In Connecticut, what is the purpose of a death certificate?

The purpose of a death certificate is primarily to serve as an official record of a person's death. This legal document is crucial as it provides essential information about the deceased, including details such as the date, location, and cause of death. The death certificate serves multiple functions; it is used by families for various administrative purposes, such as settling estates, claiming benefits, and arranging for funeral services.

While the other options may reflect certain aspects related to the aftermath of a death, they do not define the primary function of a death certificate. For instance, although a death certificate may be required for filing insurance claims, this is a secondary use of the document rather than its main purpose. It does not directly facilitate the embalming process, and while it does inform the state about an individual's death, this is not the primary intent of the document. Overall, the official record of death is foundational for legal and bureaucratic processes that follow after someone has passed away.