Funeral Planning...Before the need arises. If you know you are going to make an informed choice when you pre-arrange your funeral, you need to know what you want; how much you can afford to pay; if guarantees are provided on merchandise and services; what happens if you move and want to change funeral homes; the tax consequences of the funding arrangements, if any, and if you are protected against inflation.

If you would like to make plans today with English Funeral Chapels & Crematory, our  Online Pre-Arrangement Form takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

Things you should know about pre-planning your funeral
Pre-arrangement is not a preoccupation with death; it's a good personal tool to use in being prepared. Many people do this in a sincere desire to be helpful to their families and avoid confusion later on. When you prearrange a funeral, you want to arrange one which fits your needs today and into the future.

Generally, funeral plans consist of a two-step process:

• Making the funeral arrangements (pre-need funeral contract) and,

• Funding the cost of the prearrangement funeral. (life insurance, bank trust, or other method)
  
  It is possible to select funeral goods and services without pre-funding the funeral or to pre-fund a funeral without selecting specific goods and services. If you do either of these, you should be aware that the price of the funeral will usually not be guaranteed.
  

  The pre-need funeral contract
  The pre-need funeral contract should identify the person selling the contract, the person purchasing the contract and the person for whom the contract is purchased, if the arrangement is for someone else. In several states, only funeral directors may prearrange your funeral. You should check your state law and the credentials of the person selling the preneed funeral contract. If the person selling the contract is not with a funeral home, you should ask to see a copy of the agreement between the seller and the funeral home which you want to conduct your funeral.
  
  The contract should contain:
  

• A complete description of the merchandise and services purchased, and

• Disclose the current price of the merchandise and services.
  If a unique service is requested, you should discuss this in detail with the funeral service professional to determine if the service can be provided.
  

  Merchandise Selection
  Funeral merchandise selections include:

• Casket, urn or both.

• An outer burial container (cemetery vault or other selection).

• Other associated items such as flowers, acknowledgment cards and transfer containers.
  
  The funeral home is required by law to give you a general price list which contains the current cost of each individual item and service offered. It must also contain information on embalming, cash advance sales, containers for cremation and any required purchases. Cash advance items are goods and services that are paid by the funeral director on your behalf, such as a cemetery plot, flowers, obituary notices, pallbearers and clergy honoraria. Some funeral providers charge you their cost for these items while others add a service fee to their cost. If a service fee is added, or if the funeral provider receives a discount, refund or rebate for these items, he must disclose this fact to you.
  
  Service Selection
  Funeral service selections usually include:

• Professional services of a funeral director and staff.

• Transportation services.

• Embalming and other preparation.

• Facilities for visitation.

• The funeral ceremony.

• Funeral vehicles.

• Other services and items (pastoral services, music, grave opening and closing)
  
  Get together with your family. Offer your thoughts and then listen carefully. Give their ideas special attention. Since your funeral will most directly affect your family, it is essential to include their suggestions in your plans. After doing this, call us. We are committed to helping you become informed on the variety of funeral services available, in advance of your need.
  

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