Planning & Pre-Planning Checklist
A Helpful Guide for Funeral, Cremation, Memorial, and Repatriation Planning
Funeral Planning & Pre-Planning Checklist in Trenton, NJ. Planning ahead can bring peace of mind to you and your family. Whether you are arranging services after a loss or preparing your own wishes in advance, this checklist can help organize important information and make the process easier.
Personalized Assistance in Creating Your Plan
At International Funeral Service Southview, we guide families through funeral planning, cremation planning, memorial services, burial coordination, transportation, and domestic or international repatriation with compassion and care.
Immediate Planning Checklist
If a loved one has recently passed away, these are the first steps to consider.
1. Contact the Funeral Home
For Immediate Funeral Planning
Call International Funeral Service Southview at (609) 396-4686.
Our team will explain what happens next and help coordinate transportation, arrangements, documents, and service options.
2. Confirm the Location of Your Loved One
Helpful information includes whether your loved one is at:
- A hospital
- A nursing home
- A hospice facility
- A private residence
- A medical examiner’s office
- Another funeral home
- Another city, state, or country
3. Identify the Legal Next of Kin
Who is the next of kin?
The legal next of kin may be needed to authorize funeral, cremation, burial, or transportation arrangements.
If you are unsure who has legal authority, our team can help explain what information may be needed.
4. Gather Basic Personal Information
When available, gather:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Social Security number
- Marital status
- Spouse’s name
- Parents’ names
- Veteran status
- Occupation
- Home address
- Religious or cultural preferences
5. Choose the Type of Arrangement
Your family may choose:
- Traditional funeral service
- Viewing or visitation
- Chapel service
- Church service
- Graveside service
- Burial service
- Direct cremation
- Cremation with memorial service
- Cremation with viewing
- Memorial service
- Celebration of life
- Domestic transportation
- International repatriation
6. Review Cemetery or Cremation Details
Burial planning
If burial is planned, gather cemetery information if available.
If cremation is planned, consider whether the family would like an urn, keepsake, memorial service, or final placement of cremated remains.
7. Discuss Religious, Cultural, or Family Traditions
Religious & cultural preference
Let our team know about any customs, prayers, clothing, timing requirements, clergy involvement, community practices, or family wishes that should be honored.
8. Prepare Obituary Information
Helpful obituary details may include:
- Full name and nickname
- Age
- City of residence
- Family members
- Life story or personal background
- Career or community involvement
- Service date, time, and location
- Memorial contribution details
- Photo selection
9. Review Pricing and Payment Options
Pricing
Ask about the General Price List, service options, merchandise, transportation costs, cemetery charges, cremation costs, repatriation costs, and available payment methods.
Our team can help explain what is required and what is optional.
10. Confirm Service Details
Before the service, confirm:
- Date and time
- Location
- Clergy or officiant
- Music
- Readings
- Flowers
- Photos
- Prayer cards
- Guest book
- Transportation
- Cemetery or crematory schedule
- Family arrival time
Pre-Planning Checklist
Pre-planning allows you to document your wishes in advance and give your loved ones clearer guidance.
1. Choose Burial, Cremation, or Transportation Preferences
Document whether you prefer:
- Burial
- Cremation
- Direct cremation
- Cremation with memorial service
- Traditional funeral service
- Graveside service
- Memorial service
- Celebration of life
- Transportation to another state
- Repatriation to another country
2. Select the Type of Service You Prefer
Consider whether you would like:
- A religious service
- A cultural or family tradition
- A private family gathering
- A public viewing
- A church or chapel service
- A graveside service
- A memorial after cremation
- A celebration of life
- No formal service
3. Record Important Family Contacts
Include names and phone numbers for:
- Legal next of kin
- Spouse or partner
- Children
- Siblings
- Executor or legal representative
- Clergy or religious leader
- Cemetery contact
- Insurance agent
- Attorney
- Trusted friend or caregiver
4. Organize Important Documents
Keep these documents in a safe and accessible place:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security information
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce documents, if applicable
- Veteran discharge papers, such as DD214
- Cemetery deed or plot information
- Life insurance policy
- Will or estate documents
- Pre-planning documents
- Identification
- Passport, if repatriation may be needed
5. Write Down Personal Wishes
Your plan may include:
- Preferred clothing
- Music
- Prayers
- Readings
- Photos
- Flowers
- Obituary details
- Favorite memories
- Charities or memorial donations
- Special instructions for family
- Religious or cultural customs
6. Choose Memorial Products
You may wish to note preferences for:
- Casket
- Urn
- Keepsake
- Memorial jewelry
- Prayer cards
- Memorial folders
- Guest book
- Tribute video
- Photo display
- Personalized memorial items
7. Plan for Repatriation or Transportation
If you wish to be transported to another state or country, document:
- Destination city, state, or country
- Receiving funeral home, if known
- Cemetery or burial location
- Family contact at destination
- Passport or identification details
- Religious or cultural requirements
- Any embassy, consulate, or airline considerations
8. Review Financial Information
Helpful financial planning details may include:
- Funeral budget preferences
- Life insurance information
- Veterans benefits information
- Payment preferences
- Cemetery ownership documents
- Pre-funded arrangement details, if applicable
- Public assistance or benefit information, if applicable
9. Share Your Plan With Trusted Family
A plan is most helpful when your loved ones know it exists.
Let trusted family members know where your documents are kept and who to contact when help is needed.
10. Update Your Plan When Needed
Review your plan from time to time.
Update it if your wishes, family contacts, cemetery information, insurance details, or transportation preferences change.
Documents Families May Need
Depending on the type of arrangement, families may need:
- Death certificate information
- Burial transit permit
- Cremation authorization
- Cemetery information
- Identification of the deceased
- Next of kin authorization
- Veteran documents
- Life insurance information
- Obituary details
- Passport for international repatriation
- Consulate or embassy forms, if required
- Receiving funeral home information
Requirements may vary depending on the service, cemetery, crematory, state, or destination country.
Planning for Repatriation
Domestic and international repatriation often requires careful coordination. International Funeral Service Southview can help families with transportation of human remains or cremated remains to another state or country.
Repatriation planning may include:
- Transportation from place of death
- Preparation requirements
- Death certificate copies
- Transit permits
- Embassy or consulate documentation
- Airline coordination
- Airport transfers
- Receiving funeral home coordination
- Destination country requirements
- Family communication throughout the process
Get Personalized Support Anytime
Whether you need immediate funeral planning or want to prepare your wishes in advance, International Funeral Service Southview is here to help your family with dignity, compassion, and clear guidance. guidance tailored to your family’s needs and find comfort in knowing help is just a call away.
Planning & Pre-Planning FAQs
What is the difference between funeral planning and pre-planning?
Funeral planning usually happens after a loved one has passed away and arrangements need to be made. Pre-planning happens in advance and allows a person to document their wishes before the time of need.
Why is pre-planning important?
Pre-planning helps reduce stress for family members, gives loved ones clear instructions, and allows important wishes to be documented ahead of time. It can also help families avoid confusion during an emotional time.
Do I need to pay in advance to pre-plan?
No. You can document your wishes and review your options without paying in advance. If you are interested in pre-funded arrangements, our team can explain available options clearly.
What should I bring to a planning appointment?
Helpful items may include identification, Social Security information, veteran records, cemetery documents, life insurance information, family contact details, and any notes about funeral, cremation, burial, or memorial preferences.
Can I include religious or cultural traditions in my plan?
Yes. Your plan can include religious, cultural, personal, or family traditions. International Funeral Service Southview respects all faiths, cultures, and customs.
Can I plan transportation to another state or country?
Yes. If transportation or repatriation may be needed, your plan can include destination details, receiving funeral home information, cemetery information, family contacts, and any special instructions.
