Oakland County, MI
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Contact Info
Medical Examiner
248-858-5097
248-452-9173
Building 28E
Pontiac, MI 48341
Monday
8:00am - 4:00pm
Families
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Who is the Next of Kin?
Pursuant to State of Michigan act 386 of 1998 (CL – Section 700.3206)
| Relationship | When they are “Next of Kin” |
|---|---|
| Funeral Representative | When paperwork is completed by decedent. [Link to Rep. paperwork] |
| Spouse or legal partner (must be legally married) | Always unless funeral representative paperwork is completed designating another person. *The state of Michigan does not recognize common law marriage. This means that couples must obtain a marriage license and solemnize the marriage with an authorized person (judge, mayor, court clerk, or minister) to be legally married. |
| Child (biological or legal) | If decedent is not married, widowed, or divorced. Note: must be 18 years of age or older. |
| Grandchild (biological or legal) | When the decedent had none of the above surviving at the time of death. Note: must be 18 years of age or older. |
| Parent | When the decedent had none of the above surviving at the time of death or have none of the above over 18 years or age. |
| Grandparents | When the decedent had none of the above surviving at the time of death. |
| Siblings | When the decedent had none of the above surviving at the time of death. Note: applies to full and half but not step siblings. |
| Descendant of decedent’s parents who first notifies establishment in possession of decedent’s remains | When the decedent had none of the above surviving at the time of death. |
| Descendant of the decedent’s grandparents who first notifies the establishment in possession of the decedent’s remains | When the decedent had none of the above surviving at the time of death. |
Guardianship/Power of Attorney does not automatically give someone the right of disposition over a deceased individual unless explicitly stated in the paperwork
Why is the Medical Examiner Involved?
Pursuant to State of Michigan Act 181 1953, the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for investigating and determining the cause and manner of death for violent, sudden, and unexpected deaths occurring in Oakland County.
Upon investigation of an unexpected death law enforcement may deem it necessary for the person to have a postmortem exam by the medical examiner’s office.
The deceased will be transported to the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office morgue: 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Building 28E, Pontiac, Michigan 48341 for a postmortem examination/autopsy, which takes place within 24-48 hours. The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office completes autopsies 7 days a week / 365 days a year. Normally the deceased can be released to the funeral home of the family’s choice on the day the autopsy is completed. Next of kin will be contacted by an investigator upon completion of the exam.
In many cases of sudden or unexpected death, evidence of preexisting natural disease or other circumstances makes an autopsy unnecessary. However, it is up to the discretion of the pathologist whether an individual needs a full autopsy or not.
If you have concerns or objections regarding the autopsy, please let the investigator assigned or our office know immediately so we can address and relieve any concerns that arise.
What is an Autopsy?
An autopsy is an examination of the body to determine the cause and manner of death and assess any abnormalities that may be present. A complete forensic autopsy includes a review of the decedent’s medical history, toxicology testing and in some cases microscopic examination. In deaths resulting from violence, other types of evidence may be collected and examined by a crime laboratory or other agency. These procedures do not prevent the deceased from being viewed or preclude a funeral service.
Oakland County Medical Examiner offers Private Autopsies in special circumstances.
What are Cause and Manner of Death?
Cause of Death: The underlying medical condition, disease or injury that begins a lethal chain of events resulting in death.
Manner of Death: Describes the way in which a death occurs, which may be Homicide, Suicide, Accidental, Natural or Undetermined.
What Do I Do Next?
Involve your family, friends, and clergy for support. They can assist with decision making as you deal with this tragic and sometimes sudden news. Select a funeral home to help you make funeral arrangements and coordinate final disposition of your loved one’s remains.
Oakland County Funeral and Cremation Services
Once you have chosen a funeral home, the funeral director will make arrangements to transport your loved one’s remains back to the funeral home following the autopsy. Your loved one will be ready to be transferred to the funeral home following the autopsy, however you must sign a release provided by the funeral home.
Keep track of all business cards given to you by law enforcement, medical examiner, ambulance, and funeral home personnel. This will assist you in obtaining any necessary documents.
Finally, remember to check in on yourself. Stress can come into one’s life quickly and unexpectedly. Don’t be afraid to use resources available to you in your community.
Our office works with several local grief support groups below who offer help during these difficult times:
For additional resources reach out to your local funeral homes, clergy, or the Michigan Funeral Directors Association for more information.
Assistance paying for funeral arrangements and disposition is available for families in need through MDHHS State Emergency Relief and/or Veterans Burial Benefits.
Death Certificate
The medical examiner is responsible to complete the medical portion of the death certificate. Our office generates all death certificates through the Electronic Death Registry System (EDRS) and are completed within 24 hours of autopsy. Once the death certificate is completed by our office it can be claimed by the funeral director/funeral home for completion and filing.
The funeral director can assist you with purchasing official copies of the death certificate, but additional copies can be purchased from the Oakland County Clerk’s office.
If your loved one died in Farmington Hills, Madison Heights, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, or Troy you will need to get copies from that city’s Clerk’s office.
Our office does not produce death certificates.
Cause of Death is “Pending”
On average it takes between 6 and 8 weeks for additional testing such as toxicology and histology to be completed. Once the testing has been reviewed by the pathologist, they will amend the death certificate with their findings. The funeral home is automatically notified by EDRS that the certificate has been amended and is ready to be purchased.
If the cause of death on your loved one’s death certificate is listed as pending you can still purchase copies for legal purposes, however, check with each institution if a ‘pending’ cause of death is acceptable.