Arrange funeral or cremation, follow known wishes and check funeral insurance or prepaid contracts
A funeral director. If they held a prepaid funeral plan or funeral bond, the provider usually nominates the director and pays them directly.
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
A funeral director. If they held a prepaid funeral plan or funeral bond, the provider usually nominates the director and pays them directly.
How
Check for a prepaid funeral plan, funeral bond, cemetery plot, or wishes recorded in the will before you engage anyone.
Ask two or three directors for an itemised written quote, prices vary a great deal between providers.
Ask about a direct or unattended cremation if cost is a concern, it is considerably cheaper.
Let the funeral director lodge the notification of death with the state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, they do this as part of the service.
What to bring
Their full name, date and place of birth, and usual address
Their parents' names, including the mother's maiden name
Their Medicare number and any prepaid funeral or funeral bond paperwork
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which the doctor provides
Timing
Directors usually take the person into their care within 24 hours. Services are commonly held within 5 to 10 days.
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.