Funeral in NI

belfastgirl23

Having had a recent death in the family I'm trying to get all my own paperwork in order for when it happens to me. I live in Belfast but am originally from North West. Presuming I die in Belfast, could I still use the family undertaker back home? And if I chose not to do that can anyone recommend a good undertaker in Belfast? I'd always thought about going with the friendly society version (co-op) or the godfather of soul (James Brown). But who is the best service for a reasonable fee? I think it would be really useful to have a resource here for people who need it, and I will really use it to put together my own plan.

I will also say to those of you who haven't made wills or put together any plans for the event of their death, please do think about it. Otherwise you will leave someone you love with the stressful job of putting your affairs in order at a time when they are grieving. Hopefully if we gather some info here it will help a few of us sort ourselves out.

Sorry to be morbid but I do really think this is a far more important new year resolution than losing a few lbs or going jogging. And I would really appreciate any experiences people feel able to share.

jenny-wren

You can choose whatever undertaker you want. When my FIL passed away he died in Belfast but was buried in the North West. He had already arranged the undertakers (from his home town where he was buried) leaving all the relevant details in a safe place for the family when the time came.

I believe the smaller local undertakers offer a better service than the bigger Belfast based ones, you feel much less like your loved one is just another in the 'production line'.

Jaime-V

:kisses3: Sorry to hear about your recent loss belfastgirl, I lost my lovely mummy in November there.:A

We used a local undertakers in North Belfast (Melvilles) and I have to say the service we received from them was very good and they were very respectful. I think you need to use who you have heard 'good' things about, like all other businesses there are reputations etc. My mum lived in Belfast, was cremated in Roselawn and ashes buried in Carnmoney, my sister had to purchase the grave in Carnmoney as you had to be a resident in the borough. You would need to get someone to do this for you in the North West as you do not reside there presently. Though, you can buy a grave now in advance, as morbid as that sounds. You can also arrange the funeral details and pay in advance too at most undertakers.

HTH

oneknight

We sussed all this out earlier this year, and ended up getting a Pre-Payment plan through Dignity (used to be co-op) on the Ravenhill Road.

We thought it was a brilliant way not to add the burden of expense onto loved ones when we pass away.

Lady we dealt with was called Michelle and explained everything really well and could not have been more helpful. Ask for her and you wont go far wrong (assuming she is still there).

Francophile

Belfastgirl, can I just say that although I think it's a great idea to have your affairs in order and possibly to have purchased a plot, I believe the arranging of the funeral is all part of the grieving process. If it's all done, e.g. coffin bought, hymns chosen etc etc it leaves those left behind with a feel of uselessness. Just my thoughts, maybe others wouldn't agree.

Artytarty

Francophile, i think you have made a very valid point, often overlooked.
Relatives like to think that they have "done you proud" etc.. how many times have we heard, ...she would have loved it....and so on.
I think it is also part of the grieving process.
When my dad died my step mother did all the arranging and was just told when and were to attend. I felt like a guest, not a member of the family.Slightly different, but we need to be needed whatever the circumstances.
Arty.

Wee_Bargain_Hunter

Regarding cost worries, I believe the credit union still pay out a smallish lump sum on death if you have been a member.

Jaime-V

Wee_Bargain_Hunter wrote: »

Regarding cost worries, I believe the credit union still pay out a smallish lump sum on death if you have been a member.

£2000 from our local credit union.

also remember about the lump sum you can get from the government, unfortunately my dad wasn't entitled to it as he was over pension age (madness as my dad & mum worked all their lives!), but if you or your spouse are below pension age there are funds you can apply for.

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/bereavement_payment.htm
http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/bereavement_allowance.htm

belfastgirl23

The credit union do make this £2000 payment but you need to have paid your insurance premium of around £12 per year. They take this out of your dividend automatically but if your dividend doesn't reach this exact amount then you are not covered. Sadly I had reason to find this out in the last day or two. The other thing is that you need to make sure that you have nominated a next of kin otherwise there is a lot more paperwork.

I do take the point about the funeral being something the living might like to do but I know in my case DH would be c**p at that and I would be relieving him of something he would hate doing. But everyone is different on this!

Jaime-V

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

The credit union do make this £2000 payment but you need to have paid your insurance premium of around £12 per year. They take this out of your dividend automatically but if your dividend doesn't reach this exact amount then you are not covered. Sadly I had reason to find this out in the last day or two. The other thing is that you need to make sure that you have nominated a next of kin otherwise there is a lot more paperwork.

Thanks for pointing that out, I will check mine to make sure im covered ok.

Girlzmum

I keep saying to my dh about sorting out a will for us, need to get ourselves sorted. Mind you my mum is only going to sort hers out this week!