What to expect from the arrangement process

If you have never made funeral arrangements before, even thinking about the process can be emotional and intimidating. You may be worried about how much it is all going to cost, or not know how you are possibly going to get through it...

Our staff is here for you. They are experienced professionals; experts in helping grieving families navigate through this difficult time. We will handle all the details; allowing you to spend time with family and friends.

When you call us after your loved one has died, we will ask for some basic information and then come take your loved one into our care. Then, typically within a day or two, you and your family members will come to the funeral home to make arrangements. It will be helpful for you to bring several things with you to the conference. Here is a checklist of everything you may need for your first arrangement meeting with us:

• Full legal name & Social Security # of the decedent
• Copies of insurance policies (either funeral/burial/preneed or life insurance) 
• Cemetery paperwork, if applicable 
• If you are not the spouse or next of kin, any directives establishing your authority to make decisions  
• Any questions you may have 
• Military discharge papers (DD-214) if applicable

(If the deceased was a veteran, we will need a copy of the discharge papers, also known as a DD-214 form in order to schedule military honors, obtain a flag, and to acquire veterans benefits)

If there is to be a public viewing or dressing is desired, please bring the following: 

• Clothing
• Jewelry & other personal items (rosaries, medals, photos, etc.) to be placed with the decedent in the casket.  These items can either be brought to the arrangement meeting, or on the day of the viewing.
• Recent photograph (to assist the funeral home staff with preparations for the service)

The first step is to gather vital statistic information.  This information is needed in order to prepare the death certificate, to obtain burial/cremation permits, to notify Social Security of the death, and to file claim forms for veterans.  We will coordinate with the deceased's doctor for a signature, and inform you of when you can expect it to be completed and certified through the Maricopa Office of Vital Records.  Complete accuracy is very important.  Any changes or modifications to the death certificate, once filed, will require an affidavit and additional charges.  We will not be held responsible for errors on the death certificate if incorrect or inadequate information is given during the arrangement conference.

Please be prepared to provide the following vital statistic information about your loved one:

• Full legal name
• Birth date
• Birth place
• Father's name
• Mother's maiden name
• Social security number (bring card if available)
• Marital status (single, married, divorced, never married, separated)
• Name of spouse (including maiden name)
• Highest level of education completed
• Race
• Legal residence: city, county, state and zip code
• State of residence prior to moving to Arizona
• Length of time in Arizona
• Military Status
• Occupation (prior to retirement)
• Place of burial (if applicable)

If you're unable to provide us with certain items in this list, you can always call us later to share whatever is missing.  (We will have a few days from the date of death to have this completed and turned into vitals).  If an item is left blank, it will show as “UNKNOWN” on the final death certificate.

After we gather vital statistic information, we will discuss final disposition options.  We will discuss and have you choose the needed funeral merchandise like caskets, burial containers, cremation urns and other personalization options that fit your needs and your budget.   

The cost of services will be explained completely to you before you make your choices. There are burial packages and cremation packages available that will assist in saving money and adding a level of convenience to the decision making process.

After the arrangement meeting, we will coordinate with your church or other desired service venue, cemetery or crematory and the appropriate government agencies to make all of the arrangements. During this time, we will also care for your loved one and prepare them for the services you selected. Then, on the day of the visitation or service we will be there to support you and handle all the details.