After a Cremation Enquiry
Step 1 — Take some time to read everything
There can be a lot to take in when someone has died, so there is no need to do everything at once.
When you have some time, read through the information we have provided, including your Service Proposal. It will give you an overview of what we have discussed and what happens next.
Step 2 — Complete the important paperwork
There is a small amount of paperwork that is always better to get out of the way sooner rather than later.
Your Client Portal is where we can collect the information and documents we need from you. Depending on your circumstances, you may see tasks such as:
Authority to Release
If your person has died at a hospital, the hospital administration will require me to provide an Authority to Release before I can collect them.
This is you, or the appropriate next of kin, giving me permission to collect your person from the hospital.
Personal Details
The Personal Details form collects the information required to register the death with the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages so that an official Death Certificate can be produced.
Please complete this as soon as practical.
Your Client Portal may also contain other tasks as we move through the arrangements, such as photographs for a booklet or tribute, music choices, or your coffin or casket selection.
Step 3 — Take some time to plan the farewell
If you have some time, it may be helpful to visit Say Goodbye Your Way.
This is a resource I built from my own experience and from supporting families as they come to terms with death. It is designed to prompt you to think about the things that can make a farewell personal and meaningful, and to help you make decisions in your own time.
You do not need to have everything worked out immediately. Some decisions will become clearer as the arrangements progress.
Step 4 — Review and accept your Service Proposal
Review the Service Proposal we have provided and, when you are ready, accept it.
The proposal sets out the services and products we have discussed and the costs involved. If you decide to make changes, such as choosing a different coffin or casket or adding another service, we can update the proposal accordingly.
Step 5 — We collect and take your person into our care
Once the necessary arrangements are in place, I will make collection and take your person into my care.
Because of our business model, once collection has taken place, viewing is not possible. This is one of the ways we are able to keep our services more affordable.
That said, there is no need to rush the collection where circumstances allow. If being involved in caring for your person is important to you, we can facilitate washing and/or dressing in a familiar environment, such as your own home.
For your peace of mind, our facility is located in Applethorpe.
Step 6 — Doctor’s examination and cremation
I will arrange for an independent doctor to examine your person and provide the required Form 4 — Permission to Cremate.
Once this has been completed, I will make the booking with Warrill Park Crematorium in Willowbank.
Your cremation will most likely take place:
[CREMATION DATE / TIME]
Step 7 — Finalise the details of the service
I will stay in contact with you as we work towards the service.
Together we can finalise the date, time and the other details. Depending on what you have chosen, things to consider may include:
- Coffin or casket
- Flowers
- Funeral booklets
- Music
- Photographic tribute
- Celebrant and service details
- Any other personal elements you would like included
Your Client Portal may be used to collect some of this information as we move through the arrangements.
Step 8 — The day of the service
On the day of the service, I will usually arrive around one hour beforehand.
I will work with the crematorium, venue, celebrant, church, priest or other people involved to make sure the practical details and timings are taken care of.
My role is to make sure the practical side of the day is looked after, allowing you to focus on saying goodbye.
Step 9 — Death registration and the Death Certificate
Once the Personal Details form has been completed, I can register everything required to produce an official Death Certificate through the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The certificate usually takes around 2 weeks from the date of cremation, although it can take up to 4 weeks.
It will be sent directly to the informant address provided in the Personal Details form, or to another contact address if one has been provided.
Step 10 — We return the ashes to you
Once the cremation has taken place, I will prepare and return your person’s ashes to you.
This is usually completed within one week of cremation.
A final note
I know this can all seem a little clinical, but I want you to have all the information you need so that you are not left wondering what happens next.
Please know that moving forward, I will treat you and your person with the utmost care and dignity.
While I am not a grief specialist, I am available and always ready to support you in any way I can.
And remember that whatever you are feeling is normal.