Independent advice and support concerning a funeral

There is no denying our mortality. That is why in life, whether in good or bad health, we might have questions about a funeral. My services are intended to help you in the difficult time after a loved one has passed away and as well for your own peace of mind, long before the time comes.

Important to know: In France a death needs to be notified to the mairie within 24 hours and the funeral needs to take place within 14 days!

How I can be helpful:

° Guidance on choosing a funeral company (pompes funèbres) 

You are always free to choose your own funeral company, at any time, even if the person concerned died in a nursing home or hospital, and the staff have already contacted a funeral company to administer the initial care. This may happen if the relatives cannot be reached immediately. You are still within your rights to change companies.

The fees of funeral companies vary greatly! 

You can ask for several quotes, but for many this is a very difficult task. 

I can obtain quotes for you, even on the day following the death.

° Together we can put your wishes concerning your funeral on paper

It can sometimes be difficult to talk about death with loved ones, or perhaps you just want to know what is possible within French law, or you have questions about transporting the deceased from or to their country of origin.

Increasingly people also want to decide for themselves how their own funeral should be organised, although often they do not know if their wishes can be implemented in France. 

The deeper I delved into this matter, the more interested I became in it. One question that came up was:

What is possible when you wish to personalise a funeral within French law?

The answer is: A lot ! There are many ways to make a funeral personal!

I am glad to help you find specific answers.

° Language support, among other things

When a loved one passes away, despite the sadness and pain, a great many things need to be arranged within a short space of time. It is a difficult task, even within your own country.

It can be quite daunting to organise a funeral in another country. The language may be a barrier, not only for those who live here, but also for family and friends who will travel here to offer their support and comfort.

On top of that, you may feel powerless when faced with different laws, rules and customs. 

I can offer you professional accompaniment in contacting the funeral company and communicating with them, which can be very reassuring and in turn contribute to the smooth organisation of the funeral.

° Assistance with administrative procedures after a decease;

When a loved one passes away, there are no standard procedures in terms of administrative formalities either; after all, everyone's life story is unique.

In addition, when the deceased is resident in another country, dealing with this is certainly not made easier. It sometimes happens that this task is placed on the shoulders of one of your relatives, who has no knowledge of the French system and/or the French language. This makes the often complicated path even more difficult to complete.

Relevant authorities need to be notified, contracts and subscriptions need to be cancelled and/or renamed, you may be eligible for financial benefits, all in all, there are things that need to be arranged, often within a certain timeframe.

Together, we can see what action you need to take and, if required, I can support you in the process.

° Preventive advice regarding administrative procedures;

Depending on the situation, there are many mandatory formalities after a decease. This can be a long and difficult process, especially without access to essential information, such as bank accounts, insurance policies, subscriptions, codes, contacts, etc.

To be helpful to the person entrusted with this task, it is important to prepare crucial information.

The question is simple: would your loved ones know where to find all the information if something unexpected happens tomorrow? 

Of course, I am also available for any and all further questions. 

I have a “Diplôme National de Conseillère Funéraire” as required by French law and will always work in close coordination with the “Pompes Funèbres” of your choice. They handle the practical side, I handle the personal side. Together we will ensure a smooth and dignified funeral.