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Bereavement Kitfor Hobsons Bay residents

Contents

BEREAVEMENT INFORMATION AND ADVICE 3FUNERAL INFORMATION AND ADVICE 7PERSONAL INFORMATION 14CONTACT LIST 20CHECKLIST 22

BEREAVEMENT KIT

About this kitThis bereavement kit aims to encourage you and your family to keep all of yourpersonal papers up-to-date and in a safe place known to family and friends.

If there is a death in your family, we hope that the existence of this kit will help as aguide to the necessary formalities. Completion now of the personal informationportfolio contained in this kit should ensure that all relevant information is available atthe time it is needed.

The kit also includes the names of the people or organisations that may be able to help at this difficult time – people that understand grief and are able to offer practical advice.

This kit contains• A checklist of papers which should be in order and kept in a safe place• Some information about the kinds of feelings people experience

when they lose someone close to them• Advice on what to do when death occurs• Facts about funerals• A checklist of who to notify in the event of death• An explanation about the kind of help you can get from Federal, and State

Government Departments and other agencies• A form for you to fill in, which records the kinds of personal details

that relatives or friends will need to know


Information and AdviceThe experience of griefWhen people lose someone very close to them, or with whom they have shared alifetime, it is often hard to believe that it has really happened. The experience of griefwhich follows is the normal reaction to such a loss. It is usually painful and distressing and may take several years to resolve completely, but in itself it is not a problem that needs professional treatment. However, it has the potential to become a quite serious problem if it is not managed effectively.

While people normally vary in their experiences of grief, the stages or components ofthe grief process are common to all who have suffered personal loss. Some knowledge of the process can help build a sense of security, as there is often a feeling of being alone and that there will be no end to the feeling of loss.

A common first reaction is shock and denial, this is marked by dazed feelings ofunreality, numbness and for some people, periods of heightened activity. Often a lot of time is spent thinking about the deceased, concentrating on the good memories and as a result, increasing the sense of loss.

A more difficult stage in the grief process follows, during which people may suffer from apathy, withdrawal, anger, despair, guilt as well as other difficulties. These distressing feelings and problems fade as a bereaved person moves into a final stage of grieving as they find new ways of thinking about themselves, developing new roles, relationships and a new sense of purpose. It is important to remember that grief is painful, often long lasting and experienced differently by each individual and above all, is perfectly normal.

Initially there are often many people around who can offer support, but as they disperse and get back to their own busy lives, there may be a long time of loneliness and gradual readjustment. During this time, it is better not to make important or hasty decisions. It is very important that the grieving person has someone with whom to share their memories and yearning. With the right support, one can soon reach a state of equilibrium.

There are support groups which exist to help grieving people.Further information on the personal support which is available for those in grief can be provided by contacting Griefline on (03) 9596 7799 (website:www.griefline.org.au) between the hours of 12.00pm and 3.00am.

What action is needed immediately after a © Produced by Hobsons Bay City Council 5

death?In a medical emergency, call an ambulance. If death occurs at home, a doctor, preferably the deceased person’s own doctor, must be contacted. Once a doctor has attended, if you wish, you can call family or friends to allow them to visit to say their final farewell. In certain religious faiths, it is important for the person to be bathed, and dressed in chosen attire, this may be done if deemed appropriate.

Police are advised only if the death was due to an accident, occurred in unusual circumstances, or if the doctor is unable to establish the cause of death.


Information and AdviceWhat families need to knowWhere applicable, advise the family faith leader. Often they will be a family friend.They will be familiar with death and burial procedures and can be of great practicalassistance on such matters as selection of a funeral director, quite apart from theirinvolvement in the funeral itself.

If you haven’t already, advise family, friends, relatives and the executor of the will (if there is one). When you are ready, call your chosen funeral director who will arrange to come and take the person back to the funeral home. They will also arrange a time to meet with you so that suitable arrangements can be made.

If you are unsure of what to do, contact one of the following, who may be able to help:

• Centrelink• Places of worship (eg. Church, Mosque or Temple)• Employer• Hospital social worker or welfare staff• Department of Veterans’ Affairs• Ex-Service organisations or• Community Health Centre

Perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to be guided by your own common-senseand judgement; and don’t add to your distress by trying too hard to follow wishes ofother members of the family (or, even of the deceased) which may not be practicable. A funeral is an emotional time. Don’t be surprised if extreme feelings are aroused within yourself and other family members – they will soon be forgotten. Meanwhile, while it is never easy, you have the job of making the necessary arrangements. Try to be satisfied with making the best of that job as you reasonably can.

Death CertificatesA funeral will not take place until a Death Certificate has been issued.

If the person died at home his/her doctor will issue a Death Certificate unless deathwas due to an accident or occurred in unusual circumstances, or the doctor cannotdetermine the cause of death. In this case, the doctor will report the death to the


Coroner. An autopsy, or post – mortem examination, may then be required.

If the death occurred in a hospital, a Death Certificate will be completed by the hospital staff when the cause of death has been established.


Information and AdviceWhen will the Coroner need to be involved?A deceased person is taken to the State Coroner’s Office if the death is deemed to be a Reportable Death. A Reportable Death means a death that:

• Appears to have been unexpected, unnatural or violent or that has resulted directly or indirectly from accident or injury

• Occurs while under anaesthetic or as a result of an anaesthetic and is not due to natural causes

• Is of a person whose identity is unknown• Occurs in Victoria and a doctor has not issued a medical certificate

regarding that death• Occurs in a place outside Victoria and a doctor has not certified the

cause of death or• Occurs in other prescribed circumstances

All Reportable Deaths must be investigated by the State Coroner or another Coroner. The doctor, hospital, police or other institutions will make the necessary arrangements.

A Reportable Death may result in an autopsy being performed. Your funeral director will arrange with the Coronial Service Centre for the transfer of the deceased.

Registration of DeathOne of the most important things that must be taken care of is the Registration ofDeath. The appropriate form can be obtained from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages or from funeral directors. In most cases registration will be dealt with by the funeral director.

Advising Government DepartmentsIf a deceased person was receiving a pension or benefits through Centrelink or theDepartment of Veterans’ Affairs, the relevant department should be notified of thedeath promptly and certainly within 14 days. This will avoid overpayments of pensionand ensure that appropriate benefits are received by surviving dependents.


Funeral Information and AdviceArranging a funeralArrangements for the funeral should be commenced as soon after the death as isconveniently possible. Arrangements are generally carried out by the Executor of theWill, or alternatively, by the Next-of-Kin. Close friends or neighbours may also be able to assist, however, it is important that the Executor or their formal authorisedrepresentative be the person who signs all relevant cremation and interment forms.

If the deceased has not expressed any wishes about a funeral director, and if you have had no previous experience in selecting one, a faith leader or the family doctor are often in a good position to advise.

If the funeral has been pre-arranged you should contact the funeral director involvedso that they may carry out the arrangements set out on the Pre-Paid Funeral Certificate.

If you have concerns about seeking a funeral director or of the cost involved, theAustralian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) can provide advice. In Victoria, theAFDA may be contacted on (03) 9859 9966.

The funeral may prove to be a substantial charge against the estate. If there is noestate or if it is not a large one, then all funeral arrangements must be made withspecial care. It is extremely important to assess before hand exactly how much money can be spent. Don’t be influenced by concern that you’ll be thought mean or lacking in respect when deciding how much to spend on the funeral (see the ‘Facts about Funerals’ section in this kit).

Clearly, it is of benefit if any wishes which individuals may have about their funeralarrangements are made known before death. Sensible and open discussion of thesematters before death will greatly ease the burden on grieving relatives.

The funeral director’s roleMost funeral directors carry out all procedures necessary for burial or cremation,including removing the body to their own premises; taking care of all necessaryregistrations, permits and paperwork; arranging the time, place and type

of service © Produced by Hobsons Bay City Council 10

(but generally, not for a church service); arranging notices and flowers if required; and preparing the body for the funeral. They will also organise everything on the day of the funeral and see that it runs smoothly.

Other mattersThere will be financial and other matters relating to the deceased that will requireattention. Some financial matters must be attended to by the Executor of thedeceased’s Will.


Funeral Information and AdviceFacts about funeralsWhen someone dies a funeral director is usually contacted to provide the servicesrequired by the family.

A large and often bewildering number of funeral directors are available for you to choose from. Most funeral directors belong to the AFDA (The Australian Funeral Directors Association), whose membership includes many American owned companies trading under long established names. Membership of a professional association guarantees that the company selected will be able to meet your needs with dignity and respect.

Can a funeral be pre-arranged?Many people choose to arrange their own funeral in advance. Doing so allows personal decisions to be made and the opportunity to record in detail any specific requests and wishes. It also alleviates stress for family and friends at a difficult time. This involves ‘pre-paying’ for the service with a specific funeral director, before it is required.

NOTE: Be aware of the difference between funeral insurance policies and arranging a pre-paid funeral.

What about pre-paid funerals?Arranging a pre-paid funeral provides the following advantages:

• It ‘fixes’ costs at an agreed figure, with no future increasesno matter when death occurs

• It can be beneficial where ‘deeming’ is concerned• It removes a financial burden from the surviving family• Money paid is not classed as an asset for tax purposes

The pre-paid funeral plan is established by entering a written contract with your chosen funeral director. The contract will specify exactly the requirements of your service, how much each item costs, and a total cost including any ‘establishment fees’ and/or any ‘administration costs’.

Payment is made for the agreed amount and the money is placed in trust for future use. Copies of all documents are kept by the funeral director. Make sure you receive copies for your records as well as a receipt for any money handed over.

You will need to determine if the cemetery component is included or not. All funeral and cemetery information needs to be kept with the Will for instant reference upon a death.


Funeral Information and AdviceHow do I know my money is safe?The Funerals (Pre-paid Money) Act 2006 establishes precisely where your money must be placed for future use. The financial institution nominated to hold the funds paid, in trust, requires a ‘Transfer Authority’, signed by you (the applicant) to accompany the application forms necessary to establish the Trust Fund. This enables the financial institution to release the funds held to the funeral director once they are notified that the contract has been completed, that is, that the funeral has taken place.

You must understand that a pre-paid funeral plan is a legal contract and cannot beended except in special circumstances, such as failure of the funeral organiser’sbusiness. If the contract has been ended, the funeral organiser must return your money, less any administrative or brokerage fee paid or any legal interest the organiser holds in the funeral contract.

Consumer Affairs Victoria is the body responsible for ensuring that all funeral directors comply with the Act.

What sort of questions should I ask?Some of the questions you may wish to ask include:• Is the cost ‘fixed’ at the agreed price regardless of inflation or price increases?• Where is the money held?• Who receives any interest or dividends paid?• Can the funeral details be changed?• Can the cost be applied towards either partner or spouse?• Where applicable, are all domestic relationships recognised?• Do I get copies of all the documents to keep?• What happens if death occurs whilst away from home (e.g. interstate)?• What happens if the funeral director is no longer in business when needed?• What items are not covered?


Funeral Information and AdviceWhat about the costs?A funeral can be a very expensive business, and it is a good idea for the personorganising the funeral to obtain written quotes from several funeral directors in thearea before making a final decision. Remember that the person arranging the funeralmay be held responsible for any outstanding balance if there is not enough moneyfrom the estate to cover expenses. A simple inexpensive ceremony can be just asbeautiful and meaningful as an elaborate funeral, but not as draining on the resources of those who must start a new life. The questions of what is desired and can be afforded should be firmly decided beforehand, if possible with assistance from family, friends or the faith leader. The person arranging the funeral should not allow themselves to be persuaded to spend more money than is desired or necessary. Do not leave everything to the funeral director.

Funeral costs will vary with the type of funeral service you arrange (for example, a burial is often more expensive than a cremation), and with the company you choose. Costs of individual companies vary tremendously as well, so be prepared to call several companies, both large and small. Remember that disbursed costs (e.g. for Doctor’s certificates or the cremation fee – see below) should be identical for any company you choose. Only the charges made by the individual company for the services they provide will be different. Arrange to talk personally with their representatives, get written quotations and then after satisfying yourself that they represent ‘good value’ make your choice. Slow this process down, it can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for the same service.

The ‘arrangement contract’ that should be completed at the time you give instructions to the funeral director (which you should be given a copy of), will include such items as funeral directors fees and disbursements.

Funeral Director’s feesYou can expect the Funeral Director’s fee to include such things as:

• The cost for arranging and conducting the funeral• The cost of transferring the deceased from the place of death to the

funeral home• Viewing or seeing the person again before the funeral• Mortuary expenses• Administrative costs• Charges for vehicles


Once again, ask what the items are for, how much they are and add them up toget a proper total of the cost that the company is going to charge you in additionto disbursements.


Funeral Information and AdviceDisbursementsDisbursements are money paid on your behalf, at your instruction for items providedwhich might include:

• Newspaper notice• Cemetery or Crematorium costs• Honorarium for Faith Leader or Civil Celebrant Fee• Doctor’s Certificates (for cremation only)• Flowers• Memorialisation costs (i.e. a plaque to mark a grave)• Monumental costs and masonry charges• The coffin, casket or urn (are all fittings and handles included in the

price?)

Check carefully and make sure everything that you have spoken about is included and written down before signing the contract. In an ‘at-need’ situation (where someone has already died) you will probably be asked to cover the cost of the disbursements or a percentage of the whole amount before the service is held. Make sure you are aware of how the funeral is to be paid for and of course, check the itemised account which you should receive.

NOTE: All plaque costs can be negotiated directly with the cemetery and do not haveto go through the funeral director.

What about additional services?Additional services provided by Funeral Directors include:EmbalmingThis is usually mandatory for repatriation back to one’s homeland. Regulations will be available from the appropriate Consulate and will be followed by your Funeral Director at your request. Embalming is not a legal requirement at any other time.ViewingPrior to the funeral there is an opportunity to see the deceased. This is known as a‘viewing’ and usually occurs in the Funeral Director’s premises.Deaths away from homeYour chosen Funeral Director will be able to arrange a service to meet your requirements. Such arrangements may involve the person to be brought back home for a funeral service or alternatively, arranging for the funeral to take place at the place of death and then returning home for memorialisation with cremation remains.


Funeral Information and AdviceMemorialisationMemorials have the benefit of being accessible to future generations who can reflectupon the person’s heritage. Memorials pay respect to the departed and provide a focus for reflection on a life lived. Cenotaph (no body or cremated remains placed underneath) memorials can also be placed in a cemetery for those buried or have had cremated remains placed elsewhere. To arrange a memorial contact your cemetery of choice.

Memorialisation includes the pre-purchase of Right of Burial. Tenure periods do exist, as well as vary. The most common period at the moment being 25 years. What this means is that if, for example, you pay for a position in a cemetery for cremated remains to be placed, in 25 years you will be asked to ‘re-purchase’ the position if you wish to continue using it.

The ‘pre-purchase’ of the Right of Burial of a grave has similar tenure periods attached to it. The fees for all cemeteries are placed on the State Government website of the Department of Human Services under ‘Cemeteries and Crematoria’. Physically choosing the grave yourself often results in a higher cost, but it may be worth it to secure a position in the cemetery you prefer.

A grave once used is available for your use forever – no tenure period. However beaware that you never personally own a grave - you only purchase the Right of Burial.This may change so ask for the latest details when you speak to your Funeral Director.

A grave or cremated remains position can be pre-purchased by choosing a position of choice within a cemetery (rather than leaving this to family or executor of the Will).This can be arranged through the cemetery of the person’s choice. Pre-purchased,information on this needs to be kept with the Will. A pre-purchased grave is owned inperpetuity and is considered an asset which can be willed to another person, to beused in the future if not used by the purchaser.

Areas where costs can be cut• The service (e.g. choosing between a single service, i.e. church or graveside; a

dual service, i.e. both church and graveside; or a simple memorial service)• The extras, if desired. Costs can be cut if the family handles the following items:


flowers, death and funeral notices, additional cars for the cortege or the procession, choosing the plot or allotment, and so on

• The coffin, casket or urn (prices vary greatly)


Funeral Information and AdviceWho can help with the expense?Centrelink and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs both provide assistance in certaincircumstances. The Traffic Accident Commission, the Crimes Compensation Unit ofVictoria Police and the WorkCover Authority may also assist depending upon thenature of the death.

For further informationFor further information regarding the information provided or any other funeralmatters contact:

• Consumer Affairs Victoria 1300 55 81 81• The Australian Funeral Directors’ Association (03) 9859 9966

NOTE: Don’t forget the importance of having an up to date Will.


Personal InformationA confidential recordThe purpose of this Personal Information Portfolio is to help your family or Executorwith personal information in the difficult time following a loss.

This Personal Information Portfolio is for your own personal record. Keep it in a safe place.

Please note that this Information Portfolio is NOT a legal document and DOES NOTreplace a Will. Be sure that you have made a Will and that it is up-to-date.Please fill in this Portfolio if you are:• Single or widowed• Married (both husband and wife should fill in a form)• A de facto couple (both partners should fill in a form)Please:• Fill in as much information as you can• Keep this Portfolio in a safe place• Let your family and friends know where it is

Personal informationFull NameAddress

Date of Birth / / Place of Birth

Religion Place of Worship

Emergency contacts1 Full Name

Address

Telephone2 Full Name

Address

Telephone3 Full Name

Address


Telephone

Personal InformationFamily informationFull Name of Spouse/PartnerSpouse or Partner’s Previous SurnameDate of Marriage / / Place of MarriageFull Name(s) of Children

Your Father’s NameDate of Birth / / Place of Birth

Medical informationMedicare NumberYour Medical Practitioner’s NameClinic or Medical CentreAddress

Telephone

Name of Health FundMembership Number

Address

Telephone


Personal InformationBank/Credit Union/Building Society-Accounts1 Bank

Branch

Account Number

2 Bank TelephoneBranch

Account Number

3 BankBranch

Account Number

Other investments (including shares, stocks, debentures)

SuperannuationName of FundContact DetailsMembership Number TelephoneMember Hotline Member Hotline FREECALLPensioner Hotline Pensioner Hotline FREECALL


Personal InformationSolicitorSolicitor’s/Company NameAddress

TelephoneAppointed Responsibilities

Life Assurance/Insurance1 Company

Policy Number2 Company




Policy Number

Government reference files numbersTax File NumberRegistered Business Name

ABN/ACN NumberVeteran’s Affairs NumberCentrelink Reference Number

Safe depositLocationLocation of Key

HouseOwnership/Mortgage Details

Location of Titles

Insurance Details


Personal InformationWillLocation of Will

Executor’s NameAddress

TelephoneName of Possessor of Current WillAddress

Telephone

Funeral arrangementsPre-paid/Pre-arranged information is located at

Funeral Director’s NameAddress

TelephoneCemetery/Crematorium (including existing allotment)

Organ Donation

Note : Bequests should be detailed in your Will and you should discuss this with your Next-of-kin. For example: Special Request (e.g.no flowers…)


Personal InformationNotes


Contact ListThe following may need to be contacted in the event of a death.Use the space provided to enter names and phone numbers (a pencil may be a good idea!)

Contact List TelephoneDoctorFaith LeaderFamily Members

EmployerSolicitorExecutor of WillBanks/Credit Unions

Insurance

Health Benefit FundDepartment Stores (accounts payable)

Professional Bodies

Clubs

Community Services (eg:meals on Wheels)

Service Organisations

Subscriptions


Contact ListContact List TelephoneWater Supplier Gas SupplierElectricity SupplierTelephone Supplier/LandlineTelephone Supplier/MobileInternet Service SupplierCable TVPet RegistrationMunicipal CouncilDept. Of Veterans Affairs (Case Manager)Centrelink (Case Manager)Dept. Of Employment, Education & TrainingVic Roads (Car Registration & Drivers Lincense)Home Community Care ServiceNursing ServiceTaxation OfficeElectoral Office (State & Commonwealth)Australia PostHome Deliveries (Newspaper, Milk etc)

Notes


Check ListThe following is a checklist of papers which should be in order and kept in a safe place:

Tick box Check list itemBirth and Marriage CertificatesThese document important family history.Your WillThis is a legal document which expresses your wishes in regard to distributions of your property after your death. It authorises a person (your executor) to act accordingto your wishes. It also prevents confusion arising among dependents, relatives and friends. It should reflect your current wishes.Property Deeds and TitlesThese include the title to your house and land. They prove ownership of your property. If the property is under mortgage, the original title will be held by the mortgagee(bank, building society etc).Lease AgreementsThese papers provide details in relation to any property that your are leasing.Taxation RecordsYou should keep copies of at least your most recent returns and assessments. This assists someone in deciding how to deal with financial affairs.Insurance PoliciesIncludes policies for house or personal effects – these record your rights under the policy as well as procedures for renewal or cancellation.Life Assurance/SupThese provide a record of payments and income to which you are entitled.Papers representing other assets:share, debentures, etcThese represent your title to sometimes quite valuable property.Details of bank accounts and other investmentsSee: Personal Information Portfolio (also enclosed) – it provides information as to where money and/or mortgage is held.Pre-Paid Information for your funeralAny arrangements that you have already made about your funeral and especially a pre-paid contract should be kept with this folder.The above papers should be kept in a secure place


(e.g. bank safe deposit, trusteecompany, solicitor). The enclosed Personal Information Portfolio allows you to recordthe places in which those papers are kept.

Notes


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