Have you ever wondered what happens to someone’s estate after they pass away? Do you know what will happen to your stuff after you’re gone? Funeral arrangements are more than picking out a casket, meaningful hymns, or cemetery plot.

Even if they have mentioned their wishes in conversation, unfortunately many people fail to make official funeral arrangements before passing away. Have you taken advantage of complimentary funeral pre-planning?

If you want to know more about the legalities of funeral arrangements, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about funeral arrangements and the estate.

Trying to make funeral plans can be stressful if you are grieving a loved one lost. This interview is an opportunity to learn how to relieve some of that burden.

The Law and Funeral Arrangements

Valerie kicks off the episode by informing about who can legally make funeral arrangements for someone who has died. Laws for Vancouver citizens distinctly state who can arrange things.

Then Valerie outlines the best way to ensure who makes arrangements for you, and gives tips for gathering your loved ones and discussing the topic with them.

If you have questions about anything regarding funeral pre-planning, or anything else related to funeral services, then talking to the director of a funeral chapel can help.

Answers to Your Questions about Funeral Arrangements

Next Valerie discusses funeral pre-planning and what happens when someone dies without having those plans in place. During the podcast she also answers these questions:

- Do I have to come alone to make funeral arrangements?
- Who can I bring to a meeting about funeral planning?
- Do funeral plans need to be made immediately after someone dies?
- Is my family allowed to change my funeral pre-plans?
- What happens if someone has no one to take care of their affairs?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Is my family aware of my wishes regarding funeral arrangements and the estate? Do I have an executor to handle my affairs? If you answered “No” to either or both questions, then Martin Brothers has complimentary pre-planning tools to help.

Tips for Handling the Post-Funeral Paperwork

Then Valerie moves on to discuss what happens with paperwork after the funeral ceremony and any other arrangements, such as graveside services or scattering of ashes at sea.

Martin Brothers in Vancouver offers a wonderful after-care service that sits down with you and your family to go over happens next and what the funeral chapel can do on your behalf.

Regardless of the family dynamics or other details regarding who handles the estate, the important thing Valerie would like listeners to remember is nobody has to go through this alone.

Valerie wraps up the episode by sharing some final thoughts and bits of advice about funeral arrangements and the estate.

Do You Have a Question about Funeral Arrangements?

Are you unsure about who can arrange your funeral? Do you want to pre-plan the details to save your family the added stress if you should unexpectedly leave them?

After you’re finished listening to the podcast, please share your questions and comments below, where we can answer and discuss them with you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1