Facing the coming loss of a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience. Amidst the grief of this experience, the task of making advanced funeral plans can seem daunting. However, taking the time to prepare for an interment or cremation plan can help alleviate the burden.
With a legacy spanning back to the early 60s, Community Mortuary Services has established itself as a reliable provider of end-of-life services for families in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. We offer various services, including cremation, embalming, removal, and shipping services. Over the years, our team has supported countless clients to prepare for the eventual passing of loved ones offering compassionate and professional expertise to guide them through this delicate process.
Preparing for Your Loved One’s Passing
When the news is broken that a close friend or loved one has a limited time ahead, one must begin that difficult conversation by making the necessary preparations. As difficult as it may seem, it is important to take a moment to make these preparations.
Our experienced staff at Community Mortuary Services can help you during this trying time. We can recommend formal arrangements and prepare essential requirements to make the process easier and more convenient. Our staff will go over important subjects such as:
- The necessary paperwork needs to be prepared beforehand.
- Planning for the removal of personal belongings from your home.
Essential Paperwork You Need to Prepare
When making funeral plans or a cremation plan, family members must prepare certain documents and other important items in advance to make the process easier.
- Death Certificate: You can arrange with a funeral director to prepare this document in the event of your loved one’s passing. They can recommend the number of copies they can prepare so you can submit them to various agencies requiring these certificates.
- Social Security Information: Ensure to obtain the surviving spouse’s social security and SSN. Prepare the information of the dependent children, if any. You can find this information in employment records and previous tax returns.
- Vehicle Titles, Deeds, and Statements of Account: These documents are necessary when collating the assets left behind by your loved one in the event of their passing. It is best to work with an attorney and get competent legal advice to know which assets must be probated, benefitted to descendants, and controlled by trust documents.
- Marriage, Birth, and Other Certificates: The surviving spouse will need these certificates to apply for or claim certain benefits. If any of these documents can’t be found, you may have to work with your county clerk and public health department to obtain new copies.
Understanding and completing all the legal paperwork is necessary as you support your loved one in their end-of-life stage. This part is usually confusing to our clients, so our staff will work closely with you every step of the way. We ensure that every important document, from healthcare papers to powers of attorney, is prepared and properly addressed.
Establishing an Estate Plan: Crafting a Trust or Will
Establishing a properly structured estate plan is crucial by drafting a will or trust before your loved one’s passing if a will and trust aren’t already made available. It is important to note that advanced healthcare directives and powers of attorney can lose their authority to transact business following a person’s death.
It is the executor, the deceased’s nominated personal representative in the trust or will, formally appointed by a probate court, who will have authority over the deceased’s financial affairs. However, in cases with an existing trust, the successor trustee will have the authority to deal with the deceased’s property.
Thoughtful Management of Personal Belongings in the Dwelling
Your loved one will have various properties and belongings that need to be cared for or disposed of when the eventful day of their passing arrives. Managing their personal effects and living space can be difficult and delicate. It’s best to plan and decide which of these cherished belongings can be retained or respectfully distributed among surviving members of the family. This allows you to honor the memory of your loved one while creating a practical approach to ease the difficulty of the family members’ transition.
Arrangements for Commemorative Services
It is important to note that even though Community Mortuary Services does not provide wakes, celebration of life, and funeral services, we highly encourage our clients’ families to conduct these services in places convenient for them. Planning these commemorative services will help make the process easier since arrangements have been made beforehand.
Choosing the Right Farewell: Burial or Cremation?
The decision to bury or cremate a loved one is a deeply personal choice. According to the Cremation Association of America, over 56% of people opted for cremation due to its simplicity, lower cost, flexible arrangements, and environmental concerns.
Our Community Mortuary and Cremation team has extensive experience processing cremation and mortuary shipping services. We have knowledgeable and experienced staff who closely work with you to make the necessary preparations for the eventual passing of your loved ones. For any questions, please call 817-420-9898.
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