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