When a loved one passes away, you may be responsible for making the funeral arrangements and taking the proper legal steps. Even if the death was not unexpected, making these plans can be difficult while you are grieving. Below is a simple guide on what to do after a death, so the process is more manageable.

Your Guide to Making Funeral Arrangements

1. Find Out Whether They Had a Will

If your loved one had a will, it may contain specific instructions for handling their remains and holding a ceremony. This will provide guidance when you meet with a funeral director, as the document may also clarify whether the services were arranged in advance and identify which funeral home is responsible for executing them. If the document only expresses the deceased’s wishes, save this information and convey it to the director. If you do not find a will, use your best judgement to determine what would be most fitting for your loved one.

2. Choose a Funeral Home

If the deceased did not pre-arrange their funeral, then you will need to find a service provider yourself. By law, funeral homes are required to provide general price information in writing; this gives you the flexibility of selecting the services and products you need to make funeral arrangements that fit within your budget. Although you can request this information over the phone, you may prefer to visit the funeral home. Pay attention to how kind and courteous the staff are, as this will give you a sense of how your experience will be with them. 

3. Make the Funeral Arrangements

The funeral arrangements will vary based on personal preferences or religious customs. If your loved one’s faith calls for burials within a certain time frame, focus on inviting close friends and family members who will be available on short notice. Otherwise, work with the funeral home to plan a viewing or wake and ceremony before the burial or cremation; alternately, you can hold a memorial after the cremation. You will also need to put an obituary in the paper to announce the times and dates of these services.

For over 20 years, Dennis George Funeral Home has helped Hamilton County, OH, families plan meaningful services for departed loved ones. These compassionate professionals provide funeral planning guidance and grief support to help their community get through difficult times. To learn more about their services and begin making funeral arrangements, call (513) 941-6700. Visit them online for additional resources, including detailed advice on coordinating with their team.