When someone close to you passes away, it's quite normal to go into shock and then into a full planning mode. To help you during this challenging time, the Victoria Cross Funerals team have prepared a checklist.
The checklist
1. Things to do immediately
If the death was at a hospital or nursing home, staff will arrange for a doctor to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. If the death happened at home and was expected, call your General Practitioner to issue the certificate. In some circumstances, the Coroner may be involved.
2. Organ donation
If organ or tissue donation is relevant, the next of kin may be required to provide consent. Hospitals can check the Australian Organ Donor Register.
3. Pre-paid funerals, funeral bonds, and insurance
Check whether the deceased had existing funeral arrangements (pre-paid plan or funeral bond) and whether any insurance applies.
4. Funeral director
Consider the Funeral Support Manager's experience, facilities, and ability to meet your needs (burial, cremation, or specific cultural requirements). If a preferred Funeral Support Manager was nominated, contact them to arrange transfer to the mortuary.
5. The funeral service
A funeral service provides an opportunity to say goodbye. You may need to consider type of funeral, budget, and whether you'd like a celebrant.
6. Paying for the funeral
Identify the source of funds and budget. Payment sources may include insurance, pre-paid planning, bank funds, superannuation, or government allowances.
7. Which organisations to contact
Notify organisations and companies the deceased was associated with to stop subscriptions and update records. This may include banks, utilities, superannuation, Medicare/Centrelink, and other providers.
- Things to do immediately
- Organ donation
- Pre-paid funerals / funeral bonds
- Selecting a Funeral Support Manager
- Planning the service
- Paying for the funeral
- Contacting organisations and companies