In our FAQs section, we have provided answers to some of our most commonly asked questions pertaining to funerals and our services. If you have any additional questions or concerns that are not covered below, please contact us. We want your experience working with us to be a positive one.
What are the job duties of funeral directors?
What are the job duties of funeral directors?
Funeral directors work very hard to serve others in many seen and unseen ways. They are licensed professionals who specialize in each part of funerals and related services. They take the deceased into their care after death, prepare the deceased and proivide information, support, and expertise to the family. They plan visitations and ceremonies, prepare documents and arrange for transportation, sometimes international, and strive to fulfill families' wishes. They can help you understand your funeral-related legal rights and also assist with insurance-related paperwork. Funeral directors have experience helping grieving families and can provide them with additional resources and recommendations for their journey through grief.
What should I do if my loved one dies when I am out of town?
What should I do if my loved one dies when I am out of town?
We recommend that you contact the local medical authorities, which may include the police depending on the death. Afterwards, give us a call right away so we can start planning your loved one's funeral services. We know it’s important for you to get back home, so we make this process as seamless as possible. Calling us right away will help you avoid any duplication of fees or services.
Can my loved one’s service be personalized?
Can my loved one’s service be personalized?
Yes! We know that having a personalized service is important to many families, so we will do what we can to make your loved one’s service special. When we meet, let us know about her/his interests, hobbies, achievements, and anything else that will help us get a sense of who s/he was. We want to create a service that satisfies your wishes, honors your loved one, and provides a sense of closure for family and friends
Should I bring my children to the funeral service?
Should I bring my children to the funeral service?
Children experience grief and, like anyone, have a need to express it. However, it’s up to you to determine how you will help your child along in this process. Attending a funeral service can be hard but beneficial. If you decide to bring your child along, consider explaining to your child what they will see and experience, so they are not surprised. Set expectations for how they should behave, and if they become noisy or too upset, it is best to remove them from the service out of respect for others in attendance.
What’s the purpose of a viewing?
What’s the purpose of a viewing?
A viewing can be very difficult to confront but is often a crucial and healthy component of accepting the death of a loved one. It gives families one last chance to see their loved one, many times in better condition than they last saw them, and fully understand they are really and truly gone from this life. Many grief experts believe that such acceptance can help prevent normal, healthy grief from becoming complicated and unhealthy.
Can we have a viewing if my loved one was an organ donor or had an autopsy?
Can we have a viewing if my loved one was an organ donor or had an autopsy?
In a majority of cases the answer is yes.
If we choose cremation, can we still have a viewing and a funeral service?
If we choose cremation, can we still have a viewing and a funeral service?
Generally, yes. All the components of a traditional funeral service, including a viewing, can take place. The only difference is that after the funeral, instead of being interred in the ground or a mausoleum, the deceased is cremated.
Why do people use embalming?
Why do people use embalming?
Embalming is used to sanitize the body and preserve it for a finite amount of time (through the funeral). Embalming can also have a restorative effect, helping the decedent to appear more like themselves before the event/s that contributed to death. We often hear that the deceased looks much better than they did the last time families saw them. Knowing we can comfort others through a kinder, lasting, final image is one of the most gratifying aspects of our work.
Is embalming required by law?
Is embalming required by law?
Florida law does not require embalming, but most funeral homes have a professional policy requiring embalming for a public viewing. If you do not want embalming, this will not preclude a private family viewing prior to final disposition. (A private family viewing consists of up to around 10 or so family members only and lasts about 15 minutes.)
How long does a cremation take?
How long does a cremation take?
Though it varies, it usually takes 3-5 hours.
How do I know I am receiving only my loved one’s ashes?
How do I know I am receiving only my loved one’s ashes?
Our entire cremation process is heavily regulated and held to the highest standard every step of the way. All paperwork and fees are completed with local authorities and rigorous task analysis are in place at the crematory. A metal disk with a unique ID number specific to your loved one accompanies the remains throughout each step of the process to ensure correct identification; you can rest assured you are receiving your loved one’s ashes and no one else's.
How do I know if I can scatter my loved one’s ashes?
How do I know if I can scatter my loved one’s cremated remains?
The government typically does not regulate the scattering of cremated remains. However, if you want to scatter cremated remains at a public park, it's best to submit a formal request to avoid any legal trouble. As long as you check the rules beforehand and are considerate, you typically shouldn’t have any problems.
What is a columbarium?
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a room or building where urns filled with ashes are stored. Typically, they’re located in mausoleums, chapels, or memorial gardens, and contain many niches that are designed to hold urns.
What should I say to the bereaved if I see them in public?
What should I say to the bereaved if I see them in public?
If it's your first time seeing them since the death occurred, acknowledge the loss and offer your condolences. After that, always greet them kindly and ask them about their wellbeing. You don't have to be afriad to mention the deceased. They have not forgotten the loss and are often glad you have not forgotten someone so important. Take particular care not to attempt to explain why the death happened or "fix" with words what cannot be fixed. And avoid putting others' grief on your time table. These things, though well-meaning can often cause additional pain in those who are already hurting a great deal. It's ok to be honest and sincerely say, "I'm so sorry this happened. I wish I could make it go away, but I can't." It's ok to hug and say nothing at all. Many times just being there is enough.
How can I help the bereaved after the funeral is over?
How can I help the bereaved after the funeral is over?
After the funeral, the grieving process is not over. It takes time to lessen the pain and sadness of a loss. That’s why you should offer your support for months or even years to come. Helping the bereaved do their daily chores or spending time with them can help. Sending them a letter or giving them a phone call can brighten their day. Even if they decline your invitations, don't give up. Continue to invite them to social functions and special occasions. Eventually, they may want to be social again and knowing they can lean on you is so important. They will never "get over it," but there will come a time, as it must, that they will get on with it.
