Category: Blog

We often hear of death certificates and know we need them when our loved one passes, but what exactly are they and what are they used for? Today we are going to look at death certificates, what they are, how to obtain them, and why you need them after your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX.

What is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is the official declaration of death when one passes. It is a document that states information regarding the death such as the person’s name, and date, time, and cause of death. These documents are required by law to be issued and are done so by the government.

Who Completes the Certificate?

The death certificate may completed by a variety or people. This could be a medical practitioner, such as doctor, hospice nurse, coroner, etc., and a licensed burial agent, funeral director, or family member.

Why Are Death Certificates Important?

Death certificates serve to verify your loved one’s death. They are also used on a broader scale to help track things such as overall mortality and society trends.

What Other Information Do I Need to Provide for Completion of the Certificate?

To complete the death certificate, the funeral director, family member, or licensed burial agent will need to know the following about the deceased:

• Their full name
• Social security number
• Date and Place of birth
• Address at time of death
• Marital status
• Spouse’s name (if applicable)
• Military information (if applicable)
• Father and mother’s name (with maiden name)
• Highest level of education
• Race
• Occupation

What Accounts Will Need a Certificate?

One of the biggest reasons you will need a death certificate is to show for proof of death when dealing with your loved one’s accounts. Some of these accounts include:

• Social security
• Bank accounts
• Credit cards
• Cell phone companies
• Utilities
• Student loans
• Mortgages
• Insurance
• Property transfers such as with vehicles or houses
• Retirement accounts
• Social media accounts
• Credit agencies
• Department of motor vehicles
• IRS/Taxes

These are just some of the accounts you may need to contact. The specific accounts will depend on what your loved one had open. Also note that some of these accounts will only require a copy of the certificate while others may need an original.

How Do I Obtain a Death Certificate?

If you are working with a funeral home or cremation provider, you can typically order the death certificate directly from them. It’s important to consider you may need more than one certificate for dealing with the different accounts your loved one had. If you need more copies you can get them from the county or state vital records office.

It is important to note than not anyone can order a certified copy. These are typically only allowed to be given to immediate family members, executors, and others who can prove they have a direct financial relation to the estate.

If you would like more information about cremation services in Irving, TX. or how to obtain a death certificate afterwards, give us a call and let one of our directors assist you one-on-one.

If you walk through a cemetery, you may notice not only headstones, but cremation benches as well. These benches act as a tribute to a loved one much in the way a headstone does. However, these benches differ in that the inside has a place that holds cremains after a loved one’s cremation services in Dallas, TX. Today we are going to explore these benches more as well as what types are available.

What is a Cremation Bench?

As mentioned earlier, a cremation bench houses the cremains of a loved one inside the bench structure. These benches are most often seen in cemeteries and cremation gardens but can also be found in parks and other memorial sites. They can contain the cremains of just one person or multiple people. These benches may also mark where ashes were scattered or buried.

Different Types of Cremation Benches

Just as there are several types of headstones marking a burial, there are several types of bench designs. These can include:

• Straight-Leg Bench- These benches are very simple and have minimal lines. The legs are straight with a stone slab serving as the seat. These benches typically house one to two loved ones with the cremains being held in the legs of the bench. Because of the simple style, a straight-leg bench can be one of the least expensive bench options.
• Panel Bench- A panel bench can house multiple cremains with many holding up to four loved ones. This bench also typically has more surface space to be able to be customized than other options.
• European-Inspired Bench- These benches have a seat that comes off so that the ashes may be placed inside. Instead of having legs, this bench as a single granite support. It is in this support that the ashes are placed.
• Memorial Bench- These benches are different in that the ashes of the loved one are not placed inside. Instead, these benches are just like other park benches and not hollow. Memorial benches are most often seen in places where a loved one’s ashes have been scattered, or in parks as families may wish to donate a bench. Most all of these benches will be engraved or marked in some way to honor the deceased. It may have their name, a poem, or other information engraved on it.

Choosing a Cremation Bench

With so many types and styles of cremation benches, it may be difficult deciding which one to choose. To help gauge which type would serve you best, you can ask yourself some questions such as:

• How much customization do I want?
• What is the location where the bench will be placed?
• What is my overall budget?
• How large is the designated space for the bench?
• How many urns do I want the bench to hold?

After your loved one’s cremation services in Dallas, TX., a cremation bench may be a perfect tribute and memorial to them and their life. If you have further questions or need any more information, feel free to reach out to us anytime as we are always available to help.

One question many families have when it comes to cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. is what options do they have as to where to place their loved one’s cremains. While most families are familiar with the idea of keeping them in an urn in their home, many are surprised to learn about cremation gardens. These gardens can make wonderful options and offer a variety of placement ideas.

What is a Cremation Garden?

Cremation gardens are designated places for families to place loved one’s cremains. While some of these gardens only contain a space for scattering the ashes, many gardens can be found including other options such as cremation burial plots as well as columbariums.

These gardens also many times offer walking paths, flowers gardens, sitting areas, ponds, water features, and landscaping designed to create beautiful places to visit and feel close to your loved one.

What Options Are Available?

As mentioned, typically cremation gardens will all offer a scattering garden. This is a designated place where families are welcomed to scatter their loved one’s ashes. This can be a wonderful option if families want to release the ashes but worried about laws in public areas. This is also nice because it offers these families a physical place to come back to and visit.

If families wish to keep their loved one’s ashes together in an urn either for religious or other reasons, many times cremation gardens have options for this as well. The two most popular being burial and a columbarium niche.

Urn burial plots work much the same way as casket burials. The urn is placed into the ground sometimes in an urn burial vault. Typically a headstone or other grave marker is available for the family to customize for their loved one’s gravesite.

A columbarium is a wall or other structure that is made up of spaces. These spaces are called niches and is where families place their loved one’s urn. These niches have a front plate that covers the space to ensue the urn is kept safe. These niches can be good options when families wish to have a secure location for the urn that is convenient for family and friends to visit as they wish.

Why Choose a Cremation Garden?

Families may choose a cremation garden for several different reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

More Accessible- When a loved one’s urn is kept in a family member’s home, it can be inconvenient to other family members who wish to visit. With the remains being at a general location such as a cremation garden, it is easier for those who wish to visit the remains.

Surroundings- Cremation gardens offer a peaceful and calming environment to sit, reflect, and connect with your loved one

Stable Environment- Scattering your loved one’s ashes at a local park might be great now, but who is not to say that park wont be a shopping center in the future? With a cremation garden, families can have the peace of mind knowing that it will stay as such for years to come.

To learn more about cremation gardens and cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX., give us a call and let one of our cremation directors help answer any questions you may have.

Thinking or talking about death and cremation services in Irving, TX. is never an easy thing to do. While we all know it is inevitable, discussing it can make us anxious and uncomfortable. However, it is something that needs to be addressed. This is especially true if we have a loved one approaching this situation due to age or illness. While it can be uncomfortable to discuss, planning things ahead of time can ensure everything is handled correctly when the time comes.

If you and your family are in this situation you may know you need to talk about and handle things but not sure exactly what or where to start. Keep reading as we cover some of the ways you can plan for your loved one’s passing.

Deciding Who Handles What

One of the very first things you want to do is gather all family members who are going to be taking part in handling the affairs and have a meeting. You want to lay out who will be handing what and make notes of everyone’s role and exact responsibility so there is no confusion later. Having a meeting like this now will provide a clear plan of action for each family member to take when the death occurs.

Things that will need to be decided include, but are not limited to:

• Who will be responsible for the making the funeral arrangements?
• Who will handle securing the house, mail, and other property?
• Who will handle the monetary affairs such as credit cards, bank accounts, loans, etc.?
• How will their final wishes be carried out?
• Who will be responsible for letting the rest of the family know when the death has occurred.

Have All Needed Documents

Other than a detailed plan of action, you will need to ensure that all important documents are filled out, organized, and easily accessible to the family member that will need them. Some of these documents include:

• Power of Attorney (PO)- This is important as it appoints someone to act on behalf of your loved one should they become incapable of handing affairs on their own.
• A Will – This document outlines how the deceased’s affairs and personal property will be handled
• An Advanced Directive- This covers your loved one’s end of life wishes and we as medical treatments such as if they wish to be resuscitated or not
• Funeral Home/ Cemetery Papers – Gather any documentation regarding burial plots or preplanning arrangements

Spend Time and Ask Questions

Although working out all of the logistics and such for after the death is important, spending time with your loved one while they are still here is top priority. Make time to sit with them and enjoy their company, Ask them questions about their childhood and life, their hopes and fears, and say what is on your heart and mind. You don’t want to get so caught up in making plans that you miss out on the time you have left with them.

If you would like more information for preplanning your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX, we are available anytime.

When making plans for your own, or a loved one’s cremation services in Dallas, TX. one of the things that will need to be decided is what type of urn you would like to have. As you begin looking at the different types of urns, you will see one option that is very popular is the biodegrade urn.

These urns can come in a variety of materials and design and you may wonder if this is the right choice for you. Since urns are not something we purchase every day, and epically biodegrade ones, we are going to look at when this type of urn may (and may not) be the best choice for you needs.

What is a Biodegradable Urn?

A biodegradable urn is a vessel to place your loved one’s cremains. This urn is different and unique in that it is made to break down over time and completely dissolve which leaves a very small or no carbon footprint. This can be very attractive to environmentally friendly people and can also be required to be used in certain situations.

These urns can be constructed from materials like paper, which is very delicate, to bamboo which is much more durable. These urns, depending on the material, are made to break down within minutes to months, even years. With biodegradable urns being so popular, there are various styles and designs to choose from.

When Should a Biodegradable Urn Be Used?

So when should a biodegradable urn be considered? Really, whenever it is interacting with the environment in a way that it needs to break down. In some cases, such as when ashes are sent out to sea, a biodegradable urn is required by law and no other urns are allowed.

Other situations when to use a biodegradable urn include times when the family would like to bury the ashes in a plot as with a ground burial. This could be in a cemetery or on family or other permitted land. Also these urns are needed when the family would like to plant a tree and use the ashes.

When a Biodegradable Urn Should Not Be Used?

Since these urns are designed to break down over time, they are not suitable for certain circumstances. For instance, you would not want to use a biodegradable urn if you were placing it in a columbarium nice or a family home as you want those urns to stand up to the test of time. In those cases, a traditional urn made from metal, glass, or wood would be more appropriate.

Where Do Your Buy a Biodegradable Urn?

Luckily these urns are very common and popular and as such can be found to purchase very easily as most urn providers offer a biodegradable option. If not, a simple search online can yield several options of companies that have a variety of options available.

If you would like to know more about biodegrade urns or cremation services in Dallas, TX., call us anytime and let one of our cremation directors answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Ground burials have been around for over thousands of years all over the world. While they still remain popular today, cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. are becoming just as common. One reason individuals and families choose this type of body disposition is because of all the options it provides on where the remains can be laid to rest.

If the family would like to keep the ashes together, they can be placed in a columbarium niche, kept in someone’s home, placed in a mausoleum or even buried. However, families also have many options when it comes to releasing the ashes. The most popular include casting, trenching, water, and sky or ariel. Today we are going to explore these ways in more depth.

1. Casting

Many families may choose to have a casting ceremony. This ceremony is much like that of a memorial service or funeral with people speaking giving eulogies, reciting poems, etc. However, at the end of the ceremony the ashes of the deceased will be cast into the air. This is what most people think of when they imagine ashes being released. This act can be very therapeutic as it can offer those who attend a visual representation of their loved one’s spirit being carried off by the wind.

2. Trenching

The second most popular ceremony is what is called a “trenching” ceremony. This ceremony takes place as it would with a casting ceremony expect the ashes are not released into the air. Instead, a hole or trench is dug into the ground prior to the ceremony, and the ashes are scattered inside.

After the remains are in the trench or hole, the family will then cover them with the dirt. The family could have one person to do this task, or take turns, shoveling a small amount of dirt on top. Some families my even allow those guests who want to, to also have a turn.

3. Water

If the deceased loved the beach, ocean, or other body of water, their family may choose to hold a water ceremony. This is where the ceremony is held and then the remains of the loved one are set out to sea. This is done by having the ashes inside a biodegradable urn and placing the urn in the water. Some biodegradable urns will dissolve almost immediately releasing the ashes while others can take a few minutes to even days before the sink and dissolve completely.

4. Sky or Aerial

While once these ceremonies were not very common, as cremation in general is growing as far as body disposition, sky ceremonies are also increasing. With this ceremony, the loved ones ashes will be released into the air from things such as helicopters, hot air balloons, planes and even hang gliders.

Final Thoughts

Even though these ceremonies are becoming more common and more popular, they still may be illegal in some places. That is why it is best to work with a director for cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. or another private company that specializes in these ceremonies. If you would like to organize one yourself, just make sure to check with local law enforcement before you perform your ceremony to ensure you are not breaking any laws and have all required permits.

A popular reason for people choosing cremation services in Irving, TX. is that they want their ashes returned back into nature. Many people may even know the exact spot they wish for this to happen. For the families of the loved one, releasing the ashes can be a very beautiful tribute as the wind carrying the ashes away signifies the deceased’s spirt being lifted into the heavens. We are going to look at how this act can help those left behind to heal.

Casting Ceremony

When ashes are released into the wind (as opposed to being buried or sent to sea), it is called “casting”. A casting ceremony is simply the ceremony that happens before the act of casting the ashes. These services can be a small, intimate affairs with just immediate family present, or could be a large event that is open to the public allowing anyone who wishes being able to attend.

These events can also be structured like that of a funeral or memorial service with eulogies being delivered, prayers or readings being recited and music selections being played or sung, or be a more simple, unorganized event where guests may take turns sharing a favorite memory about their loved one.

How Casting Ceremonies Help Us to Heal

No matter how large or small, organized or free low the casting ceremony is, these events can be very beneficial to those who attend. These ceremonies can aid in our healing by:

Assist with closure and saying goodbye- Death is never an easy thing to process. Having a visual of the ashes being released can help our brains, and our hearts, come to terms with what has happened.

Helping accept the new reality- Once we can begin to feel closure, these ceremonies can help us accept this new reality and begin to learn how to navigate through it.

Being around others who feel the same way-When you experience grief it can often time feel like you are all alone in your pain. Being around others who are also grieving the same loss as you can bring comfort in knowing you are not alone.

Provide a set time of remembrance- When you attend a casting ceremony, that is the only thing on your mind at that time. You are typically not thinking of things like work, chores, homework or errands but instead, your focus is on your loved one. This is wonderful to let your mind be consumed by their memory, talk about them with others, and remember all the good times.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a casting ceremony it is important that you first check with the location to ensure it is legal to release ashes there. While most places do allow for this, many only do so when the proper permits have been acquired.

To learn more about casting ceremonies as well as cremation services in Irving, TX, give us a call anytime as one of our cremation providers is happy to talk with you one-on-one.

While preplanning your cremation services in Dallas, TX. is a wonderful thing to do for your family, there are some additional things you should consider. These include documents you should have completed, organized and located in a place your family can access easily. Some of these documents may be used before your pass away while other will be what your family may need afterwards. In any case, it is good to have all papers on this list completed and ready to go if and when your family needs them.

Personal Documents

These are documents that your family may need for things like writing the obituary, getting the death certificate completed, and more. Of course this may not be all of the documents you need in this category as every individual is unique, but this will give you a good place to begin.

The documents you should have include:

• Last Will and Testament – This document will name those who you appoint that will inherit your assets if no beneficiary is named on an accounts.
• Marriage License / Divorce Decrees – Gather documents showing you have been married and/or divorced
• Digital Estate Plan- This document outlines how you would like your social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to be handled
• Letter of Instruction – This document instructs how you would like you last wishes to be carried out such as where you would like your ashes to be scattered after your cremation.

Financial Documents

If you become incapable of handling your accounts it is important to give your family permission to do so for you. Not only that, but having all of your financial papers organized and kept together will help your family immensely when the time comes. Some of the documents you should gather are:

• A Financial Power of Attorney (POA)- This document is imperative in assigning someone to handle your finances if you are unable to do so.
• 401(k)- These are any papers relating to your 401(k) and retirement accounts
• Income tax Returns- Make sure you have your past tax returns accessible for your family. Typically having the past six years is desired.
• Vehicle Titles – Make sure to gather any and all vehicle titles you may have.
• Stock Certificates – Gather any documents related to stocks you own or savings bonds
• Any Deeds – These would be deeds to things such as housing, cemetery, or land
• Loans and Payments- Documents showing any loans you have as well as payments made

Medical Documents

This last category includes any and papers that your family may need should you require hospital care. Documents to have can include:

• HIPAA Authorization – This is to allow your private health information to be released to the parties you name. This is important because without hospitals cannot release any information even to family members.
• An Advance Health Care Directive- This document is a combination of your Living Will and the naming of a Health Care Proxy
• Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR)- If it is your wish that doctors do not try and resuscitate you, you will need to fill out this DNR order.

By preplanning your cremation services in Dallas, TX. as well as having all of these documents organized and easily accessible to your family members, you can be assured they will be taken care after you pass.

Planning your cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. ahead of time just makes sense. Think about it. You plan other important events ahead of time. Vacations. Graduation parties. Road trips. Holiday plans. Why would you not preplan something as important as your final arrangements? Not only will it help ease the stress from your family when the time comes, you can take the time to truly decide what you would like to have happen as your last wishes. Let’s talk more about just some of these advantages to preplanning your arrangements.

1. Preplanning Allows You More Time and Choice

One great advantage of planning your arrangements now is that you don’t have to be a in rush. You can take the time to explore all of your options before settling on a final decision about things.

For example, did you know that nowadays it is possible to have your ashes shot int space, turned into a diamond, made into a painting or glass sculpture and even be made to create a living coral reef? And those are just a few of the options available.

Of course you can also choose a more traditional option such as having your ashes placed in a urn, scattering them back into nature, or having them buried. The choices are truly endless. Give yourself time now to explore all of the options.

2. Give Your Family a Break

Although it may seem morbid to some, making your final arrangements now is actually an act of love you are showing towards your family. When you pass, those who are left behind will be responsible for handling everything from your bank accounts to newspaper subscriptions.

Help ease their burden by not having them be responsible for planning your cremation services as well. Knowing that aspect has already all been arranged can greatly reduce the stress your family will be feeling at the time of your passing.

3. Your Last Wishes Will be Honored

When you preplan your arrangements now, you can arrange any last wishes that you would like to have occur. This can give you confidence and peace of mind knowing everything will be handled the way you wish.

Even if you leave your last wishes up to your family, when the time comes, even though they have the best of intentions, they may not be able to complete your last wishes for whatever reason. Don’t leave it up to chance. Preplan now so that your last wishes will be handled in the manner you want.

Final Thoughts

While making your final arrangements now can seem awkward or uncomfortable, know that by doing so, you are doing the responsible thing for your family Just make sure that after you have your plans made that you let your family know. Inform them about what provider you have contracts with, where these papers are located and who they need to contact if they have questions about anything. This will help immensely when the time comes. It doesn’t do any good to preplan all of your cremation services in Farmers Branch, TX. only to forget to let anyone know.

Writing has often been used to help process grief and loss. This can be done in numerous ways including keeping a journal, creating a daily gratitude list, or even writing your loved one’s biography. While all of these are fantastic methods, today we will be exploring another therapeutic option: writing your loved one a letter after their cremation services in Irving, TX.

 

Step 1: Find a comfortable spot to sit and write without disturbances.

It can be therapeutic to write a letter to your deceased loved one. It can help you to process your grief and can be a way to express your feelings that you may not have been able to say in person. You may find it helpful to write the letter in a comfortable spot where you won’t be interrupted. You can light a candle or play calming music to create a peaceful atmosphere. Once you’re ready, start by writing down some of the things you remember about your loved one. What are some of the qualities that you admire? What are some of your favorite memories? What did they mean to you? As you write, don’t be afraid to express your feelings, whether they’re happy, sad, angry, or anything else. Just let the words flow and see where they take you. You may find the experience to be healing and cathartic.

 

Step 2: Get the supply you need.

A journal is a great way to capture your thoughts and feelings, and you may also want to include some photos or mementos that are special to you. You’ll also need a good pen that won’t bleed through the pages – try a gel or ballpoint pen in black or blue ink. And finally, make sure you have plenty of tissues handwriting can be an emotional process, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself. With these supplies, you’ll be ready to sit down and write a letter that will be cherished for years to come.

 

Step 3: Concentrate on what you want to write.

It is not easy to write a letter to your deceased loved one. You may feel it is pointless because they are no longer here, but it can be very therapeutic. The process of writing can help you to process your grief and to say goodbye healthily. It can also be a way to keep your loved one’s memory alive. To get started, concentrate on what you want to say. Write from the heart and don’t worry about grammar or punctuation. Just let the words flow. You may find it helpful to write about favorite memories, things you wish you had said, or how much you miss your loved one. Take your time and be gentle with yourself. Writing a letter to your deceased loved one can be a powerful way to heal your grief.

 

Step 4: Say goodbye to a loved one.

Saying goodbye to a deceased loved one can be difficult. The process of grief can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to find the words to express your feelings. Writing a letter to your loved one can be a helpful way to say goodbye. It can be a way to express your thoughts and emotions and to share memories of your time. It can also be a way to process your grief and begin healing. Writing a letter is not always easy, but it can be a powerful way to say goodbye to your deceased loved one.

 

Whatever feels right to you, do that. And don’t think you can write them a letter just one time. Feel free after your loved one’s cremation services in Irving, TX, to write them a letter each week, each month, or on special days like birthdays and holidays. There are no rules to this activity so feel free to make it your own and write as often as you’d like.