FAQs
FAQs about Funerals
General Funeral FAQs
Absolutely not, not is it a state law as some may suggest. However, if there is a public gathering or visitation, that does require embalming for public health reasons. When a body is viewed without embalming, we call that a private view. It is a healing alternative to not having a public visitation.
No. Another myth. It is a cemetery requirement to protect the ground from collapsing. Grounds maintenance is their reasoning.
We have been making arrangements and pre-arrangements for years at homes. Covid has drastically changed the how funeral homes communicate with their families. We will follow the lead of our families. We can meet anywhere if that helps your situation.
It is not. However, if you have an estate set up, you may be required to make a public announcement in the case there are debtors that need to be notified. An obituary lets the community know, someone special in our lives has died and that they had a story to tell, albeit little or small. We matter!
Medicaid is a federal and state program to help individuals with no assets or means to pay for their wellbeing. There are important benchmarks that outline Mediciad. For example, assets have to be less than $2000. There are other parameters to apply as well. A funeral trust is an acceptable spend down expense that can be used to lower assets to get below $2000. It seems daunting. We can help. Our pre-arranging specialists are the best in the business at helping you understand and make sound decisions!
Funeral Expenses
Sounds like it should be, but it is not a legitimate tax write-off. Sorry… Read more
Many firms require services paid for at the time of arrangements. That is a hefty requirement, one which we do not. We ask for honest and frank discussions on how it will be paid. Our focus is providing an exceptional service first and foremost.
Sort and quick is no. Being a veteran does not equate to funeral expenses being required. The exception of course is if you are killed in the line of duty while serving in the Armed Forces.
This is another myth. Unfortunately, no. A death benefit of $255 is paid to a surviving spouse of dependent child. Social Security benefits for a living spouse or dependent child will vary upon individual situations.
End of life services is one of our most important decisions we can make in our lives. And with these decisions, expenses are created. We offer packages that not only simplifies the process, helps pass additional savings to your family. We have a general price list as a guide to help you make decisions. One caution is that there are a litany of other decisions that can increase the total price; such as obituaries, flowers, lunches. It is crucial to have a honest funeral home that does not try to give you the impression costs are low, only to find out at the time of death, items are added on. That is the old classic bait and switch. At O’Connell’s, we will give you a honest estimate by way of asking key questions.
Pre paying expenses covers the cost of a funeral. If done correctly, the interest made also covers inflationary costs.
Funeral Etiquette
Funeral Preplanning
Pre-planning is a gift you can give you family. Take away the “I wonder if’s” and replace them with “Here is what I would like”. Now, DON’T be dismissive! For example, don’t say” I don’t want anything.” Please look at this as your opportunity to create something healing and meaningful. We owe that to our loved ones!
