Frequently asked questions about funerals.

Melbourne Funerals

 » Who can certify a death?

 » When is the coroner involved?

 » What are the ashes?

 » Where can the ashes go?

 » Why burial/cremation?

 » Sending the deceased overseas.

 » How long can we take?

 » What is Embalming?

 » What is the differance between a Coffin and a Casket?

 » What do I do with the Reigstry Of Births Deaths & Marriages?

Who can certify a death?
 • Only a doctor can certify death
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When is the coroner involved?
 • When a doctor will not sign/certify death
 • Accident / violence
 • Sudden / unexpected
 • After recent operation
 • Identity unknown
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What are the ashes?
 • After the cremation process only the heavy bones of the deceased are left. They are granulated to provide the “Ashes”
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Where can the ashes go?
 • Temple or Church
 • Cemetery
 • At home
 • Overseas
 • Scatter
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Why burial/cremation?
 • Religious needs
 • Cultural requirements
 • Personal wishes
 • Government direction
 • Cost
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Overseas Repatriation Of Deceased Or Ashes (Sending the deceased overseas)
 • To be reunited with spouse
 • Here on holiday
 • Family graves or scattering overseas
 • Return to place of birth
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How long can we take? (AS LONG AS FAMILY NEEDS)
 • May be family overseas who need to attend
 • Family direction
 • Religious direction
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Embalming (blood is replaced with embalming fluid preserving & returning colour)
 • Preserve the body for repatriation (mandatory for export)
 • Preserve the body for longer than one week - better presentation for local services
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Coffin / Casket
 • A Coffin is widest at the shoulders & tapers slightly towards the head and even more at the feet. The lid comes off completely (Rosewood, White Dome, Ambassador)
 • A Casket is the same width from top to bottom & the lid remains attached when open (Desert Champagne, Hartfield, Devon)
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Reigstry Of Births Deaths & Marriages
 • The funeral director will collect the necessary family information required by the Registrar of Births Deaths & Marriages to produce a Certified Copy of the Death Certificate. This certificate is necessary for all legal matters after a person has died.
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