Frequently Asked Questions

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult and stressful experiences we ever face in our lives. Its times like these that we need to ask for help.

And help is available; it's just a matter of knowing who to ask.

Asking the right questions of the right people can save so much unnecessary anxiety.

In these pages we have outlined the key questions that have been identified as the most frequently asked when a death occurs.

Please read through at your leisure. We are available at any time to answer your questions.

Question 1
What do I do if a death occurs in a Hospital or Nursing Home?
Contact our 24 hour line and we will advise you on what needs to be done and then will make all the necessary arrangements.

Question 2
What do I do if a death occurs at Home?
The first thing to do is to call your Doctor. Then we suggest you call us before any further arrangements are made and we will advise on what to do next.

Question 3
What to Do and Who to Notify After a Death Has Occurred?
In the event that the death is expected and occurs in the home the family should first contact their doctor who will issue a death certificate. Once the doctor has been the family then contact Alan Harris McDonald & Co and your call will be answered by one of our staff members who will carefully take down all the details and assist you by guiding you through the maze of arrangements.
If the death is unexpected immediately call 000. The ambulance and the Police will attend. The Police will take control of the situation and assist you in what ever way that they can. The Police will arrange for the Government undertaker to take your loved one into the care of the Coroner.

Question 4
What happens if the Doctor is unable to provide a Death Certificate?
In cases of sudden and unexpected death, death from a cause other than natural, accidental or when there has not been any recent consultation with a Doctor, the Doctor is unable to provide a certificate and the Coroner is then involved. You can phone and speak to one of our Funeral Advisors and he or she will assist with information regarding the procedures.

Question 5
How can my Funeral Director help me?
We are available 24 Hours
7 days a week to assist you on 02 6921 4913
As Funeral Directors our first role is to assist and advise you in any way we can when the death occurs. We transfer the deceased into our care and make the funeral arrangements.
We collect all the necessary certificates and send them to the appropriate authorities, arrange special certificates necessary for cremation, lodge death and funeral notices in the newspapers, attend to Registration of Death and we also contact Social Security and / or Department of Veteran Affairs.
In addition we make on the families behalf all the necessary payments such as cemetery or cremation fees, newspaper notices, clergy or celebrant fees, floral arrangements and if needed refreshments following the service. We also can liaise with R.S.L., Masonic Lodge and other organisations.

Question 6
Arranging the Funeral - where do I start?
Your Funeral Director is the person who starts the arrangement process; be guided and helped by them. The following are some guidelines.

Burial or Cremation
The wishes of the deceased may already be known. Otherwise it is up to you and the family to decide. The choice is yours. Costs differ with a cremation often costing less.

Styles of Funerals
You may wish to have a service at a Church or our Chapel followed by the cortege proceeding to the cemetery for the interment. When cremation is the option usually a church or chapel service is held and the cremation takes place privately later. Clergy, Celebrants or family friends can be used to officiate at Funerals and if requested also Masonic Lodge and R.S.L. Services. Some families prefer to have a Graveside service at the cemetery or a Crematorium Chapel service. Refreshments quite often follow the service and these can be arranged.

The viewing
People often feel that to view their loved one before the funeral helps and it is very important to them. This is a personal choice. We have private facilities for families where we arrange a viewing. Children should be considered also.

Choosing a coffin or a casket
A casket is rectangular and usually more expensive and a coffin is shaped being wider at one end. We have a range of both on display at our premises. The choice is made by you as to what suits your needs.

Embalming
Health Regulations require that all cases being transported overseas must be embalmed. With modern transport facilities these days it is not always needed for interstate transfers however on some occasions it may be required.

Question 7
When are we able to get the Registered Death Certificate?
We register the death with Births Deaths & Marriages on your behalf. It usually takes about ten days. We then forward it to either the family or the family solicitor.

Question 8
How can I make it easier for my loved ones when the time comes?
One of the most important things to do is to make sure you have a valid and up-to-date will. It must be easily located or instructions as to its whereabouts left with someone close to you. We have a Personal Record Folder which can assist you in this area. Ensure all your family history is documented so as to be available when needed to register the death.