Choosing A Funeral Home
Below you’ll find information on what to look for when choosing the right funeral home for you. What questions should you be asking?
There are many funeral homes in San Joaquin County, and the choice can be overwhelming. Here are some key points to consider when selecting the right funeral home for you and your loved one.
Location - Is this funeral home easy for you to find? Is it a main office, or is it a satellite location? Is there enough parking or space for your needs?
Price - Everyone today is on a budget. Funeral Homes are required to give you price lists if you visit in person. Some funeral homes have their price lists online, though currently it is not legally required. Ask for an estimate before signing any contract
Service - Does the funeral home you’re looking at offer the types of service and amenities you’re looking for?
Staff - Is their staff helpful, knowledgeable, and low pressure?
Cremation - If you’re thinking of cremation, ask where the crematory is located. Most funeral homes transport loved ones out of the area to perform the cremation. Look for a funeral home that has on-site cremation facilities.
Decide on funeral arrangements/services. There are many types of tributes, and finding the right one for your family, your loved one, and your budget.
Types of Funeral Services:
Traditional Service - an open casket with a church or chapel service. Family may be present during the graveside committal.
Graveside Service - Graveside committal only, closed casket. Visitation may take place at the funeral home prior to going to the cemetery.
Visitation with Cremation Following - Open casket time at the funeral home. Cremation takes place after this.
Witness Cremation - Family is present during the start of the cremation. Services may be held prior or the witness cremation may be scheduled on its own.
Celebration of Life Service - Memorial services with the urn present.
Don’t be afraid to price shop, ask questions, and visit facilities in person.
Ask yourself these questions:
Does the person answering the phone sound knowledgeable and compassionate?
Do the prices they’re quoting match with your budget?
Are they pressuring you to purchase more services than you want to?
Are the facilities clean and comfortable?
Is the funeral home willing to help you work with your budget while still making your loved one’s arrangements personal?
Does the funeral home offer any discounts or package pricing?
Get Certified Death Certificates to finalize your loved one’s affairs.
Once filed, death certificates are available from the county your loved one passed in. In San Joaquin County, they are currently $24 per certified copy. Your funeral home can tell you when the death certificate is filed, and in some cases, may get the death certificates for you. It can take up 2-3 weeks from the filing date for the certificates to be available.
If you need more death certificates later, you can contact the county of death and request more copies.
If you have any concerns or questions, every funeral home and cemetery in California is regulated by:
Department of Consumer Affairs, Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
1625 North Market Blvd, Suite S208
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7870
Learn more at www.cfb.ca.gov
Recommended Funeral Homes and Cemeteries in Lodi:
Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home
Highway 99 at Harney Lane
14165 N. Beckman Rd.
Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 334-9613
CherokeeMemorial.com