Before you start making funeral arrangements, it would be wise to confirm if the deceased has left any prior documented instructions.
This may take the form of a written Will, or a pre-paid funeral plan, pre-arranged funeral plan, funeral insurance, funeral bond or a pre-purchased burial plot or cremation site.
The deceased’s important papers may be kept within any of the following:
- Personal belongings
- Safe or filing cabinet
- Bank Safe Deposit Box
- Solicitor or Accountant
- The Public Trustee
- Personal Computer
A pre-arranged funeral is where the deceased had discussed with a funeral director their preferences for their service. No formal agreement or contract was entered into, and there is no obligation to use the services of that funeral director. Payment has not been made in advance, and will be expected at the time the service is conducted.
A pre-paid funeral has been purchased in advance from a funeral director, documenting the deceased’s preferences for their service. There is usually no additional amount to be paid for that contracted funeral.
In the case of funeral insurance or bonds, it will be necessary to contact the provider for details of their requirements, as this task is not usually performed by a funeral director.
See the section ‘Pre-planning a Funeral’ on our website for more information.
If you require the services of a ‘Funeral Director’, please use our Business Search facility.
