The following are some explanations of the necessary steps to take upon the death of a loved one. It is information that can be very helpful in preparing for the time immediately after death when things are most stressful and confusing.
When death occurs at a hospital or nursing home, the medical staff will assist you with necessary legal requirements and paperwork. Notify the medical staff that McFarland Family Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.
Notify hospice care that McFarland Family Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. The hospice will then take care of all necessary legal requirements. Many families choose to make pre-arrangements with us so that they are not overwhelmed at the time of death.
Immediately call 911. Emergency medical personnel will determine the appropriate steps to be taken.
If the death occurs outside of California, call McFarland Family Funeral Home and we will coordinate with a local funeral director at the place of death.
To assure that the arrangements are made accurately and expediently, schedule an appointment to make arrangements with the funeral director. Bring the following information of the decedent:
Certified copies of the death certificate are legal documents and are issued by the State of California. Photocopies are not considered legal documents. After the original certificate has been signed by the physician or medical examiner and all vital information completed by our funeral home, it is then filed with the Kern County Health Department.
Death certificates in California are $21.00 per certified copy.
During the funeral arrangement, we will ask you how many certified copies of the death certificate are needed. As part of our services, we will obtain certified copies on your behalf. Death Certificates can take up to two weeks from the date of burial or cremation. You may need a certified copy for the following:
We are willing to send a courtesy notification to Social Security upon request. Once you receive the Death Certificate you can contact them to see if you are entitled to any benefits
Upon death, call (213) 788-7870. Los Angeles Mortuary offers immediate and comprehensive services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When we receive your call, our professional staff will immediately start the process required for cremation to take place. The following is a standard outline of the completed process.
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
Meaningful funerals do not just happen. They are well-thought-out rituals that, at least for a day or two, demand your focus and your time. But the planning may feel less burdensome if you keep in mind that the energy you expend now to create a personalized, inclusive ceremony will help you, your family and other mourners embark on healthy, healing grief journeys.
The following list is intended to empower you to create a funeral that will be meaningful to you and your family and friends.
Copyright 2007, Center for Loss and Life Transition