When should the death certificate be delivered to the local registrar?

The correct choice emphasizes the requirement that the death certificate must be delivered to the local registrar before cremation takes place if the cause of death has been established. This is crucial because the death certificate is a legal document that is important for record-keeping, public health, and the legal verification of death. It also serves as a statement of the cause of death, which is essential for cremation proceedings since they typically cannot occur until there is official documentation confirming the death and its cause.

This requirement ensures that all regulatory and legal obligations are met prior to cremation. It helps maintain the integrity of the process and supports the families in managing the necessary paperwork related to the deceased's affairs. By delivering the death certificate at this stage, funeral directors fulfill their legal responsibility while also aiding in preventing any potential complications that might arise from unauthorized cremation.

In the context of the other alternatives, they do not align with the legal framework governing funeral practices. For instance, delivering the death certificate within 24 hours of death or only after burial does not provide the necessary advance notice required for cremation, while stating that it is only delivered upon family request disregards the formal legal obligations tied to the death certificate. Hence, the emphasis on delivery prior to confirmed cremation is