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allows the family to begin the process of settling estate matters. The director will advise the family as to the number of certified death certificates needed to begin the process, as well as advising them on potential issues to be addressed shortly after the final disposition. A growing number of funeral directors are trained as grief counselors and continue even after the funeral to help along in the bereavement process.
Who can make funeral arrangements?
In most cases it is the closest next of kin making the arrangements. On other occasions, the executor or executrix of a will is responsible. An agent having been appointed by the deceased will supersede all others and make the funeral arrangements. The agent, having been instructed by the deceased, in the form of a legal document signed by the deceased and witnessed in accordance with Public Health Laws, will fulfill the wishes and will coordinate with the funeral director the arrangements set forth in the document. The person signing the contract becomes responsible for the payment of the funeral services performed.
What should I be prepared to provide when going to the funeral home to make arrangements?
When making at-need or pre-need arrangements, the family will need to provide information required for the death certificate. This information, referred to as vital statistics consists of the following:
• Deceased’s legal name
• Legal address
• Social security number
• Both parents’ names (including
mother’s maiden name)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Level of education
• If served in the military: years of
service and a copy of the discharge
papers DD214
• Employment history, position held,
nature of industry and place of
employment
• If in ground burial or entombment,
the cemetery and the deed if
available
• If open casket viewing is anticipated,
clothing and a recent picture
Page 32 - DeFriest - Grattan Funeral Homes, Inc.