Funeral Webcasting Connects Families Across the Miles

From elderly, immobile relatives to brothers and sisters serving overseas, funeral webcasting provides a much-needed and unique experience for the bereaved. Hosting an online funeral gives your client families the ability to be at a funeral service, even when it's not physically possible to be there in person.

The loss of a loved one or friend is a difficult and stressful time. A funeral service allows the mourner a sense of closure and it enables them to honor and celebrate the deceased's life. It is a special and sacred event for all survivors. Unfortunately, many bereaved are not able to attend a funeral or memorial service due to work related or health issues, the sheer distance from the funeral service, military service overseas, or the high cost of travel.

Funeral webcasting has enabled many people to participate in services that in bygone ages, they would have had to miss. With a few simple pieces of equipment - a tripod, wireless microphone, USB video capture device, an HD camera and funeral webcasting software, your funeral home can offer this value added service to your client families.

Webcasting capabilities include both live and delayed streaming. If a family member or friend is unable to watch the online funeral at the exact time of the service, he or she can choose to watch it at a time and place that's convenient for them. The online funeral will be password protected so it's not an event open to the public, but invited guests have the ability see the other guests, listen to the entire service and say their good-byes to their loved one.

As a funeral professional, your job is ever-growing and demanding. Learning and using new technology can be frustrating; however, funeral webcasting software companies can provide help twenty-four hours a day from set up, to launching the webcast itself and even saving and burning the recorded service to a DVD. This exceptional technical service can assistant you no matter what level of computer, internet and video equipment knowledge you may have. You never need to feel alone or nervous when you are about to launch a webcast.

The funeral webcasting company takes care of all the details and has set everything up through a global distribution network that can broadcast around the world, with simultaneous streaming to over thirty different servers worldwide. These high quality video streaming servers guarantee a trouble-free and completely reliable webcast. Other features of the webcasting software include video editing capabilities and inclusion of DVD video tribute software to create video tributes, in-house, all in one easy to use package -- making this type of funeral software the most robust and complete technology available today.

There's absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by adding funeral webcasting to your menu of services. In order to stay at the forefront of the funeral industry and provide exceptional funeral products and services to your client families, be ready to offer funeral webcasting services that will undoubtedly elevate your funeral home's reputation.

Holding a Memorial Service After Cremation   Online Funerals for Those Who Cannot Attend a Funeral Service   6 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Probate   Important Things To Consider When Deciding On A Burial Package For Your Deceased   Important Things To Consider When Deciding On A Burial Package For Your Deceased   

How to Renounce Executors Duties

There are many reasons why you may wish to renounce your executorship. Perhaps you no longer live in the same area as the deceased, making it difficult to carry out duties. Maybe you simply don't feel comfortable acting because of the legal responsibility, or you don't feel you can commit the time.

It can be difficult for executors to come to terms with relinquishing their duties because they feel they are letting their loved ones down. It is common to feel obligated and even pressured.

When there is no will, administrators are automatically determined by the laws of intestacy, rather than selected by the deceased. The next of kin can feel this duty has been thrust upon them and that they may not be the best person for the job.

If you are unwilling or unable to act, it is important to voice your concerns. Being an executor or administrator is a serious undertaking, which should not be entered into lightly. If you make any mistakes, you can be held personally liable.

There are 3 courses of action you can take.

1. Formally renounce your position with a Deed of Renunciation

Also known as renouncing the right to probate. This is only a viable option if you have not yet gotten involved with the deceased affairs. It is important to understand that this course of action means you will lose all control of the deceased's affairs. You are stating that you do not wish to be involved in the probate process and cannot later change your mind. These rights pass to the other executors (if any, to other beneficiaries or the deceased's next closest relative. You can do this independently or through a professional. Online services are available too.

2. Obtain power reserved

You can only do this if you were named in a will, rather than appointed as a representative in accordance with intestacy law. This is formalised through a document called 'notice to a non-proving executor,' or Form PA25. By signing the form you are stating that you wish to reserve the right to act as executor in the future, if necessary. When you apply for probate, the form is simply included in with the application. Therefore once again, this is not an option if you have already 'intermeddled' in the estate.

3. Seek help from a professional

If time or practicalities are your primary reasons for being unable to fulfil your executors duties, you could employ a professional handle probate on your behalf. This way you can retain control, but a probate practitioner will carry out all the necessary paperwork and even attend the interview at the registry. Once probate has been granted, they will administer the estate; collect in monies, pay what's owed and contact all relevant institutions and service providers. Monies will be taken from the estate and there's no need to pay anything in advance. This is the only course of action available if you have already obtained a grant of probate, or have acted on behalf of the deceased.

Holding a Memorial Service After Cremation   Online Funerals for Those Who Cannot Attend a Funeral Service   6 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Probate   Important Things To Consider When Deciding On A Burial Package For Your Deceased   

Losing a Loved One - A Free Bereavement Guide

Losing a loved one - A free bereavement guide

What you need to know

Dealing with death is invariably very difficult and stressful. Decisions however have to be made whilst grieving for the loss of a loved one.

It is helpful to know exactly what to do and what to look out for to ensure that everything is done properly and in a timely manner. The need to act correctly is more important if you are an executor under a will because the beneficiaries will expect you to act quickly, efficiently and with lawful authority. The following checklist aims to assist in these situations.

Check for funeral instructions

Check the deceased's will if there is one. Does it contain guidance about the deceased's wishes? If the will is silent about the disposal of the body, find out if the deceased left written instructions. Such guidance, whilst not legally binding, can be used to honour the person's wishes and will help to avoid problems. The deceased may have belonged to a known faith, in which case it may be appropriate to contact their faith representative to help arrange the funeral. Some faiths require the funeral to take place very quickly in accordance with belief and tradition.

Are you qualified to register the death?

Only "qualified informants" can register the death.

When the death occurred inside a house or public building such as a hospital the following people may register the death:

A relative Someone present at the death The occupier of the house or an official from the public building where the death occurs The person causing the disposal of the body Where the death happens elsewhere the following may register the death A relative Someone present at the death The person who found the body The person causing the disposal of the body

Find out if the Coroner needs to be involved

The Coroner will investigate the death if the cause is unclear, the death appears sudden or violent, or if it happened under suspicious circumstances. There may have to be a post mortem or inquest or both. If the death needs to be investigated then an Order for Burial or Coroner's Certificate for Cremation must be issued before the funeral can be held. In this event you can apply to the Registrar for an interim death certificate to enable the practical estate administration to proceed.

Registering a death in England & Wales

If the person died in England & Wales, an appointment to register the death with the Registrar must be made within 5 days, unless it has been reported to the Coroner. The Registrar will need the medical certificate stating the cause of death prepared by the certifying Doctor. The certificate will be in a sealed envelope which should only be opened by the Registrar. You will also need the following information about the deceased:

Their full name and time of death Any names previously used Their usual last address Their date and place of birth Their occupation The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving spouse or civil partner The date and place of death Whether the deceased had a state pension or any other allowance from the public funds

Do check that the Registrar has recorded all the details correctly before you sign the Register. The Registrar will issue a Death Certificate, a Certificate of Registration that you will need if the deceased received a state pension or benefits and a Certificate for Burial or Cremation. Work out ahead the number of certified copies of the death certificate you are likely to need so you ask for them at the time. Some agencies will not accept photocopies as proof of the death. The fee for each copy is presently £3.50 and cost more if requested later.

Arranging the funeral

Go and see the Funeral Director. Don't be afraid to shop around to get the best deal. Check if the deceased had a pre paid funeral scheme or other funds to meet the cost of the funeral. Some banks may release funds from the deceased's account to executors named in a will to pay for the funeral. Families on low income who receive qualifying benefits may be eligible for Social Fund funeral payment. The person who organises the funeral will sign a contract with the Funeral Director and shall be legally responsible to settle the cost. Be clear with the Funeral Director about the services they provide. Does the fee include booking a "slot" with the relevant church or crematorium? Will they order the flowers?

And finally, don't forget other practical issues There are many people, organisations, and Government bodies who should be told about the death. The following practical issues must be addressed:

The Death Certificate should be sent to any bank or financial institution with which the deceased held assets. Contact any creditors to ascertain the liabilities of the estate. Consider contacting the utility companies and if possible obtain up to date meter readings. This will be helpful later in the administration. Consider issuing a formal notice to creditors to protect the personal representatives of the estate against possible claims against them for unpaid debts. Send the Certificate of Registration to the Department of Work and Pensions. See if you can find an address book and contact people who knew the deceased. If the deceased was a member of a club or subscribed to periodicals, inform them about the death to avoid unwelcome literature in the future. If the deceased died in hospital or care home go there to collect their personal effects. If the deceased had a house or flat make sure that it is secured. Check the deceased had home insurance which provides cover when the property is empty. Did the deceased have pets? Do they need looking after? If the deceased died in a care home check whether there is a time limit within which the room must be cleared. Decide how to notify the beneficiaries about their entitlement. It is usually the job of the executors to make public the contents of the will.

If you are an executor, locate the whereabouts of the deceased's will. Consider using a professional like a solicitor to handle the administration, particularly when you have limited time to undertake the task or existing tensions within the family that may make the job difficult. Acting as an executor can be like drinking from a poison chalice!

Michael Stennett 2011. All rights reserved.

Holding a Memorial Service After Cremation   Online Funerals for Those Who Cannot Attend a Funeral Service   6 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Probate   Important Things To Consider When Deciding On A Burial Package For Your Deceased   Important Things To Consider When Deciding On A Burial Package For Your Deceased   

Know What To Do For Cremation And Burials

Losing a loved one is a hard thing to happen to anyone. The process for cremation and burials are both costly and difficult things to deal with. Having to deal with the aftermath of a person's death is a very painful thing to have to go through. The entire funeral ceremony can cause a financial and emotional strain.

When you have a close member of the family or close family friend pass away, there can be tons of decisions to make in a short amount of time. Because of all the emotions you may be dealing with, the entire process can be unbearable. Having to pick whether your loved one should be cremated or buried can put a lot of pressure on you but it is a decision that has to be made.

Before you or someone you know dies, it is crucial that people are aware of what should be done with the body. In order to have this information and have everything planned out, a conversation needs to be had beforehand. Even though this talk is very important, most people tend to avoid it because it is sometimes hard to talk about.

Traditional burial services are very popular and are usually the typical funeral ceremony that is carried out among family and friends. These ceremonies have become somewhat of a financial burden for many families though and lots of families are left owing a lot of money because of how pricey these events have become.

Cremation services have gained more popularity lately though and the ceremonial burial is being passed over for the more unconventional cremation service. More and more people are realizing how much memorial services and burial services are costing and have decided they are just too much. Cremation services, on the other hand, are much more affordable for families and much less costly.

Cremation and burial services can be an emotionally draining event to deal with. The expense and planning for such an occasion can sometimes be a burden for most. Always make sure you plan ahead and talk about these things. Even if you just let a close friend know what your wishes are after you pass will make things far easier after you have gone. Cremations are simple and are a fraction of the cost of most burial services. Knowing what you should do in cases like this can help make things a lot easier.

Holding a Memorial Service After Cremation   Online Funerals for Those Who Cannot Attend a Funeral Service   6 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Probate   Important Things To Consider When Deciding On A Burial Package For Your Deceased