| Q: WHY IS HAVING A PLACE TO VISIT SO IMPORTANT? |
| A: Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. Memorialization has been a fixture throughout the wide history of humankind. The loved ones left behind will always have a place to remember and give thanks for the joy that the departed did and still does bring them. |
|
| Q: HOW MUCH DOES A LOT COST? |
| A: The price of cemetery property normally varies throughout a cemetery based on various location parameters. Feel free to visit the Knowledge Center for further information, or contact the office if further assistance is required. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF PREARRANGING MY CEMETERY AND FUNERAL NEEDS? |
| A: Planning ahead gives you the opportunity to compare the many options available to you and to agree upon those that best fit your needs and desires. You will be able to make an informed, stress free decision. Moreover, you will relieve your children of the burden of planning and paying for you. You will have made the decision based on what you wanted and frozen the price right there. You can't go wrong with careful planning and action. Please visit the Knowledge Center for additional information. |
|
| Q: WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PROPERTY I PURCHASED WHEN I MOVE? |
| A: Many cemeteries belong to a credit exchange program. For more information, please contact us for additional information. |
|
| Q: I ALREADY OWN MY PROPERTY. CAN I PRE-PAY FOR MY FUNERAL SERVICE AND BURIAL? |
| A: Yes, this can be done through an insurance policy or other means available through your funeral director or cemeterian, both of whom will help you plan for your services in detail. Preplanning can give you peace of mind. More information is available from the Knowledge Center, or feel free to contact us for additional assistance. |
|
| Q: CAN I RESELL MY GRAVE? |
| A: Yes, in many cases, but it depends upon the Rules and Regulations of the cemetery and the existing state in which the grave is located. Regardless, the cemetery must be made aware of the sale before it becomes effective. |
|
| Q: WHAT ARE LAWN CRYPTS? |
| A: They are underground tombs constructed of reinforced concrete, steel, and waterproofing materials |
|
| Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWN CRYPTS AND DOUBLE DEPTH BURIAL SPACES? |
| A: Lawn crypts are preset vaults that are normally designed for two people. With double depth spaces, the vaults are placed in the ground at the time of burial. |
|
| Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T WANT A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL? |
| A: Direct Disposition or Direct Burial is provided by all cemeteries and funeral homes. Transfer Services are companies that may only offer the Direct Disposition option. We encourage you to consider that every funeral or memorial option may be personalized to meet your needs. Many possibilities to include your family and your community in a celebration of life are available without requiring that your remains be present. You may want to consult with your local funeral or cemetery professional. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS A PREPAID SERVICE? |
| A: You may prearrange and prepay for merchandise and services by means of a contract between you and the cemetery and/or funeral home. Most cemeteries utilize a typical installment contract for payments over a period of time. Most funeral homes use a specially-designed insurance contract. There are modest costs associated with each type of contract-a reasonable interest payment on the installment contract and the "cost of insurance" on the other. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS ENDOWMENT CARE? |
| A: That portion of the purchase price of the lots, mausoleum crypts, or niches that is set aside for deposit into a trust fund. The amounts deposited with each sale are normally set by state statute. Only the earnings of the Endowment Care funds can be withdrawn from the trust. |
|
| Q: WHAT GUARANTEE DO I HAVE THAT ENDOWMENT CARE WILL TAKE CARE OF THE CEMETERY? |
| A: There is no guarantee, but endowment care funds are very carefully controlled by state law and managed to produce income. Only the income produced through investing can be withdrawn and it must be used for the care and maintenance of the cemetery. |
|
| Q: WHAT DOES OPENING AND CLOSING MEAN & WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH? |
| A: Opening and closing is the opening of the grave to install the outer burial container before the burial ceremony, then closing the grave once the ceremony is completed, and returning the grave site to its original condition. The fees also include the considerable administrative work involved: ascertaining ownership and burial permission, determining and marking the proper grave on the ground, working up the permanent records. |
|
| Q: WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDE VETERANS FOR A MARKER? |
| A: The United States government provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world that are not already marked. If flat they are bronze, granite, or marble. Upright marble memorial are available to mark the grave provided it is consistent with others in the surrounding area. Niche markers are also available. Our office can help you with this. |
|
| Q: MUST A CASKET BE PLACED IN AN OUTSIDE CONTAINER FOR BURIAL? |
| A: This is not the law. However, local customs vary and most cemeteries have by-laws requiring that outside containers be used for interment. The outer container keeps the surface of the grave from continuously settling during the first few months, which gives the grave an unsightly appearance. |
|
| Q: ARE MAUSOLEUMS EXPENSIVE? |
| A: Although they can be rather expensive, mausoleum crypts are normally about the same price as a ground space and an upright monument as a memorial. |
|
| Q: ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CRYPTS? |
| A: Surely so; those built for a single casket and those built for two. Companion crypts allow two side-by-side placements; Westminster crypts permit one at floor level and one below ground; while a single crypt can be long enough to allow two caskets. Please refer to the Knowledge Center information regarding mausoleum entombment or contact one of our Service Counselors for assistance. |
|
| Q: HOW DOES A MAUSOLEUM PROTECT THE BODY? |
| A: The structure of the mausoleum provides the casket with a clean, dry atmosphere above the ground, and they are affordable. Please visit the Knowledge Center for more information or contact one of our service advisors. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS A COLUMBARIUM? |
| A: A columbarium is a structure comprising multiple units designed to house cremated remains. It can be incorporated into a mausoleum or a garden feature, or a standalone feature unto itself. |
|
| Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO DONATE YOUR BODY OR ORGANS TO MEDICAL SCIENCE? |
| A: Yes. However your wishes should be discussed with your family. |
|
| Q: WHY SHOULD CREMAINS BE PLACED IN A COLUMBARIUM INSTEAD OF SCATTERING? |
| A: It is not unusual for some family members to simply pour cremated remains of a loved one on the ground or in the sea. Having the remains placed in a columbarium not only prevents that occurrence, it provides a quiet, attractive well-maintained place to remember your loved one. Regardless, it is important to learn the wishes of the family before any action is taken. |
|
| Q: AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE A CASKET FOR CREMATION? |
| A: No. What is required is an enclosed rigid container that is leak proof and combustible. These are available in a wide range of products from cardboard to attractive wooden caskets. |
|
| Q: ARE CREMATIONS ALLOWED BY ALL RELIGIONS? |
| A: FAQs is not aware of any religions that prohibit cremation, but this question is better directed to a religious figure in the religion of interest. Some religions would prefer that you do not cremate and some prefer it. It is a pretty open issue |
|
| Q: WHAT IS DONE WITH THE CREMATED REMAINS? |
| A: Cremated remains may be retained by the family, interred in a cemetery, placed in a niche in a columbarium, or scattered on one's private property or in a designated area of a cemetery. They are often placed in an urn when displayed in a glass-fronted niche or on a shelf or the mantle at home. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS A DISINTERMENT? |
| A: In short, it is the removal of the casket of the deceased from the grave. It is normally done at the request of the family, but can also result from a court order. This is primarily done to move the remains to a mausoleum within the cemetery or to relocate the remains to another cemetery. |
|
| Q: WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FINAL ARRANGEMENTS? |
| A: The “next of kin” and/or the executor of an estate will bear legal responsibility in the disposition of the deceased. It is prudent for the executor to include the family in any decisions regarding final arrangements. |
|
| Q: DOES DIRECT DISPOSITION MEAN I HAVE TO HAVE CREMATION? |
| A: No. You can have either cremation or earth burial. |
|
| Q: DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR PAYMENT? |
| A: Yes, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover |
|
| Q: WHAT IS AVAILABLE FOR OUR BELOVED PET? |
| A: There is no question that our pets have been underserved, but that is changing. Some cemeteries have a separate pet section, while others are associated with a local pet cemetery. Please contact one of our service advisors to obtain assistance in this area. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS CREMATION? |
| A: Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes and bone fragments through the use of intense heat. The process usually takes two to four hours. Depending on the size of the body, the cremated remains will weigh three to nine pounds. The bone fragments are pulverized to about aquarium gravel texture. Depending on the fuel and temperature used, they are light grey to white in color. More information is available from the Knowledge Center, or feel free to contact our office for further assistance. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS A SCATTER GARDEN? |
| A: A scatter garden is an area within a cemetery that has been set aside to allow the family to scatter the cremains of a loved one in a respectful manner that signifies an ashes-to-ashes dedication. |
|
| Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE PREPAID PRODUCTS AND SERVICES LATER? |
| A: Changes are normally possible, but they may adversely affect the terms of your contract. You will have to make certain that the guarantees made in the original contract remain intact or that the consequences of the change are tolerable. |
|
| Q: ARE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE? ARE THEY AFFORDABLE? |
| A: Most cemeteries and funeral homes provide prearrangement payment plans that are tailored to fit your budget. At need funerals and burials are payable at the time the service is rendered. Since these options will vary from location to location, you are well advised to contact our family service advisor to determine what is best for your circumstances. |
|
| Q: WHAT HAPPENS TO MY MONEY? |
| A: With funeral prearrangements, you will have two options; either it is held in trust for you at a bank, trust company, credit union or fraternal society or you may have the option to purchase an insurance product. When you prearrange for cemetery property and merchandise, you will be issued a burial rights certificate, often referred to as a deed, for the property as soon as your agreement is paid in full. Merchandise and cemetery services funds will be trusted in accordance with state laws, which exist in most states. |
|
| Q: IS A CASKET REQUIRED BY LAW FOR CREMATION? |
| A: No. However, if a casket is not used, crematoria require that the body be enclosed in a rigid container of combustible material. |
|
| Q: IF I PREPAY MY FUNERAL AND CEMETERY SERVICES, WHAT HAPPENS TO THE INTEREST THAT MY MONEY EARNS? |
| A: The earnings, or growth of a life insurance policy, will be retained by the cemetery or funeral home to cover the inflated cost of the goods you purchased at a guaranteed price. This is an advantage to you in purchasing in advance of need. |
|
| Q: IS CREMATION A SUBSTITUTE FOR A FUNERAL? |
| A: No, cremation is a method of preparing the remains for final disposition. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS A DIRECT DISPOSITION? |
| A: This option includes the removal of the deceased from the place of death, the placement of the body in a container or casket, the delivery of the body to the cemetery or crematorium and the filing of necessary documentation.
It does not include visitation or services with the body present. |
|
| Q: WHAT STEPS ARE INVOLVED IN A CREMATION? |
| A: The body is placed into a casket or other container, which is then put into the cremation chamber. The temperature is raised to the 1400-1800 degree Fahrenheit range. After about two and one-half hours the organic matter has been removed. The remaining bone fragments, cremains, are carefully removed from the chamber and any metallic remains are removed with a magnet for proper disposition. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and placed in an urn if purchased by the family, or a container provided by the crematory. A carefully controlled labeling system is used to assure proper labeling throughout. The entire process takes about three hours. |
|
| Q: IS IT TRUE THAT YOU CAN PLAN EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE? |
| A: Yes, usually all arrangements can be made in advance. By doing so you will be able to learn all of the options available and, if so desired, you can usually pay for them over time at today's prices. This choice protects you from inflation and relieves your children from making them for you. For further information, please go to the Knowledge Center or contact us for direct assistance. |
|
| Q: CAN CREATED REMAINS BE BURIED? |
| A: Yes. Normally cremated remains can be placed in their own burial space or, with proper permission from the family and the cemetery, within the confines of a family member's grave site. Cemeteries often allow multiple cremains to be buried in the same grave space. |
|
| Q: ARE THERE SPECIAL CREMATION CASKETS? |
| A: Yes. There are several combusible options available ranging from cardboard to hardwood. Please speak to our service advisor to learn more about what is available. |
|
| Q: ARE CREMATIONS DONE INDIVIDUALLY OR IN A BULK OVEN? |
| A: All cremations are performed individually by law, which requires that only one container at a time be cremated. |
|
| Q: DO I HAVE TO BUY AN URN? |
| A: No. The cremated remains are returned to you in a small, hard-plastic container. |
|
| Q: WHAT IS THE PRICE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREMATION AND GROUND BURIAL? |
| A: There are variables involved in each choice, e.g., grave location, vault and memorial choices, urn purchase and placement location. In either case, there is a high likelihood that they can be arranged to meet your budget. Pricing issues are addressed in the Knowledge Center, or you may want to discuss your options with one of our service advisors. |
|
| Q: CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN URN? |
| A: Yes, but it is important to check with the crematory to determine the size of the urn that will be required to meet your wishes. |
|
| Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO DIG OUR OWN GRAVE AND AVOID THAT COST? |
| A: Safety and insurance are the primary reasons that preclude your performing the grave opening. Moreover, it is important for the protection of our other lot owners that our maintenance staff, familiar with using the heavy equipment used to open the grave, perform those operations and return the property to its proper condition once the grave has been closed. |
|
| Q: ARE ALL CEMETERIES THE SAME OR ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES? |
| A: Basically, there are two types of cemeteries; known as "traditional" and "memorial parks/gardens". Traditional normally have upright monuments as memorials. The Memorial Gardens normally use flat markers. More information on this subject is available in the Knowledge Center. |
|
| Q: IF I CHOOSE CREMATION, DO I NEED A CASKET? |
| A: Many funeral homes will offer a rental casket for the pre-cremation funeral services. These are attractive hardwood caskets that can be an attractive alternative to purchasing a casket. |
|
| Q: HOW AM I AFFECTED IF THE CEMETERY OR FUNERAL HOME CHANGES OWNERSHIP? |
| A: Any contractual agreements that you have will remain in effect with the new owner. |
|
| Q: HOW DO YOU MEMORIALIZE A CREMATION? |
| A: If you choose ground burial, the same options are open to you as with traditional burials. In a glass-front niche or on a shelf or mantle at home, the cremains are normally placed in an urn for display. Some cemeteries also have scattering gardens, a serene garden where family can come to pay tribute or simply reflect in peace. Memorialization services are common after cremation. Visit the Knowledge Center to learn about those options. |
|
| Q: CAN MY CREMAINS BE PLACED IN MY SPOUSES CASKET? |
| A: Yes, if the cemetery Rules and Regulations allow for it. Let our cemetery service advisor hear your wishes. |
|
| Q: CAN CREMAINS BE SCATTERED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY? |
| A: Yes, provided the property owner agrees. |
|
| Q: ARE CREMATION SERVICES NORMALLY BEFORE OR AFTER THE CREMATION? |
| A: The timing of cremation services is strictly the choice of the family. Sometimes seperate services are held to satisfy family members who did not favor cremation, but there are no rules. |
|
| Q: CAN SERVICES BE PREARRANGED? |
| A: Yes, services can be prearranged through a cemetery or funeral home and can be prepaid if you wish. |
|
| Q: CAN I WATCH THE CREMATION? |
| A: It is often possible, but it varies by location. Check with the funeral home and/or cemetery to determine the possibility of doing so. |
|
| Q: IS EMBALMING REQUIRED? |
| A: Embalming is not required by law in most states but may be necessary under some circumstances. For example, in cases when a family chooses a public viewing (visitation), it is always prudent to have the remains embalmed. |
|
| Q: IS THE BODY EXPOSED TO FLAME DURING THE CREMATION PROCCESS? |
| A: The deceased is placed into a container and placed into the cremation chamber where it is exposed to an intense flame. |
|
| Q: IS IT NECESSARY TO RETAIN THE SERVICES OF A FUNERAL DIRECTOR FOR ALL DEATHS? |
| A: No. It is possible to bury a member of your own family provided you comply with all relevant laws, but this is a very complicated matter that varies from one jurisdiction to the next. How dead human remains are handled is considered a matter of public health and safety. You will serve your family well when you contract the professional services of a funeral director. |
|
| Q: WHEN WILL I FIND OUT THE COST OF THE GOODS AND SERVICES I HAVE SELECTED? |
| A: At the time the arrangements are agreed upon, the cemeterian or funeral director must give you a written contract including the total price of the goods and services selected and estimate of any disbursements. The contract must be approved and signed by the person making the arrangements. |
|
