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Funeral Planning Checklist

A comprehensive guide to help you navigate the practical steps of arranging a funeral. Use this checklist to ensure nothing important is overlooked during a difficult time.

Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)

Obtain the medical certificate of cause of death

Contact a funeral director

Notify immediate family members

Locate important documents (will, birth certificate, etc.)

Consider organ donation wishes if relevant

Planning the Service

Decide on burial or cremation

Choose a funeral service type (traditional, memorial, direct)

Select a venue for the service

Arrange celebrant or religious officiant

Plan the order of service

Choose music and readings

Prepare a eulogy or life tribute

Select pallbearers if needed

Administrative Tasks

Register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages

Notify Centrelink (if applicable)

Contact employer and superannuation funds

Notify banks and financial institutions

Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions

Update Medicare and health insurance

Contact the Australian Tax Office

After the Service

Send thank you cards to attendees

Arrange for headstone or memorial plaque

Distribute personal belongings

Execute the will through probate if needed

Consider grief counselling support

Need Help With Planning?

Our team can guide you through every step of the funeral planning process.

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