FAQ

•How do I obtain Death Certificates?

•Are Veteran Benefits avaliable to me?

•How do I notifiy Social Security when a death occurs?

•How do I run obituary notice?

•What is the usual amount of time to complete the cremation process?

•How many death certificates will be needed?

•When choosing cremation, why is it important to select a funeral home that owns and operates its own crematory?

•What is the difference between a Funeral Director and a Direct Disposer?


	How do I obtain Death Certificates?	Top
	Our funeral home will assist families in obtaining certified copies of death certificates. The State of Florida requires that the funeral establishment who first takes custody of the deceased is to file a death certificate with the State of Florida. In most cases the death certificate form originates from our office and is then hand delivered to the attending physician for certifying. After the death certificate has been completed by the physician and approved by the medical examiner (cremation and special circumstances), it is then hand delivered to the local vital statistics office in which the county that the death occurred in, where it will be filed with the State of Florida. Once the death certificate has been filed the vital statistics office will provide certified copies of the death certificate. Each county sets a fee for each certified death certificate.

	Are Veteran Benefits available to me?	Top
	Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to certain benefits upon death. To determine whether an honorably discharged veteran will qualify for monetary benefits or reimbursements, we encourage you to contact a local veterans services representative, or call the veterans administration directly. Each honorably discharged veteran is entitled to be buried in a VA cemetery (space permitting). Our veterans who choose cremation may elect to have their ashes placed in Arlington Cemetery, if so desired. The next of kin of an honorably discharged veteran is eligible to receive a flag in their memory. Our staff will assist you in obtaining a flag and providing any forms necessary for benefits.

	How do I notify Social Security when death occurs?	Top
	Anytime a death occurs it is the funeral homes responsibility to notify the Social Security Administration that a death has occurred. This will be done by our staff with form SSA 721. We ask our families to call the social security office at their earliest convenience to determine if any death benefits are available or what will happen with any benefits that the deceased may already be receiving. Our staff will assist you and your family in any way we can.

	How do I run a obituary notice?	Top
	Each newspaper has different types of obituary notices, and different rules regarding how these are to be placed with them. Some newspaper will charge a fee while others will not. A picture of the deceased is many times optional. Our staff will assist you in preparing and placing all obituary notices.

	What is the usual amount of time to complete the cremation process?	Top
	Florida Law requires a mandatory 48 hour waiting period from the time of death as a minimum waiting period. In addition to this waiting period, the law requires that the death certificate be completed. The death certificate is then forwarded to the Medical Examiner in whose jurisdiction the death occurred. The Medical Examiner is then the one who grants permission for a cremation to take place. While most physicians usually sign the death certificate as quickly as their busy schedules allow it, it may take a few days to get the death certificate through this certification process. The law requires this process to insure that cremations are not performed before any questions about the cause of death have been adequately answered.

	How many death certificates will be needed?	Top
	Certified copies of the death certificates are normally required to settle the affairs of the deceased, therefore the number required will be dependent upon the quantity and status of these assets. Our staff will assist with providing common instances for which death certificates could be needed. In certain cases, you may wish to consult with your legal advisor on this topic.

	When choosing cremation, why is it important to select a funeral home that owns and operates its own crematory?	Top
	You have the peace of mind in knowing that the people you have entrusted your wishes and services with, are actually the ones carrying out this very sensitive request. Not to mention that your loved one is cared for on our premises by our staff. You will also have the peace of mind in knowing that your loved one will at no time be transported to a REMOTE Crematory, warehouse, or storefront facility.

	What is the difference between a Funeral Director and a Direct Disposer?	Top
	Direct disposers are not allowed by law to conduct funeral services, burial services, viewings or visitations. They are not allowed to embalm or have any type of ceremony or celebration of life. Licensed Funeral Directors in Florida have been to a mortuary college and have a degree in funeral service. They have completed the required internship to be fully trained to handle all service types and all of disposition of deceased persons.