My Funeral and Cemetery

Transcription

1 A Gift of Love for My Family My Funeral and Cemetery PLANNING NOTEBOOK

2 I know it sounds odd, but one of the most remarkable and one of the kindest gifts my father gave me was to plan the details of his own funeral service. Ellen Ficklen, as quoted in Newsweek Magazine T o Our Loved Ones In this planning guide you will find information which we have recorded to assist you in completing our final arrangements. We have tried to minimize the emotional strain and distress you are now feeling. We hope this information will help you avoid confusion, anxiety and unnecessary expense. Love, Signed Date Signed Date

3 Immediate Decisions And Arrangements That Must Be Made There are many decisions and arrangements that must be made when there is a death in the family. Very few people are aware of the high cost and complexity of last minute arrangements. With the help of this planning guide and our staff, your family will be spared of this burden. Here is a list of things that must be done. Notify Immediately Decide and Arrange Immediately 1. Cemetery 1. Select cemetery 11. Order death certificates 2. Funeral Director 2. Select cemetery 12. Provide obituary to newspaper 3. Physician 3. Check Will for special wishes 13. Select Pallbearers 4. Clergy 4. Select burial property 14. Type of service (military, etc.) 5. Attorney/Executor of Estate 5. Select casket 15. Select clergy 6. Relatives 6. Select burial vault 16. Time & location of services 7. Friends 7. Select clothing for deceased 17. Special readings and music 8. Employer of deceased 8. Select flowers 18. Organist 9. Employers of family members 9. Select memorialization 19. Provide information for eulogy 10. Insurance Agents (life, health, etc.) 10. Check and sign burial permit 20. Funeral transportation 11. Organizations (religious, civic, etc.) 12. Notices for Newspapers Necessary Vital Statistics Necessary Documents Necessary Payments 1. Name, home address & phone 1. Cemetery arrangement documents 1. Cemetery services 2. How long in state 2. Funeral arrangement documents 2. Cemetery merchandise 3. Business name, address & phone 3. Will 3. Funeral services 4. Occupation and title 4. Birth certificate 4. Funeral merchandise 5. Social Security number 5. Social Security card 5. Clergy/Officiant 6. Veteran s Serial number 6. Marriage license 6. Organist 7. Date of birth 7. Citizens paper 7. Florist 8. Place of birth 8. Insurance policies 8. Transportation 9. U.S. Citizenship 9. Bank books 9. Death Certificates 10. Father s name 10 Deeds to property 10 Obituaries 11. Mother s name including maiden 11. Bill of sale for car 12. Highest level of education 12. Income tax returns * Include sales tax when applicable 13. Veteran s discharge certificate 14. Disability and pension claims This information is required for the burial permit by the board of health. This information is required to determine payments and benefits from insurance, pension, social security, etc. Most of these items can be arranged and paid for in advance of need, thus easing the emotional and financial burden for the family.

4 What Are Your Favorite Hobbies? Let Us Tell Your Story

5 Do You Have A Favorite Local Venue?

6 What is your legacy? What Is Your Fondest Childhood Memory? What Do You Feel Is Your Greatest Personality Trait And Why? How Do I Want To Be Remembered? What Will Be Regarded As My Major Accomplishments? What Improvements Will I Have Made To The World? What Lessons Do I Want To Have Taught Others?

7 Personal Record This vital information is needed to obtain the death certificate. Recording it now will avoid delay at the time of need. This will also serve as a source of information for a newspaper obituary. Name Address first middle last street city state zip years at address Previous Address street city state zip years at address State Residence Since Place of Birth County Residence Since state year county year state city county Date of Birth Citizen of U.S. Yes No Social Security No. Highest Level Education. Marital Status: Single Married # of Years Married Divorced Widowed Name of Spouse Spouse Maiden Name Occupation Employer Years Education school degree years Clubs, Lodges Military Service Father s Name Mother s Name branch rank serial no. place of birth place of birth Special Recognition and Achievements Special Background Interest

8 Personal Record This vital information is needed to obtain the death certificate. Recording it now will avoid delay at the time of need. This will also serve as a source of information for a newspaper obituary. Name Address first middle last street city state zip years at address Previous Address street city state zip years at address State Residence Since Place of Birth County Residence Since state year county year state city county Date of Birth Citizen of U.S. Yes No Social Security No. Highest Level Education. Marital Status: Single Married # of Years Married Divorced Widowed Name of Spouse Spouse Maiden Name Occupation Employer Years Education school degree years Clubs, Lodges Military Service Father s Name Mother s Name branch rank serial no. place of birth place of birth Special Recognition and Achievements Special Background Interest

9 Relatives To Be Notified The support and assistance of family and friends can be invaluable. Make special note of those who can be of immediate assistance and help in carrying out your wishes. Sons Daughters Parents Brothers Sisters # Grandchildren # Great Grandchildren # Nieces # Nephews Other Relatives And Friends To Be Notified Name

10 Relatives To Be Notified The support and assistance of family and friends can be invaluable. Make special note of those who can be of immediate assistance and help in carrying out your wishes. Sons Daughters Parents Brothers Sisters # Grandchildren # Great Grandchildren # Nieces # Nephews Other Relatives And Friends To Be Notified Name

11 Insurance Policies Millions of dollars are lost every year in unclaimed life insurance because the family never knew that certain policies existed. Insurance benefits must be applied for at the time of a death. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate for each company. If policies are lost or destroyed, you will need the name of the company and the policy number to make a claim. Life Insurance Policy List Insurance Company Agency No. Policy No. Name of Insured Beneficiary Amount of Benefit Insurance Company Agency No. Policy No. Name of Insured Beneficiary Amount of Benefit Insurance Company Agency No. Policy No. Name of Insured Beneficiary Amount of Benefit Medical Insurance Insurance Company Agency No. Individuals Covered Policy No. Insurance Company Agency No. Individuals Covered Disability Insurance Policy No. Insurance Company Agency No. Name of Insured Monthly Benefit Policy No. Property Insurance List (Homeowners, automobile, boat, personal property, etc.) Insurance Company Agency No. Property Insured Type of Insurance Policy No. Insurance Company Agency No. Property Insured Type of Insurance Policy No.

12 My Personal Wishes Preference in Arrangements For: 1. Ceremony location: o Church o Funeral Center o Cemetery o Other Church Clergy/Officiant Funeral Home Cemetery Other 2. Funeral Preference: Funeral Certificate Number Viewing: o Family and Friends o Immediate Family Only o None Certificate in the name of Time(s) for viewing Casket Clothing Military Service: o Yes o No Flag: o Yes o No Lodge Service: o Yes o No Organization Transportation: o Lead Car o Clergy Car o Flower Car o Family Limousine Pallbearers

13 3. Burial Preferences: Certificate of Burial Rights Number Type: o Ground Burial o Mausoleum o Cremation/Memorialization o Other Certificate in the name of In-ground Interment: Section Lot Block Grave Vault preference Mausoleum entombment: Section Row Level Crypt# Columbarium: Section Row Level Niche # 4. Memorialization Preferences: Type: o Flush Memorial o Upright Monument o Companion o Single o Granite o Bronze o Urn Manufacturer 5. Personal Preferences: Flowers and memorial contributions: o Flowers o Memorial contributions o Prefer memorial contributions made to: Color Type Glasses to be worn: o Yes o No o Remove before interment Return to Jewelry: o Stay on o Remove before interment Return to Organist Soloist Music Selections Personal Requests and Wishes

14 My Personal Wishes Preference in Arrangements For: 1. Ceremony location: o Church o Funeral Center o Cemetery o Other Church Clergy/Officiant Funeral Home Cemetery Other 2. Funeral Preference: Funeral Certificate Number Viewing: o Family and Friends o Immediate Family Only o None Certificate in the name of Time(s) for viewing Casket Clothing Military Service: o Yes o No Flag: o Yes o No Lodge Service: o Yes o No Organization Transportation: o Lead Car o Clergy Car o Flower Car o Family Limousine Pallbearers

15 3. Burial Preferences: Certificate of Burial Rights Number Type: o Ground Burial o Mausoleum o Cremation/Memorialization o Other Certificate in the name of In-ground Interment: Section Lot Block Grave Vault preference Mausoleum entombment: Section Row Level Crypt# Columbarium: Section Row Level Niche # 4. Memorialization Preferences: Type: o Flush Memorial o Upright Monument o Companion o Single o Granite o Bronze o Urn Manufacturer 5. Personal Preferences: Flowers and memorial contributions: o Flowers o Memorial contributions o Prefer memorial contributions made to: Color Type Glasses to be worn: o Yes o No o Remove before interment Return to Jewelry: o Stay on o Remove before interment Return to Organist Soloist Music Selections Personal Requests and Wishes

16 Death Benefit Social Security Benefits When you die, whether still working or retired, a lump sum of $255 is payable to a surviving spouse who is living with you at the time of death. If you don t have a spouse living with you, then payment may be made to a spouse or children who are immediately eligible for monthly benefits based on your earnings record. Otherwise, the benefit is not payable. To facilitate receiving Social Security benefits, your survivor will need: 1. Marriage Certificate 5. Social Security number of the deceased 2. Birth Certificate of applicant 6. Social Security number of spouse 3. Birth Certificate of the deceased 7. Death Certificate 4. Birth Certificate of minor children 8. W-2 Form or Schedule C Survivor s Benefits If an insured dies, the widow, dependant widower, children and dependent parents of that person may be eligible for monthly survivor s benefits. To receive a free booklet detailing survivors benefits contact the Social Security Administration. To be sure your Social Security payroll deductions have been properly credited to your account, you should request a statement for the Social Security Administration every three years. If an error occurs in your records, it must be corrected within 39 months. If it isn t it could affect the amount that you receive monthly upon retirement. To receive a free statement of your earnings covered by Social Security and your estimated future benefits, call the Social Security Administration. Note: Social Security Administration toll free number is Veterans Benefits Veteran survivors are entitled to receive various benefits, depending upon the status of the service person. The Veterans Administration offers a free pamphlet entitled Summary of Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits. To receive this pamphlet or to obtain any other veteran information, contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Administration at Wills Everyone needs a will. A will is one of the finest protections you give your loved ones. Your will is the least expensive way to protect your life s work and savings. With a will, you name the person or persons to administer your estate, handle financial matters and act as guardian for your minor children. Without a will, the probate judge makes these decisions and the cost for this process can be high as ten percent of the net value of your estate. The law is very precise in its requirements with respect to the writing, signing and witnessing of wills. It is recommended that the preparation and execution of a will be handled by an attorney. Name Name My Attorney My Attorney Name Name

17 Frequently Asked Questions What does it mean to pre-arrange or pre-plan? Pre-arranging allows you to make all the decisions regarding your final arrangements for cremation or burial. By pre-planning, you relieve your family of the emotional and financial burden associated with funeral arrangements. Your family can be assured that your wishes are being carried out. This also keeps your family from emotionally overspending at the time of your death. Pre-planning provides financial security to your loved ones as you are locking in today s prices for the services you choose. Can I make payments on funeral pre planning? Yes, many families choose to make payments over 3, 5, or even 10 year periods based on their situation. Our advisors work with each family to explore the options that are most comfortable for their budget. I have life insurance. I can just sign it over to the funeral home, can t I? Insurance can be signed over to the funeral home, however this is typically only executed in the case of Medicaid spend downs. Although insurance policies can be assigned to the funeral, it does not lock in today s costs unlike a funded pre-arrangement through the funeral home. Can I transfer my funeral pre-arrangement? Many funded pre-arrangements are secured by an insurance product specific to the funeral industry. These policies are transferable nationwide should you move or choose another provider. Does a Power of Attorney (POA) have the right of disposition? Power of Attorney typically ends at the time of death unless it is specifically stated otherwise that the power of attorney also has the right to final disposition and funeral arrangements. What is a Funeral Declaration and how does it help me get what I want? The Funeral Declaration in Indiana allows you to designate a person to carry out your wishes and allows you to specify what those wishes are. Under the law your designee is required to carry out those plans. The document must be signed and properly witnessed to be valid. In addition, you must provide funding for the declaration to be valid. This supercedes your next of kin s ability to make decisions, if the individual stated in the declaration is not your current next of kin. Can I access the bank account of the deceased (without a Death Certificate) if my name is on it? We encourage you to discuss this with your bank, as banks vary on their requirements. This also depends on how the accounts are set up. Most banks will ask for a certified death certificate.

18 Frequently Asked Questions Why is it important to have an updated will? Your will is the least expensive way to protect your life s work and savings. With a will, you name the person or persons to administer your estate, handle financial matters and act as a guardian for your minor children. Without a will, the probate judge makes these decisions and the cost for this process can be as high as 10% of the net value of your estate. However, we encourage you to put your final wishes regarding funeral arrangements in writing with a funeral home as many times the will is not read until after services. Does Social Security provide benefits to the children when the second spouse dies? Social Security provides death benefits for a surviving spouse and dependent children if applicable. You may contact Social Security at to discuss your specific situation. What information do I need to present if I m a veteran? Veterans will be asked for a copy of their honorable discharge, also known as their DD214. Can I purchase the casket myself? Yes, you can purchase the casket from an outside vendor. Should you choose to do this, we encourage that a representative from your family be present at the time of delivery to inspect the casket and ensure it meets your expectations. Because we own our own casket company, Private Label, we are able to offer options to families within any budget. Am I required to run an obituary in the newspaper? You are not required to run an obituary in the newspaper. Flanner and Buchanan offers online obituaries to serve as a tribute to your loved one. This online obituary includes services times, photographs, an online guestbook, and a video collage of photographs from your loved one s life. Is it a law that I have to have an outer burial container? Most cemeteries require an outer burial container. The outer burial containers purpose it to protect the casket from the weight of the earth and heavy maintenance equipment that will pass over the grave. Vaults help resist water and preserve the beauty of the cemetery by preventing the ground from settling. How long after death until cremation can take place? Indiana law states that 48 hours must pass, and the funeral home must have a signed death certificate before cremation may take place.

19 Celebrate Life s Relationships

20 Community Compassion Commitment Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers 24 hour switchboard (317) or (800) Broad Ripple 1305 E. Broad Ripple Ave Carmel 325 E. Carmel Dr Decatur Twp Kentucky Ave Geist 7855 Cork Road Market Street 635 E. Market St Speedway 2950 N. High School Rd Zionsville 105 W. Pine St Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services Indianapolis 1604 W. Morris St Lawrence* 5215 N. Shadeland Ave Anderson 504 W. Ninth Street Cemetery & Funeral Combinations (Community Centers Available) Floral Park* 425 N. Holt Rd Hamilton Memorial Park* 4180 Westfield Rd. (SR 32) Memorial Park* 9350 E. Washington St Oaklawn Memorial Gardens* 9700 Allisonville Rd Washington Park East* E. Washington St Washington Park North* 2706 Kessler Blvd., W. Dr * Funeral Center Operated by Flanner and Buchanan Cemeteries Calvary Cemetery 435 West Troy Ave Calvary (Terre Haute) 4227 Wabash Ave Holy Cross & St. Joseph 2446 S. Meridian St Our Lady Of Peace 9001 Haverstick Rd Kessler Woods Natural Grounds 2702 Kessler Blvd., W. Dr St. Joseph (Terre Haute) 1230 North 3 rd St. Malachy North (Brownsburg) 56th St. and N St. Malachy West (Brownsburg) St. Rd West Ridge Park 9295 W. 21 st St Or visit us on the web at: