At a time of loss, dealing with paperwork can be a burden for the people who are grieving and organising a funeral. Our team at Australian Pensioner Funerals takes care to alleviate the pressure on families and friends by managing all essential and required paperwork related to the death and the funeral. We also provide helpful information and guidance related requirements after the funeral has taken place.
Transport Documents
We will always organise all aspects of the transportation of a loved one into our care including managing the associated paperwork. We will ensure that we have provided and received any of documentation that is required legally and procedurally. This includes contact with agencies such as hospitals and aged care homes and treating doctors. When hospitals require release forms to be signed by the next of kin, our Funeral Consultants assist families to readily access forms and support with signing when required. We are experienced understanding and managing requirements associated with these documents.
For repatriation of loved ones interstate or internationally we are experienced in providing documentation and meeting legal requirements of State Governments, the Australian Government and International Governments. We liaise with Government agencies and transport companies on your behalf.
Cremation and Burial Requirements
Before a cremation or burial of a loved one can take place, there are legal requirements in Victoria that involve ensuring the correct documentation is completed. The type of requirements varies depending on the type of service provided by the cemetery.
For cremations in Victoria, specific documentation is required by cemeteries before the cremation can take place. Documentation includes an application (signed by the next of kin), a medical cause of death form (from treating doctor) and a certificate from a second medical doctor. We will arrange to provide these forms to the cemetery on our client family’s behalf. We provide support to families to assist in signing the application form required.
For burials in Victoria, different documentation is required by cemeteries for graves that have been purchased in teh past, including an application for interment (signed by the next of kin), application for right of burial (in some cases) and a medical cause of death form (from treating doctor). When a grave is not owned and a purchase is required, cemeteries will have additional document requirements. Our staff provide support to families to assist in signing relevant forms and providing them to cemeteries. We also offer support to families in identifying cemeteries with graves available for sale and the requirements to arrange a purchase.
Registration Of Death with BDM (Victoria)
Funeral services are responsible for the registration of the death of a loved one in Victoria with BDM (Victoria) – formerly Births, Deaths and Marriages. Information registered includes known details of the person, including details of their; birth, death, funeral, parents, marital status, relationships, children and their treating doctor.
On occasion supporting documentation is also required to complete registration. Our Funeral Consultants will work with you to gather this information and will liaise with BDM (Victoria) to complete the registration. We ensure the registration is completed accurately and complies with the relevant laws and procedures related to registering a death.
Death Certificates
The official Death Certificate provided by BDM (Victoria) is an important piece of legal documentation that is provided following the registration of the death. It is required as evidence of death for legal and financial purposes. A Death Certificate will be requested by most organisations as proof of death to close financial accounts, cease Government pensions and apply for probate.
When we complete the registration of death, we will apply and purchase a Death Certificate from BDM (Victoria) or the next of kin or informant. We take care to finalise applications quickly and accurately and will communicate with BDM on behalf of the informant regarding any concerns or delays alleviating any concerns after the funeral.
Centrelink – Advice of Death Form (SA116)
When the person that has passed was receiving Centrelink payments such as an aged pension or disability pension we are able to assist in providing the Advice of Death Form (SA116) directly to Centrelink on behalf of the next of kin. This alleviates any stress associated with contacting Centrelink and minimizes the possibility of overpayment and a Centrelink debt. Our Funeral Consultants will discuss if this is something families would like us to do and will ask for the reference numbers required to complete this form.
Requirements after the Funeral
While it is our responsibility to meet all legal requirements associated with the funeral service and registration of the death, we are also able to provide guidance after the funeral service. We are available to contact at any time regarding any queries related to documents and certificates. Our staff can also provide information regarding the organisations that should be contacted after the funeral has taken place and their contact details.
Legal advice regarding wills, estates and probate should be sought from a professional legal representative, such a Solicitor.
Professional management of legal requirements
Our Funeral Consultants are experienced in navigating funeral paperwork and legal requirements alleviating any need for families to deal with paperwork at a difficult time. Our service provides families with one staff member who is able to answer any questions regarding requirements for the funeral in addition to organising the funeral. You can be reassured that your loved one’s funeral is arranged in a professional, and caring manner, respecting all funeral legal requirements.
If you require further assistance in relation to funeral paperwork, or have questions concerning the funeral legal requirements, contact the team on (03) 9419 0004.