Funeral Planning - Online Resources
- What do I do when someone dies?
- When does the Coroner become involved?
- Who is responsible for arranging a funeral?
- Would most people choose burial or cremation?
- How much choice does the family have in funeral arrangements?
- How much will a funeral cost?
- What is embalming and when is it required?
- Is a viewing necessary?
- What is a Pre-Paid Funeral?
- Someone suggested a "Funeral Bond" - What does this cover?
- What are the benefits of a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan and who is eligible to take one out?
- What does a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan include?
- If I pay for my funeral now, who keeps the money?
- Can I pay a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan by instalments?
- What if I move interstate?
- What happens if the death is interstate or overseas?
- What happens if the funeral company I choose goes out of business?
- Can I get my money out of Pre-Paid Funeral Plan?
What do I do when someone dies?
Contact the person's doctor. A doctor must certify that death has occurred. Normally funeral arrangements cannot be completed until the doctor has signed and issued a Death Certificate. The funeral company can then take the deceased into their care. In Australia the great majority of deaths occur in hospital or other care facilities, in which case those authorities take care of the medical formalities. In certain instances it may not be legally possible for the doctor to issue a death certificate and there is necessity for police and coronial involvement. NOTE: The Australian Funeral Directors Association would advise that you contact the relevant authorities for full details as regulations do vary from state to state.
When does the Coroner become involved?
If the doctor is unable to certify the cause of death it is necessary to contact the police, who then will liaise with coronial staff. This will be necessary in such instances as:
- Death other than by natural causes, including violence, accidental or unusual causes;
- Whilst under anesthetic (or within 24 hours of the administration of an anesthetic);
- Unexpected death;
- Death of a person in an institution, a prison or in police custody, drug or alcohol rehabilitation center;
- When the cause of death is unknown; and
- When the deceased had diagnosed dementia.
Coronial staff or a Government appointed funeral company would transfer the deceased to the Coroner. In the instance of deceased with dementia this may not be deemed necessary following police determinations. A post mortem examination, also know as autopsy is a detailed examination externally and of internal organs to establish the cause of death. This examination is conducted by a doctor known as a pathologist. An approach to a funeral director of your choice should be made as soon as possible. The Funeral Director will then liaise with Coronial staff regarding release of the deceased into their care.
Who is responsible for arranging a funeral?
In most instances, the next of kin e.g. spouse, child, parent, legal partner or sibling. In instance of dispute, where it is known a Will exists, the arbiter of arrangements is deemed to be the nominated Executor. The Executor may in his/her discretion appoint a person to make necessary arrangements with a Funeral Director. Such occasions, however, are infrequent and most arrangements are made by next of kin. In some cases authorities in institutions where a person may not have any known relatives may need to make necessary arrangements, and this usually done by a Social Worker or another authorized officer.
Would most people choose burial or cremation?
In Australia today the numbers of people choosing to be cremated are steadily increasing. Whilst there is some variance between states and territories, cremations now outnumber burials. Cremation funerals are much higher in city areas where crematory facilities are available. Rural and remote regions tend to favor burials. In certain cultures cremation is not favored (or may even be prohibited within their belief system). In other cultures the opposite may occur with cremation being the custom e.g. as in the Hindu tradition. It is a matter of personal choice.
How much choice does the family have in funeral arrangements?
The family has absolute choice with certain exceptions as in the case of Coronial Investigation in some murder cases where permission may be given for a funeral by burial only. A Funeral Director can volunteer options to a family but it is the family's right to choose whatever they wish providing necessary legal requirements are met. There may be some variation between states and territories within Australia, however, in most instances relevant Health Departments require deceased to be placed in a coffin or casket for burial or cremation. In the case of cremation the coffin/casket must be combustible. Again in certain states funerals may be Government assisted in the event of insufficient funds. Such funerals have limitations on choices. Seek advice from a Funeral Director, Social Worker or relevant Government Office.
How much will a funeral cost?
This simple question has a complex answer - like building a house - the answer could be almost limitless. There are certain necessary inclusions and certifications required, some of which have fixed costs, some of which are negotiable. The concept of cremation being much less in cost than burial may not always be the case if the family already have a license/lease for a grave which has allowed provision for further interments, in which case re-opening and digging fees would apply. A specific answer cannot be given to this question because of the scope of options available.
The costs of a funeral are categorized under:
- Professional Service Fees;
- Disbursements, i.e. Funeral company out of pocket expenses; and
- Coffin or Casket choice.
What is embalming and when is it required?
Essentially, embalming is the process of replacement of body fluids with chemical fluids. It serves two main purposes:
- Infection control; and
- Enhancing the presentation of the deceased.
Embalming may be minimal or even unnecessary in some instances; partial embalming benefit families wishing to "view" the deceased and/or when the funeral may be within a week; full embalming may be expected in some cultures or when the body is to be repatriated interstate or overseas.
Is a viewing necessary?
A "viewing" is an opportunity to see and spend time with the person who has died prior to the funeral. Again, in some cultures it may also occur during the funeral. An identification viewing is necessary in Coronial reported details and occurs at the Coroner's facility prior to funeral arrangements. In some states it is also obligatory for a person who knew the deceased to view and sign an official identification form that must be sighted and retained by the Crematorium authority prior to cremation. In a general sense there is not an obligation to view, however, the therapeutic benefits of a viewing to the grief process are well regarded and recommended. It is nonetheless a matter of personal choice and requires sensitivity in approach. And yes, providing explanations are given to children in language that they can understand, there is no reason why they should not have the opportunity to be involved - but, allow them to decide.
Viewings can offer these chances we wish we had...."if only", to:
- Finish-off unfinished business;
- Confirm the reality of death; and
- To say the "I love you", "I'm sorry", "If only" words we may want to say.
What is a Pre-Paid Funeral?
A pre-paid funeral is where you purchase your funeral in advance. The type and style of funeral you want is documented in a contract and you pay for that funeral at today's prices. Subject to any specific terms of a pre-paid funeral contract (e.g. if Government taxes are subsequently imposed or increased), you will not have to pay any more for that contracted funeral regardless of when the funeral is required. Your payment is invested with an independently managed funeral fund and is only released to the funeral director once the contracted funeral service is completed. A pre-arranged funeral is where you may discuss with a funeral director your preference for a type and style of funeral and the funeral director may record your preferences for future reference, but no formal agreement is entered into for that specific funeral. It will be the responsibility of your family or executor to arrange the funeral and to pay for it at the time of the funeral.
Someone suggested a "Funeral Bond" – What does this cover?
A funeral bond is a specialized investment that enables you to accumulate funds to meet future funeral expenses. An investment in a funeral bond is similar to a life insurance policy, whereby your benefit becomes payable on death. The benefits must be used to meet your funeral expenses. A funeral bond is an investment towards the cost of a funeral and by itself does not guarantee against rising funeral prices.
What are the benefits of a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan and who is eligible to take one out?
Anyone can take out a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan regardless of their age or state of health, and in doing so can enjoy the following benefits:
- You can protect your family from the distress of making difficult decisions at an emotional time;
- Your family will be relieved from any financial burden;
- It makes good financial sense. By making all of your choices now, you can fix the price of funeral at today's costs (subject to any specific terms of the contact);
- You can ensure that your exact wishes are made known and are carried out;
- Pre-paying means real peace of mind for you and your family; and
- You may be able to maximize your pension entitlement. Any money paid into the Plan is not subject to the income or assets test or deemed earnings rule (according to current legislation).
What does a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan include?
A Pre-Paid Funeral Plan is designed to reflect your wishes and therefore can include what you want, however, some options to consider include:
- The type and style of funeral service you would like;
- Preparation of the body and viewing arrangements;
- Burial or cremation;
- Which cemetery or crematorium;
- Type of coffin or casket;
- Minister or Celebrant;
- Lifebook web pages and Lifebook cards;
- Death notices, flowers, mourning vehicles etc; and
- Special features you would like to include such as a poem or piece of music.
If I pay for my funeral now, who keeps the money?
The money you pay for your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan is held secure by an independent entity such as a friendly society or trustee company and is properly invested and safeguarded until such time as the funeral services under the Pre-Paid Funeral Plan are required. Only then will the funeral director be paid.
Can I pay a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan by instalments?
There are two ways to make payments for a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan. You can pay for your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan in a lump sum or your funeral director may give you the option to pay by instalments. This is usually arranged through a direct debit or booklet payment system.
What if I move interstate?
If you move interstate you can rearrange your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan accordingly. Your funeral director will be able to assist you with the transferring of your Plan to another funeral director. However, prices cannot necessarily be guaranteed on a transfer, as there may be price differences particularly between many country and city areas. The funds are required to stay in the secure investment you have arranged and can be accessed by the new funeral director at the time of the funeral.
What happens if the death is interstate or overseas?
Your funeral director should be notified immediately. , they should be able to arrange for the transport of the deceased and attend to any statutory or customs requirements. In these circumstances there is usually an additional fee for the transportation. Should the death and funeral occur overseas or interstate, the funds in the Pre-Paid Funeral Plan will be paid to the estate.
What happens if the funeral company I choose goes out of business?
The money you pay for your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan is held by an independent entity and therefore is completely protected. It is invested in a separate fund in your name. It is not accessible by your funeral director until your funeral service has been provided. In the unlikely event that your original funeral director is no longer in business, you can organize to have the Plan transferred to another funeral director.
Can I get my money out of Pre-Paid Funeral Plan?
No. You cannot withdraw from a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan prior to death, nor can it be used in any other way than to pay for your funeral expenses. If you are not completely satisfied with your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan, your investment can be cancelled and your money refunded in full within 14 days of receipt of your investment confirmation. Otherwise no withdrawal from a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan is permitted.
