The role of a funeral director is to provide a very special service. He or she must be able to advise on and arrange all the details that make up a funeral service.

From the moment a family calls, the funeral director will make every possible effort to meet the family's wishes.

Above all, the funeral director must be understanding, compassionate, and act in a way which is ethical and deserving of trust.

The responsibilities of a funeral director include:

• Arrange all matters requested by the family taking into consideration the legal, social, cultural, and religious considerations relating to the deceased and to the mourners.

• Transportation of the deceased from the place of death to the
  mortuary.

• Preparation of the deceased.

• Collation of certificates from hospital or doctor's surgery.

• Completion of statutory requirements, including forms.

• Preparation and insertion of newspapers notices.

• Contact with clergyman or funeral celebrant.

• Organise bookings at the church, cemetery and/or crematorium.

• Officially register the death.

• Obtain copies of the Death Certificate.

• Organise all details of the funeral service, including the supply of vehicles and pall bearers.

• Advise on religious requirements in relation to the funeral service and to visitation and other customs prior to and after the funeral.

- from the brochure Information You May Need
© 2003, Australian Funeral Directors Association
Used with permission

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