Cost & Payment

HOW MUCH DOES A FUNERAL COST?

This depends entirely on your choice of casket and additional items such as flowers, newspaper notices, cemetery or cremation fees, and catering. These form part of the account and will vary according to the choices made.

The funeral firm will also charge for its services – for making all the arrangements, use of hearses and other cars, and other professional services provided. Please talk to us at James R Hill Funeral Directors so that we can provide a service to suit both your needs and your financial circumstances. We are more than happy to provide a free no obligation quote.

If you have any financial worries, please let us know as soon as possible. There are agencies we can refer you to, such as Work and Income, where a funeral grant may be available depending on your level of assets and income. If the death was caused by an accident, ACC may be able to help. Other entitlements are available for ex-service personnel and their families.

HOW CAN I PAY IF THE ESTATE IS STILL TIED UP?

When a death occurs, bank accounts in the name of the deceased are frozen and, in some cases, cannot be accessed until after Probate is granted. To ensure ongoing access by a partner, it is better for the bank accounts to be in joint names.

When settlement of an estate is delayed by lack of Probate, families should pay the funeral account by the due date and recover the funds from the estate when it is settled.

Most funeral firms send the account directly to the family and, if required, will send a copy to the solicitor.

The person making the arrangements with the funeral director remains responsible for paying the account.

PAYMENT

We will always sit down and discuss the Estimate of Financial Details. This includes receiving instructions concerning funeral arrangements, personal care and attention of deceased, embalming/mortuary care, obtaining the death certificate from the Doctor, preparing necessary documentation, attending to registration of death, provision of funeral home facilities and services, further transfers, after hours fees, paying disbursements and conducting other services in accordance with instructions.

We may require an initial payment (approximately $5000) in advance of the funeral as part or full payment of the fees. We are not required to perform the funeral services until the initial payment has been paid.

Our fees (less any initial payment paid) are due 14 days from the date of invoice (Due date).

James R Hill Funeral Directors are proud to be able to accommodate most budgets. There are Funeral Grants available through WINZ and ACC, and we are happy to advise you of the options that may be available to you.

For more information or advice please click here or phone James R Hill.