Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What areas of Michigan do you serve?

A. We serve any cities within Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Livingston county. Any area outside of a 25 mile radius from our location we charge $3.00 per mile one way. If this charge applies, we sincerely believe that our grand total is still substantially less than that of certain cremation societies and local funeral firms. 

Q. Should I call and get prices from different funeral homes?

A. Yes and we encourage it. The prices from one funeral home to another vary greatly. Now you shouldn't make your decision based solely on price alone. You should do research, take notes, read reviews and ask questions. For some this process is totally new, and the more knowledge you have helps you make a better informed decision. 

Q. What do I do if the death occurs at the hospital?

A. Let the hospital know the funeral home you selected to handle the services. Don't feel pressured to make a decision right away if you aren't sure of a funeral home. The majority of hospitals will keep your loved one in a climate controlled designated area until you have chosen a funeral home. Hospitals do not handle the cremation. 

Q. What do I do if the death occurs at a nursing home?

A. Let the nursing home know the funeral home you selected. Unlike hospitals, nursing homes don't have a climate controlled designated area so a decision would need to be made as soon as possible. Use that time to research and call funeral homes or ask family or friends for recommendations. 

Q.  What do I do if the death occurs at a home?

A. If the death occurs under hospice, contact the hospice agency so they can come out. Once they arrive let them know the funeral home you selected. If not under hospice care, call 911. The medical examiner will determine if an autopsy needs to be performed or not. 

Q. Do I have to come to the funeral home to make arrangements?

A.  No, many families prefer to make arrangements online. The arrangements can be handled online by email or fax. 

Q. Can I make arrangements in person at your funeral home?

A. Yes, you are more than welcome to. Don't worry we don't charge any fee to meet with us in person. We do ask that you do set up an appointment ahead of time so we may get together the necessary paperwork to help expedite the process. 

Q. What are your hours of operation?

A. Office hours to make arrangements or pick up cremated remains are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. We answer our phones however 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If a death occurs no matter what time or day please call so we can help assist you. 

Q. Do you charge extra to make removals at a home, nursing home, or on the weekends?

A. No we do not charge extra.

Q. What do we need certified copies for?

A. You need certified copies to handle any business matters the deceased has. Take names off accounts, close out insurance policies, transfer titles, probate. 

Q. Are there any hidden fees associated that we need to be aware of?

A. No, the price we quote you is the price you pay. There are additional items you can pay for but they are optional, and you will be given our General Price List for full price disclosure. 

Q. How do we pay for services?

A. We accept payment via major credit cards, cash, or money order. Services are to be paid in full at the time of arrangements.  We currently do not offer payment plans. 

Q. Are there other ways to help pay for services?

A. Yes there are ways to help families pay for services if they need assistance. Families may utilize Go Fund Me, Department of Health and Human Services, Fundraisers, use of a bank or credit union for a loan, a life insurance policy, lending agencies.   

Q. If we choose cremation, can we go to the crematory and view our loved one before cremation takes place?

A. Yes you may for an additional fee. 10 people are allowed to attend, and you are allowed up to 10 minutes to say your final goodbyes.

Q.  How long does it take for the cremation process to be completed?

A.  The process depends on several different factors and the doctor signing the death certificate. The average turnaround is 5 to 7 business days. 

Q.  What happens during the cremation process?

A.   When the scheduled cremation time comes, the crematory operator will verify your loved ones identity, and place your loved one into the cremation chamber. Cremation occurs in a chamber heated to 1,400-1,650 degrees Fahrenheit . After approximately, 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation.  Bone fragments are what remain and are known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber and any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in the urn provided. The entire process takes approximately three hours. During the cremation process, a carefully controlled labelling system ensures correct identification. 

Q. Why is there an extra charge for people weighing over 300 lbs?

A. The reason for that is we need to use an all wood based cremation container to accommodate the size of the individual. This is for safety and to be respectful towards the deceased. Sometimes multiple individuals need to be present to help aide in the transfer. 

Q. What if our loved one has a pacemaker?

A. Let your funeral home know as we need to remove it before cremation. If we don't remove the pacemaker, it will explode damaging the cremation unit internally. 

Q. What happens to any metal the person may have had internally? 

A. Most metal is made from titanium and will withstand the cremation. Once cremation has taken place, that metal will be recycled by the crematory unless the family requests it back. 

Q. Does your facility also do viewings or funerals?

A. Yes we are a full service funeral home, and we offer many affordable viewing options. 

Q. If I choose cremation must a person be embalmed?
A. No, embalming is not required. However, if you choose to have a public viewing or funeral service prior to the cremation then embalming may be required.

Q. Must I purchase a casket or urn when choosing cremation?
A. No, a casket is not required. Our direct cremation package
includes a cremation container and plastic urn for the cremains. 

Q. What if my loved one was a veteran?

A. As long as you can provide a DD214 showing honorable discharge, you are entitled to a flag, military honors, and burial at a national cemetery. 

Q. What about Social Security?

A. Funeral Homes notify Social Security of the passing with a form called an SSA-721. If you are entitled to benefits, you will have to contact social security to ensure you receive those benefits. 

Q. Can I pre-arrange and pre-pay for any service you provide?
A. Yes, you may. All our pre-paid services are deposited in full and placed in a 'Guaranteed Trust' with Comerica Bank of Detroit as the escrow agent.

Q. What if I change my mind and would like my money refunded?
A. No problem, 90% of your funds deposited will be refunded, no questions asked.

Q. What if I already have a pre-paid arrangement at another funeral home?

A. You can always transfer funds to another funeral home by completing the necessary paperwork.