Joseph Medcalf Funeral ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
What do I do when someone dear to me dies? Who will help me, advise me, and assume the necessary responsibilities in arranging a funeral?
Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services will help. Remember the name. It is a
difficult time, but you can stop worrying. As long-established funeral
directors, Joseph Medcalf's will provide an experienced and dignified service. We
understand the difficulties faced by a bereaved family, and we will employ our
profound expertise, compassion, and understanding in order to solve your
problems.
Please call us.
What happens next?
It is essential that a director from Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services has a personal face-to-face discussion with you and your family in order to arrange a proper service. This meeting can happen at our office, or in the comfort of your family home. Your consultant will discuss all of the service details, including the individual wishes of the family, and come to an agreement about the specifics of the funeral. This initial meeting also serves to dispense with some formalities, such as the completion of statutory documents and forms that must be signed for a funeral to go ahead.
Which documents and information are required?
All deaths must be registered under State Law. The following formal information about the deceased must be provided to Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services so that the service can be arranged on your behalf.• Deceased's full name and address
• Occupation (if retired — former occupation)
• Sex and age
• Date and place of death
• Date and place of birth
• Period of residence in Australia (if not native born)
• Name of father (in full)
• Name and maiden surname of mother (in full)
• Martial status at time of death:
o Where married
o To whom
o At what age
o If married more than once, further particulars about each marriage
• Names of children living and deceased, including date of birth
Are there any differences between interment (burial) or cremation services?
Not many. Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services provides the same professional service whatever your choice. Traditionally, burials that include the purchase of a plot are more expensive than a cremation, and costs vary considerably depending on the service choices you make.
What happens if the deceased is in another State or overseas?
Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services, via affiliations with other accredited funeral directors, can make arrangements practically anywhere in the world. We also have other wholly-owned offices in Sydney, in Newcastle, and on the North Coast of NSW.
Can deceased remains be transported interstate or overseas?
Yes. Our skilled and fully qualified personnel will take care of this on your behalf.
Can we have a private viewing?
Yes. We encourage this as it helps with bereavement. Viewings are normally held in our chapel the afternoon or evening before the service, or can be held at a venue of your choice with prior arrangement.
What are my obligations as an executor or next-of-kin?
You are responsible for the proper instruction to Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services
about the service in accordance with the expressed or implied wishes and
directions given to you by the deceased.
If you are an executor you must, as far as possible, give effect to the
deceased's Will, as follows:
• Payment of total funeral and medical costs that arise at the time, provided
sufficient funds exist to meet them.
• In the case where an estate has insufficient funds to meet these obligations,
the executor, by law, must use the assets of the estate to make payment in the
following manner:
o Payment of funeral expenses, beneficiaries and associated administrative costs
o Payment of amounts owing to the Crown for probate
o Payment of debts that demand priority by any statute or regulation
o Payment of ordinary creditors as soon as possible
o Payment of various legacies
Please note: you are well advised to consult a solicitor in regard to the above,
taking with you the deceased's Will.
Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services will discuss and disclose all costs at the initial meeting with you. There exist basic costs for a funeral that cannot be varied, and additional services that may be added at your direction.
• Our Service Fee (fixed):
Covers the use of relevant facilities and equipment, the conducting of a funeral during normal working hours and the supply of transportation.
• Transfer Fee:
Levy for the transfer of the deceased from a place of death to our mortuary. The
fee depends on the time of day and day of the week when transfer is effected.
• After Hours Service:
If a service is conducted after hours, the Award under which our staff works
provides for the payment of overtime. These overtime costs are billed to you as
an extra.
• Cemetery/Crematorium Fees:
Covers the cost of the use of these third-party facilities. You may also incur
charges for the purchase of a gravesite, lawn plot, or other burial site.
• Coffin or Casket:
Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services make available a wide range of coffins and
caskets for you to choose from. Prices are determined by the timber used,
skilled workmanship employed, interior and exterior furnishings applied, and so
forth.
• Press Notices or Advertising:
Newspapers charge per size and space for funeral notices, and costs vary
depending on whether displayed in city or country publications. Radio
announcement charges vary depending on the station employed.
• Registration of Death:
As determined by local state laws at the time of death.
• Certified Death Certificate
As determined by local state laws at the time of death.
• Coach/es:
Can be provided to take people to services as requested.
• Clergy, Celebrant or Church Fees:
To be negotiated with the person or organisation that will be a part of the
funeral service.
• Floral Tributes:
As per the family's and deceased's wishes. Flowers are a traditional way of
honouring the deceased and bereaved family. Florist costs are disclosed and set
at the time you make the funeral arrangements with Joseph Medcalf's.
• Memorial Booklets:
We can produce individualised memorial booklets for those attending the funeral to sign in honour of the deceased. We can also print Order Of Service booklets with a colour photo, or to your specifications. Price depends on the quantity you require. Please ask to see a sample.
What about rebates or allowances?
• Veteran Affairs:If the deceased is an ex-serviceperson, his or her family is entitled to claim a funeral allowance from the Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA).
• Pensioners:
Centrelink can help with the provision of a bereavement allowance.
• Unions, Lodges etc:
Many associations offer funeral allowances or mortality benefits along with membership. In all cases, you must lodge an application with the organisation within six months of the date of death.
What about Funeral Account Payment?
The person who authorises the funeral arrangements is legally responsible for the account. Payment is normally made on submission of charges and receipt of the account, and paid within the period indicated.
Why should we trust Joseph Medcalf's?
As a fully accredited member of the Funeral Directors Association (FDA) of NSW we are conscious of our responsibilities to you and bound by a rigid ethical code in the execution of our duties.We will do nothing unless it is at your request, or has been given your approval. We take pride in how we care for the deceased. Our highly experienced staff attend to every detail, ensuring the intact dignity of the person who is entrusted to our care.
Ultimately, the cost of a funeral depends on your choices. We promise not to force you to accept unnecessary or unwanted charges. The funeral is arranged openly with you, in full co-operation, and we will follow all instructions to suit your budget and requirements.
Our task is to help you. We understand that this is not an easy time, and we will do our utmost to relieve you of worry and pressure by providing our services with professional skill, respect, and efficiency.
Stop worrying. Pick up the phone. Remember our name. Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services.
It will be a privilege to serve you.
Please call Now
Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services specialises in traditional Funerals.
02 9698 2644
A Redfern & Belmore Family Company Since 1880
Joseph Medcalf's Tradition
Joseph Medcalf Funeral Services
serves Redfern & Belmore (Sydney) and surrounding areas by providing local residents with quality, caring funerals.
For the last 125 years Joseph Medcalf has conducted an all-Australian family funeral business both locations.
As long-established funeral directors, our wide experience and dignified service enables us to provide the knowledge, expertise and understanding
necessary to relieve you of all the problems and worries that beset a bereaved family.
