Making Funeral Arrangements - Funeral Directors   

Choosing a Funeral Director - things to consider

If you are arranging a funeral you are responsible for the costs so it is a good idea to check how the funeral will be paid for and whether the estate of the person who has died will cover the costs. Many funeral directors require payment before probate is granted (probate is the official proof that a will is valid). It may be worth considering how to pay for the funeral in advance, if that amount is not readily available.

Two sets of costs arise when arranging a funeral, burial or cremation:

• Disbursements - payments to doctors for completing documentation, forms for cremation, the cemetery or crematorium, floral tributes, death notices and the minister or officiant fees

• Funeral arrangements by the funeral director - the cost of collecting and handling the body, the coffin, hearse and cars, and all arrangements

When choosing a funeral director, obtain some quotes as soon as you have decided what you require.

The bank account of the deceased will be frozen unless it is a joint account. Building societies and National Savings may release sums of money for payment of funeral expenses, although they do not have to until a grant of probate or letters of administration is obtained. If a person died in a hospital or residential home, the possessions will be surrendered to the nearest relative or to a person with written authority from whoever is dealing with the will. There may be pensions or lump sums payable from any Trade Union, professional body or other association, or from a provident club which pays benefits when a member dies.

About Funeral Directors

Funeral directors will manage funeral arrangements and give advice and support. Funeral directors aren’t regulated or licensed but most are members of one of two trade associations. You can check to see if a funeral director belongs to one of the two Trade Associations on their websites:

• National Association of Funeral Directors

• Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors

Members of these trade associations must provide you with a price list on request. They cannot charge you more than their written estimate unless you give them permission. It is not always clear from their adverts if a funeral director is independent or part of a group, so ask the funeral director before you go ahead.

We have put together a list of local funeral directors who regularly visit Kingston Crematorium and are prepared to assist with different or non traditional funerals or provide a basic funeral.

Having chosen the funeral director, ask for a written estimate of the total cost so you are clear on what has to be paid and for what. If the cost of the funeral is likely to cause financial problems this can be discussed with the funeral director.

Kingston Local Funeral Directors 

Before choosing you are advised to confirm the estimated prices stated and the services offered. For example:

• Viewing of the deceased either in or out of business hours

• Type of coffin offered (the colour and style can vary and may not be suitable to your requirements)

• Times offered for the proposed funeral service (often a ‘basic’ funeral will offer no choice of service times at the local cemetery or crematorium

• If it is possible to purchase additional services (an extra limousine may be needed)

Please note that prices are for funeral directors services only. Your chosen funeral director will make other payments on your behalf. You will have to pay for these additional fees which are usually known as disbursements.

The costs will vary according to your needs and will include such fees as cemetery/crematorium services, a minister or reader for the funeral service, flowers, organist, doctors fees (for cremation) and newspaper notices.These costs should be itemised separately on your funeral account.