I already own cemetery interment rights and I expressed my funeral wishes in my last will and testament. Why is that not enough?
Quite often, the will is not read until after the funeral has taken place, by which time it is too late for people to learn what you would have wanted. By pre-planning, you relieve your family not only of the burden of making final arrangements at an emotional time but also of the task of second-guessing what you would have wanted. By involving your family or friends in the planning process, you allow them the opportunity to express their views. Remember, they are the ones who will have to carry out your wishes. Details of your pre-planned arrangements should be readily available to family and friends, and you should make sure they know how to access them should you die unexpectedly.

I don't have cemetery arrangements. Where should I go?
Many people use the same cemetery employed by other family members or friends, while others use the cemetery closest to their home. If you know of neither, your funeral director will be happy to help you locate a cemetery that will meet your needs.

If I pre-plan my funeral, will that include everything or will I also have to go to the cemetery to make arrangements?
You will still need to purchase cemetery interment rights, and a visit to the cemetery is strongly recommended for that.

Will the funeral home look after the hospital, the cemetery and letting the government know about the death?
Yes. We will transfer the deceased from the hospital to the funeral home; we will register the death with the Registrar General, and also notify Canada Pension Plan; and we will contact the cemetery to arrange for the grave opening.

What happens if I move out of town and I have already pre-paid my funeral with you?
You have the option of having your money refunded to you, along with accrued interest, less a small administration fee, or The Simple Alternative can transfer your trust fund to another funeral home of your choice. The second option precludes issuing a T5 on accrued interest.

What happens if I die in another province or country while on a trip?
One phone call to The Simple Alternative by a friend or family member is all that is required to set in motion the process of having the body returned to Toronto for burial or cremation. You can also purchase a travel-assistance plan, which will cover costs if a death occurs while out of town.

Is embalming necessary?
Only if your loved one is going to be transported out of the province, and if required by the receiving country and/or the carrier transporting the deceased. Otherwise, it is your choice, although it may depend on such factors as whether or not there will be viewing of your loved one with an open casket, the length of time prior to burial or cremation, etc.

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