Pre-Arrangements
Q: Do we need to bring clothes or do you provide them?
A: If there is something that you would like your loved one to wear or if they left something to wear,
you may bring it when you meet with the funeral director. If you are unsure at the time, we also
have clothing available for purchase.)
Q: How do we get in touch with the church?
A: Your funeral director will call the church (or you and make the arrangements for you unless you
have a personal relationship with the pastor/minister.
Q: Do we call Social Security?
A: Social Security is automatically notified by the funeral home when the death certificate is
completed
Q: Can we bring photos?
A: We provide magnetic boards that will hold family photos. You can also display them in your
own frames and place them on tables throughout the viewing room. The funeral home also provides
eisles to display picture collages. Most funeral homes have the capability to offer video tributes.
Do we need to pay for the Funeral service up front?
A:Some funeral homes may ask to pay the cash advances up front which may include the organist,
clergy, death certificates, burial pennant, flowers, obituary and any cemetery costs. You may also
be offered a discount if services are paid up front or you can assign lift insurance proceeds to help
pay or the costs. It depends on the funeral home.
Q: Who takes care of filing for the insurance?
A: If you would like to use life insurances to help pay for funeral expenses, we can file for you or
assist you in filling out the paperwork (this will also depend on the funeral home).
Q: Can we bring in our own obituary for the newspaper?
A: Yes, you may, it can be submitted as is written since the Vindicator now charges for obituaries.
You may also place it in the out of town newspapers if needed and they may also charge you a fee.
Q: What will be included in our cost? What is not included?
A: In your funeral expenses the charges normally would include basic services of funeral home and
staff your casket selection, outer burial vault (if required), use of the funeral home, embalming
(if required), automobiles & obituary for the newspaper. Some things that may not be included are
flowers, clergy, organist and cemetery. These things would be discussed at the meeting with your
funeral director.
Q: When do we need to order a headstone?
A: You can order one at anytime. Some headstones may take up to 3 months to complete.
Q: Do we notify the Veterans Office/Social Security?
A: Most funeral homes will take care of this for you. These agencies may contact you if they need
additional information.
Q: Who pays for the clergy, organist?
A: You may take care of that yourself on the day of the services or it can be added to your funeral
expenses. This may also depend on the funeral home.
Q: Do we need an outer burial container ?
A: Yes, it is required by law by all cemeteries if a ground burial is selected
Q: How do we get a death certificate? How many do we need to get? Who might need one?
A: Death certificates will be obtained by the funeral home. You will usually need one for the
following, but not limited to:
• Social Security (may be required depending on your particular circumstance)
•Banks, Stocks, Bonds
•Attorney for the estate
•Automobile transfers
•Lift Insurances Claims
• Veterans Benefits
B. Once filed with the health department in the county of death additional certified copies can be
obtained
Q: What are Pre-needs?
A: Pre-needs are when you pre-arrange your funeral wishes at today's cost for tomorrow's
services. Pre-needs can be paid for by cash, check, credit card or Life Insurance assignments.
Pre-needs can be transferred from one funeral home to another. If you would like more information
you can call us at 330.788.9651.