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The estate settlement process can sometimes be confusing. This section was created to answer some common questions and concerns. Be sure to check the resources in the Family Estate Manager™, and remember that we are here to help! If you still have not found what you are looking for, please go to the Questions? page for our contact information. 

How do I choose a funeral home? Aren't they all the same?
How is a cremation service different from a traditional funeral service?
Why is it important to attend a funeral?
Is it a good idea to prepay funeral expenses?
Do I need to hire an attorney in order to settle a loved one's estate?
What kind of business matters must be handled after the death of a loved one?
How soon do I need to start the settlement process?
How do I choose a funeral home? Aren't they all the same?
No, actually they can be quite different.
What distinguishes Dignity Memorial® providers from other funeral homes is that they offer exclusive Added Value Benefits designed to provide a higher level of funeral care before, during, and after the service, all backed by a 100% Service Guarantee.
When choosing a funeral home, compare the benefits, products, and options offered by other funeral homes. The providers within the Dignity Memorial® network offer services, merchandise, and added value products no one else outside of their unique network can match.
  • A 100% Money-Back Service Guarantee
  • Bereavement Travel Services
  • National Transferability of Prearranged Services
  • 24-Hour Compassion Helpline®
  • Family Estate Manager™
  • Everlasting Memorial®
  • Child/Grandchild Protection®
Dignity Memorial® funeral, cremation, and cemetery service providers are the preferred choice for families in Canada and the United States. Since introducing the first national brand for death care services, families who use Dignity Memorial providers overwhelmingly indicate their willingness to recommend a Dignity Memorial provider to their friends and family. To speak with a Dignity Memorial® provider near you, please call toll-free 1-800-DIGNITY (344-6489), or visit their website at DignityMemorial.com.
How is a cremation service different from a traditional funeral service?
It isn’t. At least it doesn’t have to be different. The family may choose as much formality as they want, or as little as they want. They also have many options when cremation is chosen. One option is to hold a memorial service after cremation. Another option is to postpone the gathering to a more convenient time for the final committal of the cremated remains.
Why is it important to attend a funeral?
A funeral service is an important part of the grieving process. It provides an opportunity to express grief, share memories, and celebrate a life lived. Attending a funeral can bring piece of mind and closure to surviving family members and friends.
Is it a good idea to prepay funeral expenses?
Planning your funeral service in advance can take care of the details, while prepaying ahead of time can take care of the eventual expense of the funeral service. Pre-paying will also lock in the funeral at today’s prices.
Do I need to hire an attorney in order to settle a loved one's estate?

Yes. It is not advisable for you to try and navigate the compexities of estate settlement without the advice of competent legal counsel.

What kind of business matters must be handled after the death of a loved one?
A will simply leaves instructions for the handling of an individual’s financial affairs. Settling the business affairs of the deceased requires immediate attention. Notifying creditors, filing insurance claims, closing bank accounts, and making necessary changes to business relationships must be handled.
The Family Estate Manager™ recognizes the need for an efficient organizational system to assist families in handling after-death business matters. It is designed to help manage these important responsibilities during an emotionally charged experience. The Family Estate Manager provides:
  • Pre-written letters with instructions on how to complete.
  • A step-by-step organizational and tracking system.
  • Tools to help you reduce professional fees and unnecessary service charges.
Anyone charged with handling these complex matters will appreciate these resources and guidance.
How soon do I need to start the settlement process?
Most courts do not have a fixed timeline for settling an estate. We do not suggest you unnecessarily delay the process, but you won’t lose any rights if you do nothing during the first 30-60 days after death.
Also, keep in mind there is no legal requirement for you to do anything. There are no “probate police” who will come and put you in jail. If the probate assets are greater than the debts of the decedent, you will be unable to distribute any of said assets to surviving family members unless you go through the courts. If the debts are greater than the probate assets, you may choose to do nothing, as you will be running around paying creditors with nothing at the end of the process for surviving family members, something you are not legally required to do. However, surviving spouses, especially in community property states, may very well be responsible personally for the debts of their spouse, a situation that would necessitate setting up an estate.