Q - Can I make funeral arrangements before a death is registered?

A - Yes - It is important to contact a funeral director as soon as possible in order for them to be able to guide and assist you at this time. Funeral arrangements can be made before a death is registered, however, it may not be possible to confirm the day/time of funeral or place a newspaper announcement until registration has taken place.

Q - A death has occurred in hospital - how soon can the person be moved from hospital into the care of a funeral director?

A - This is dependant on whether the funeral will be burial or cremation. A death is often required to be registered, however, a person can be moved relatively quickly when burial is to take place. For cremation to take place, it is necessary for medical forms to be completed by two doctors (these may take approximately 48 hours for completion) before a person can be moved into a funeral directors' care.

Q - The coroner is involved, do I have to wait before I contact a funeral director?

A - No - Contact a funeral director as soon as you feel ready, as some preliminary arrangements are able to be made for the funeral. You will not be able to finalise the arrangements until the coroner grants the necessary authorisation for a funeral service to take place.

Q - We are due to go away on holiday, but are concerned about an elderly relative - what provisions can we make in case something happens?

A - Ideally, you will need to leave some contact details and instructions for a funeral service with a nursing home / carer / neighbour etc. to enable a funeral director to be contacted in the event of something happening. The person can then be moved into the care of a funeral director who will be able to provide advice and guidance on registering the death and may be able to make some arrangements for the funeral ready for your return.

Q - What about environmentally friendly funerals?

A - Please ring to discuss this with us, or click on
contact us for some general information. We are able to provide eco-friendly coffins and help you with your enquiries.