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Thinking Ahead – Pre-Paid Funerals from Dils Make Bereavement Simpler

Thursday 20 September 2018, 7:15PM

By Beckie Wright

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Dils Funeral Services is encouraging people to plan for their funerals now, to reduce the last-minute stress loved ones are inevitably faced with.  With the FDANZ Funeral Trust, owned by the Funeral Directors' Association of New Zealand (FDANZ), the money from the pre-paid funerals is held in trust until the time of death. At this time the amount paid into the Funeral Trust plus any interest accrued, less any fees applicable are used to pay funeral expenses.

Any money left over after funeral costs have been met is returned to the estate. Likewise, if the balance is insufficient to pay all funeral expense, then a claim is made against the estate for any outstanding amount. 

Paying for all or part of a funeral’s costs in advance is done to reduce worry and to reduce assets for asset testing purposes which also helps with Residential Care Subsidy. Dils can also go through all funeral arrangements well in advance of any such requirement. This gives a clear record of instructions and simplifies things for the next of kin.

Making claims when the time has come is simple with Dils Funeral Services. They will arrange payments towards the expenses quickly and take their clients through the funeral process one step at a time. They will answer all questions and will do everything to make the last wishes happen.

To begin the process Dils encourages people to begin the process by talking to close family and friends. Working out when and how everyone will be involved with the funeral arrangements is easy when done in advance. After basic consultation Dils can look after the rest. They plan and arrange everything – from bringing the deceased to the funeral home, coordinating the services and recording the service.

It is good to keep in mind when and where the service is planned. Dils encourages people to think of the type of service they want, who will officiate, viewing and other special guests. For those who want to go into detail, Dils can also advise on clothing for the deceased, music, photography, newspaper notices and service sheets. For the legal requirement of registering the death, Dils would require a copy of the birth or marriage certificate.

 Dil’s Funeral Services is a member of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ). They are part of the Funeral Link Network of independent and locally owned funeral businesses across New Zealand. They are also a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, an international organisation which recognises excellence in funeral service.

For more information call  +64 9 415 8720 or visit http://www.dils.co.nz/ funeral service options, buy urns for ashes, urn, schnapper rock funeral