hestiaWho to call first
If the death was expected and hospice was involved, call the hospice nurse first. If it was sudden, call 911. After that, call the funeral home you choose. You don’t have to choose the first one suggested to you. What to do in the first days.
Death certificates in Charlotte
Mecklenburg County Public Health, Office of Vital Records
618 N. College St, Charlotte, NC
$10 per certified copy for a death registered in Mecklenburg County. From the state office, NC Vital Records, the first copy is $24 and each additional copy $15.
Sources: Mecklenburg County Public Health, NC Vital Records fees
The funeral home usually files the death certificate and can order copies for you.
Cremation in North Carolina
North Carolina requires a wait of 24 hours after death before cremation. The only exception is a death from certain contagious diseases, with written approval. G.S. 90-210.129. Funeral homes and crematories are licensed by the NC Board of Funeral Service.
Probate in Mecklenburg County
Clerk of Superior Court, Estates Division
Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 832 E. Fourth St, Charlotte, NC
Phone (704) 686-0400
Source: NC Judicial Branch
Accounts with a named beneficiary, life insurance and jointly owned property usually pass outside probate. The clerk can explain the forms but can’t give legal advice.
Funeral homes with published prices
These funeral homes publish their General Price Lists. Hestia doesn’t recommend any of them, and no one pays to be listed.
- Greene Funeral Service, 1503 South York Road, Gastonia, NC 28052: direct cremation from $1,595
- McEwen Funeral Service-Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262: direct cremation from $2,440
- McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210: direct cremation from $3,090
- Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212-3611: direct cremation from $2,440
Compare Charlotte price lists side by side. Every funeral home must give you its price list when you ask.
Questions families ask
Where do I get a death certificate in Charlotte?
From the funeral home, or from Mecklenburg County Public Health, Office of Vital Records, 618 N. College St. Copies cost $10 each for deaths registered in Mecklenburg County.
How long do you have to wait for cremation in North Carolina?
At least 24 hours after death, under North Carolina law.
Which court handles probate in Charlotte?
The Clerk of Superior Court, Estates Division, at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
Plan it together, for free
A Hestia family space keeps the decisions, tasks, guests and costs in one private place, so nobody has to piece it together from texts and calls.
Start a free family space