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Why Have A Funeral? Grief Support Planning A Funeral Pre-Planning A Funeral Paying For A Funeral Frequently Asked Questions
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What happens to the cremated remains?
You have the opportunity to determine what will happen with cremated remains. Some families choose to memorialise within cemetery/crematoria grounds whilst others may wish to purchase an urn. Also some families may wish to place the cremated remains at a place that was significant to the person or scatter them at sea.
How much does a funeral cost?
To obtain an accurate cost we suggest you have a face-to-face meeting with your funeral director so that all the options can be explained and all costs can be itemised, that said as a guide, an appropriately conducted funeral may cost anywhere between $4,000 and $12,000. Funerals are personal events and therefore each family will make different decisions on the style of service they wish to have. These choices will reflect the personal, cultural and financial needs of a family and can significantly impact on the overall cost of the funeral.
Funerals can be expensive. How will I know if I can afford it?
Every funeral firm should be able to give you an indication of what the costs of their services are likely to be. It is essential to ensure that, when various firms provide you with an indicative cost, they do so on a like-for-like basis. If you choose a funeral firm that is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association they are required to give a written, itemised estimate of costs when required by families at the time of taking instruction.
Why do I have to register the death?
By law, all deaths have to be registered. This process is normally conducted by your chosen Funeral Home as part of their service.
I have chosen the wrong funeral company. Can I change my mind?
You can change your mind although you should be aware, that if your loved one has been transferred into the funeral home, there may already be costs incurred with the first company and you will be responsible for paying that bill.
Should I arrange a viewing of my loved one?
This is a very personal question and whilst a viewing can be perceived as an unpleasant experience for many in a calm and tranquil environment the viewing can provide:
Acknowledgment and recognition the passing of a loved one
A chance to say goodbye
Provide a strong support network
Provide memories that are often leaned on during the early steps of the recovery process
When should the funeral take place?
There can be many things that can impact on the timing of the funeral including religious beliefs, whether family members are interstate or overseas, whether a priest or celebrant is available, whether the selected venue is available. Do not rush your decisions or setting the date of the funeral. Whilst most funerals are conducted within 5 to 10 days of the death, the date of the funeral is entirely up to you. Provide yourself with plenty of time so that all the elements can be planned and coordinated without feeling any pressure. The funeral is the final opportunity for family and friends to honour the life lost.
What happens when someone dies interstate or overseas?
The local procedures must be followed and local authorities will liaise with your funeral director while making arrangements for the deceased to be brought home.
How do I decide which funeral firm to choose?
Choosing a funeral firm can be difficult, especially if you are confronted with having to make a quick decision. Many people ask friends or relatives to recommend a firm that they have dealt with, or have heard positive comments about. By choosing a funeral firm which is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association you can be assured it is quality assessed and can be expected to provide a guaranteed level of service. Our members are bound by a Code of Practice against which their performance can be measured. To search for a member firm use the NFDA Member Search.
When does the Coroner become involved?
Under the Coroners Act of 2003 Coroners are responsible for investigating reportable deaths. A reportable death is where:
The identity of the deceased is unknown.
The death was violent or unnatural, i.e., accidents, falls, suicide or drug overdoses.
The death happened in suspicious circumstances.
A "cause of death" certificate has not been issued and is not likely to be issued.
The death was a health care related death.
The death occurred in care or custody.
The death occurred as a result of police operations.
About the NFDA
Established in 1995, the National Funeral Directors Association of Australia (NFDA) is a nationwide network of Australian Funeral Directors and Suppliers to the Funeral Industry.
Members of the NFDA provide quality service to their client families and their communities, with great emphasis on the personal care traditionally associated with the funeral industry. Whilst being able to keep the traditional values of service, our members also embrace the community's desire to allow funerals to evolve and are able to excel in their mission to meet the needs of their client families.
Member firms are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and to become signatories to the NFDA Members Code of Practice on acceptance of their membership to the Association. Funeral Director members' premises and facilities must comply with the National Funeral Directors' Association "Minimum Standards" requirements.
NFDA members strive to provide the very best of care and are at your service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you would like more information about your closest NFDA member, enter the relevant information into the search section of this web site, or contact the secretary through the contact page.
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