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Death isn't a topic we like to discuss, but it's a conversation
families should have before an immediate need arises. No one can argue that
with every death, there is a certain amount of arrangements that will have to
be made sometime by someone. Compiling the basic records of life like military
service records, social security numbers, life insurance policies, mother's
maiden name, divorce or wedding documents, etc. is an ordeal we avoid whenever
possible. When death occurs avoidance is no longer possible - there is an
immediate need for those records.
If discussing or even thinking about death is difficult for you,
start small. Have you purchased life insurance? How about a will? If you have
either of these, you HAVE started planning for your death. Think about it this
way, if you are having a difficult time thinking about your death or the death
of those you love -- imagine how much more difficult it will be once the death
has occurred. These decisions are difficult enough to make in advance. They are
even more difficult for people who are grieving to make. This section is
designed to help make it a little easier for you and your survivors.
Start small; create a file that contains the details your
survivors will need. At the end of this section there is a list of the items
that will help you begin to think about and discuss the many details that will
be needed upon your death. We've also included a Personal Data Form so the
information that will be needed for the Death Certificate is readily available.
Gather the necessary information, papers, etc. and make copies, put them in
that file.
Once you've done that, don't stop there. This next item is
probably the most important: discuss this with your family. What good are any
arrangements if no one knows they exist? Give your family a copy of your
arrangements and important papers in a duplicate "Upon my death".
Now you are ready for the final step. Decide which level of
planning is right for you and your family. Planning your funeral doesn't have
to include paying for it in advance. The next paragraphs will help you
understand the levels of planning and some of the payment options available.
Preplanning the decisions that will be needed when death occurs
is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones. It will
release them of the often overwhelming responsibility of making decisions
(frequently financially related) at a very difficult time. Preplanning also
assures that you will have control of the decisions relating to your death,
services and memorials held, what your obituary says about your life, etc.
These plans need to be as complete as possible, updated often, and placed on
file with your church, each family member, lawyer, doctor, etc.
Some people choose to fund their prearrangements in advance. By
doing this, the contract price is frozen; also, you will save money. You are
assured government regulated adherence will be made to your final wishes.
To prefund your cremation arrangements with the Cremation
Society of the Carolinas, contact us. Once we receive your request, a staff
member will contact you to set up a convenient time for a licensed funeral
director to meet with you. This staff member is required by the North Carolina
Board of Funeral Service to receive your vital statistical information which
will be necessary for the certified copy of the death certificate. This funeral
director will also witness your signature on the Statement of Goods and
Services, Cremation Authorization, and submit your Cancellation Notice to you.
The funeral director will also request a check for each prearrangement in the
amount of $20.00. This check is to be made payable to N.C.B.F.S. (North
Carolina Board of Funeral Service) This is a recording fee as required by North
Carolina. After filing and within 30 days you will be notified in writing that
your contract has been recorded.
Our staff includes several members who are licensed in
accordance with the laws of North Carolina. For additional information from the
State of North Carolina please contact:
Department of Preneed Regulation
NC Board of Funeral Service
1033 Wade Ave., Suite 108
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 733-9380
www.ncbfs.org
If you would like to enroll in The Cremation and Burial Group
Benefit Program, please complete your name, address and phone number in the
boxes provided below. You may enroll your parents and Next of Kin. You may also
enroll additional family members by simply adding their names, addresses and
phone numbers in the box at the end labeled "Additional Comments". Remember,
there is no cost to enroll.
Once you have made your decisions, we encourage you to complete
the rest of the Personal Data Form, and place it on file with us. You may add
as many details as you would like in the last section of this form. The
information from Personal Data Form may be used to complete the death
certificate and/or to place obituary notices. The Cremation and Burial Group
Benefit Program will keep this information on file for you, giving you the
security of knowing you have planned for the future, and relieved family and
loved ones of the burdensome task of providing detailed information at a very
difficult time.
When you click on
Online Pre-Planning Form,
the data will not be rented, sold or shared with any outside company or
organization. See our privacy policy for more information.
You can also send a copy of the online form to an email
address you provide, for your records. Print extra copies for your files at
home (don't forget extra copies for any family members or clergy who will need
this information). We also provide each enrolled member with a laminated
membership wallet card.
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