1. Who should I notify?
2. When is the Death Certificate issued?
3. What is Probate?
4. Is money "frozen" after someone dies?
5. Why does a funeral cost so much?
6. Who can I contact to help me through this?

1. Who should I notify?
Make a list of people you think should know that a loved one has died. Remember friends and relatives who live a long way away, or are on holidays. Your list could also include:

• Family members and friends
• The family Doctor
• The Minister of religion
• The preferred Funeral Director
• The Executor of the will
• Hospice and Palliative care services
• Home care services
• Centrelink or the Department of Veteran Affairs
• Health Fund & Medicare
• Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions
• Solicitor
• Employer

2. When is the Death Certificate issued?
It may take up to three weeks for the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages to process the information and send the Death Certificate. In some cases, such as coronial inquiries, it can take longer.

The Death Certificate is posted to the person who signed the application form at the time of the funeral arrangement.

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3. What is Probate?
Probate is a certificate necessary for the release of assets to beneficiaries. If the assets are jointly owned, probate is usually not needed.

The Executor of the will usually applies for probate to the Probate Office. You or your solicitor can apply for probate.

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4. Is money "frozen" after someone dies?
Bank accounts in joint names should not be affected by the death of one of the owners. Accounts held solely by the deceased may still be able to be accessed, and presentation of a funeral account is often all that is required to release funds to pay for the funeral out of the deceased person's estate.

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5. Why does a funeral cost so much?
A funeral service incorporates many different items such as the coffin or casket selected by the family. In the case of the burial, the cost of the grave plus the interment fee (opening and preparing the grave for burial) is included. If cremation is chosen, the cremation certificates, the cremation fee, and Crematorium Chapel fee (if required) is included.

Our professional service fee covers the use of our facilities, preparation of documents, collection of certificates, allocation of required staff, vehicles, transfer of the deceased, mortuary care and viewing preparation.

Other items such as newspaper notices, extra flowers, refreshments, orders of service, thank you and condolence cards, are all extras that are usually paid for upfront by the funeral company on behalf of the family. These items alone can add many hundred to several thousands of dollars.

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6. Who can I contact to help me through this?
When someone close dies, even if it is expected, people react in many different ways. Acute stress and anxiety can often accompany the response to painful loss.

There are many excellent people in the helping professions who can 'walk with you' during this stressful time. Your family doctor or medical centre will be able to help with a list of qualified practitioners.

Religious ministers are a natural referral point for many. Relaxation and meditation centres can offer alternative methods for dealing with stress and anxiety and some specialise in coping with death and dying.

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