

Medical / Care Information

• Name and phone number of primary physician
  
• Place of death (home, hospital, nursing home, hospice)
  
• Name and address of facility (if applicable)
  

Veteran Information (if applicable)

• Discharge papers (DD-214)
  
• Branch of service and rank
  
• Date of enlistment and date of discharge
  
• Wars or conflicts served
  
• Serial or service number
  
• Preference for military honors

Download the Planning Checklist (PDF) to fill out these details and keep them on file.
Or Contact us—we’ll guide you through the form step by step.

You don’t have to fill out every line right away—or ever. The goal is simply to start organizing information so your family doesn’t have to search for it later.

Think of this checklist as a living document. You can complete a few sections now and add to it as things change, like a new address, insurance policy, or family contact.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Download the Planning Checklist (PDF)
   Download the PDF by clicking here and keep a copy in a secure location.
   
   
2. Gather key information
   Have your ID, birth and marriage certificates, veteran papers, and insurance policies nearby.
   
   
3. Fill in what you know
   Start with the vital statistics for the death certificate—then move on to personal and service preferences.
   
   
4. Share your plan
   Let a trusted family member, executor, or your attorney know where your checklist is stored.
   
   
5. Keep it current
   Review it every year or after major life changes to ensure everything is still accurate.
   
   
6. Bring it with you
   If you meet with a funeral director for pre-planning, bring your completed checklist (or upload it through our online form). We’ll verify the information, answer questions, and securely store it for when it’s needed.
   
   

Tip: Even if you never pre-pay, having your details documented in advance makes everything smoother, faster, and far less stressful for your loved ones.

Printable PDF – Ideal for handwriting and storing with other important papers

Start the Online Planning Form – Secure digital version stored directly with Dancy Funeral Home

Related Resources

• Pre-Planning: A Gift of Clarity and Comfort
  
  
• New Jersey Prepaid Funeral Trust™

A Small Step Toward Peace of Mind

Whether you’re organizing details for yourself or helping a loved one, taking a few minutes to complete the Planning Checklist can make all the difference later.

It’s a simple way to give your family clarity, comfort, and the confidence of knowing everything is handled.

There’s no cost and no obligation—just a thoughtful way to plan ahead at your own pace.

If you’d like guidance as you fill out the checklist, or you’re ready to discuss pre-planning options, our directors are happy to meet with you—privately and without pressure.