Question 1

What does a Funeral director do?

Accepted Answer

The Funeral Director's job is to keep in control all the activities carried out at the funeral home, as well as to update the corresponding state permits.
He is the spokesperson for the funeral home, so he must keep up with changes in the law and is responsible for signing all documents. Additionally, he assists the family in making sure that the event is conducted according to protocol and their beliefs.

Question 2

What is the purpose of embalming?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of embalming is to preserve the body and make it as presentable as possible for service or to keep the body in good condition during a transfer to another destination, if applicable.
In cases where embalming is not required, it is because a direct cremation or immediate burial will be performed.

Question 3

Is embalming required by the authority?

Accepted Answer

This process is not required by law, however, embalming is recommended in the event that there is a vigil or transfer service, this will ensure that the remains are better presented.
The family is the only one who has the decision to authorize the process.

Question 4

What procedures are required after a death?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a death, the family must bring the following documents to the funeral home:
Birth certificate of the deceased person
A photo ID
 Basic personal data, where he/she lived, where he/she worked, how many years he/she lived in this country (in case of being a foreigner), his/her marital status, place where the remains will be left, etc.
The basic data of the deceased person is taken, in order to carry out the death certificate and the corresponding permits.
With these documents, the body can be buried or cremated locally, if you wish to transfer it to his/her home country, then consular procedures of the destination country are already required.

Question 5

What documentation should I have ready when the funeral home staff arrives?

Accepted Answer

When the person dies and the funeral home is called, you should have on hand:
- Copy of birth certificate
- Photo identification
- Marriage certificate if he/she is legally married.
- Date and time he/she died
- Social Security (if he/she have one)
- Name of parents
- Place where he/she will be buried
- Contract number (if he/she has a funeral pre-arrangement)

Question 6

What should I do if my family member dies at home?

Accepted Answer

If it was a natural death and the deceased was in the care of a nurse, he or she must be notified so that the death can be pronounced. If this service is not available, 911 must be called so that paramedics or police can be sent to attest to the legality of what happened. In case it is not a natural death "For no reason can the body be moved."
Once the death is pronounced, you can call the funeral home to take care of your beloved one and proceed to perform the funeral service.

Question 7

What should I do if my family member dies in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

The hospital social worker can support you with the procedure and guide you on the funeral homes where you can request the service.
Once the funeral home has been chosen, you must come to sign the legal forms and the funeral home staff will take care of the lifting, while the hospital will take care of getting the signature of the doctor in charge, for the death certificate.

Question 8

What should I do if my family member dies abroad?

Accepted Answer

If you want to bring the body to the United States, you must find a funeral home in the country where the death occurred, then Funeraria Latino Americana, offers a comprehensive service where we will coordinate with the funeral home abroad to make the lifting of the coffin at the international destination airport, likewise we take care of a local permit or the burial if it would be the case.

Question 9

Can children attend the funeral or burial?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's not something that's forbidden, it's up to the parents.

Question 10

How long is a funeral service?

Accepted Answer

Services vary depending on the funeral home, at Funeraria Latino Americana our services last from 4 to 5 hours starting at 9:00 am, with everything prepared so that the family can say goodbye to their beloved one.

Question 11

What is a transfer or repatriation?

Accepted Answer

It consists of the transfer of human remains to their country of origin with the corresponding preparation and formalities for shipment either by air or by land as the case may be.

Question 12

How long does the incineration process take?

Accepted Answer

The period is considered to be approximately 15 days, from the moment they signed, until the funeral home has the ashes, to deliver them to the relatives.

Question 13

Who delivers the death certificate?

Accepted Answer

The health department is the one to register and authorize, while the funeral home where the funeral services are performed, is responsible for delivering the death certificate(s).

Question 14

What can I do with the ashes of my beloved one?

Accepted Answer

There are different options:
Leave them at home, in some special place
Spread them in the sea
Bury in the cemetery or in a church.
Splitting the ashes among family members is also legal
Whichever choice the family makes, they must carry the respective permits for the disposal of the ashes.

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