Who Can Arrange A Funeral
Welcome to Victoria Funeral Home. Organising a funeral is an important responsibility that involves both emotional and legal considerations. At Victoria Funeral Home, we understand the complexities involved and are here to provide you with clear guidance on who can arrange a funeral in Aberdeen and what legalities you need to be aware of.
Who Can Arrange a Funeral?
In most cases, the person who arranges the funeral is either a close family member or a legally appointed executor of the deceased’s estate. The following individuals are typically involved in arranging a funeral:
Immediate Family Members
Immediate family members, such as spouses, children, parents, or siblings, are usually the first point of contact when it comes to arranging a funeral. They often have the closest relationship with the deceased and are more likely to understand their wishes and preferences for the funeral service.
Legal Executors
If the deceased has left a will, the executor named in the will is responsible for arranging the funeral. The executor is legally appointed to manage the deceased’s estate, which includes making funeral arrangements. Executors have the authority to handle the financial aspects and ensure that the funeral is conducted in accordance with the deceased’s wishes as outlined in the will.
Next of Kin
In the absence of immediate family members or a legal executor, the next of kin can take responsibility for arranging the funeral. This may include extended family members such as aunts, uncles, cousins, or close friends who are willing to step in and ensure that the funeral is properly organised.
Legal Guardians or Appointed Representatives
For individuals who were under the care of legal guardians or had appointed representatives, these individuals can also arrange the funeral. This is especially relevant for those who were minors or incapacitated at the time of death.
Legal Considerations
Arranging a funeral involves several legal aspects that need to be carefully managed. At Victoria Funeral Home, we are here to help you navigate these legalities to ensure a smooth and respectful process.
Registration of Death
The first legal requirement is to register the death. In Aberdeen, this must be done within eight days of the death. The registration is typically carried out at the local registry office by a close relative, the executor, or a person present at the death. You will need to provide medical certification of the cause of death and other personal details of the deceased.
Obtaining a Death Certificate
A death certificate is a legal document required to proceed with funeral arrangements. It is issued by the registrar once the death has been registered. This certificate is essential for various administrative purposes, including handling the deceased’s estate and arranging the funeral.
Authorisation for Burial or Cremation
You will need to obtain authorisation for burial or cremation from the local authorities. For a burial, this involves securing a burial plot and obtaining the necessary permissions from the cemetery. For a cremation, you must apply for cremation forms and permits, which involve additional medical certificates and legal paperwork.
Handling the Deceased’s Estate
The person arranging the funeral must also handle the deceased’s estate. This includes settling any outstanding debts, managing assets, and distributing the estate according to the will or intestacy laws if there is no will. Executors or legal representatives usually handle these tasks, ensuring that all legal and financial matters are addressed appropriately.
Funeral Costs and Payment
Arranging a funeral involves various costs, including services provided by the funeral home, burial or cremation fees, and other associated expenses such as transportation, flowers, and obituary notices. It is important to consider how these costs will be covered to avoid any financial strain. If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, it would cover most of the expenses, ensuring that their wishes are fulfilled without additional burden on the family.
Otherwise, the costs are typically covered by the deceased’s estate or family members. In most cases, funeral expenses take priority over other debts in the estate, meaning they must be settled before other financial obligations. Proper planning and understanding of these costs can help ensure a smooth and respectful funeral process.
Contact Us
At Victoria Funeral Home, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional assistance with all aspects of funeral arrangements for adults and infants alike. If you have any questions or need help navigating the legal requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that the funeral is conducted with dignity and respect.
Thank you for considering Victoria Funeral Home. Let us help you honour your loved one’s memory with a well-organised and meaningful funeral service in Aberdeen.