Bucks County, Montgomery County, PA and the Entire Delaware Valley
Why it’s Important
Discussing our own mortality is difficult, but lightening some of the future burden of our final affairs from our loved ones makes it well worthwhile. Whenever possible, final disposition and memorialization wishes should be discussed openly and frankly.
A death in a family may create problems for survivors that could be alleviated by discussion and pre-planning. We recommend consulting those who will be most affected by the loss, and allowing them the opportunity to be participants in the decision making process, when appropriate. Pre-arrangement enables you to make all of your decisions pertaining to death now, thus assuring your personal wishes are carried out, while at the same time relieving your family of this responsibility.
Click here to view the Darrel Sifford Inquirer article, “Confrontation With The Inevitable”
Click here to find out more on the “Gift of Life”
How it Works
Pre-arrangement is very easy. Simply download and complete the following forms and send them to our office as instructed:
Arrangement Registration Form: This form can be completed on your computer, saved and emailed to info@delvalcremation.com. Or, you can print the form, fill it out and mail it to our office.
Authorization for Cremation and Disposition Form: This form must be printed, filled out by hand and mailed to our office.
If you don’t have Acrobat Reader, click here to download it.
When the forms are received and processed, we will mail you your certificate of pre-arrangement and wallet identification card. Your information will then become a matter of record in our perpetual files, remaining strictly confidential. There is no fee for this service and you are welcome to modify or recall your registration at any time.
We also offer the option of service pre-payment. This secures current pricing regardless of future price increases, guarantees your peace of mind that your personal wishes will be followed, and lessens the financial burden from your survivors during an already difficult time. If you’re interested in service pre-payment, please click here to learn about the details of this procedure and its potential benefits to you.
Pre-Arrangement FAQs
- What is cremation pre-arrangement?
Pre-arrangement is the process of planning your cremation services before they are needed. It allows you to document your personal wishes, choose your preferred services, and provide guidance for your loved ones. By making these decisions in advance, you can reduce stress on your family during an emotional time.
- Why should I pre-plan my cremation?
Pre-planning gives you peace of mind by ensuring your wishes are clearly documented and respected. It also helps your family avoid making difficult decisions while grieving and can reduce the financial burden if you choose to prepay for your arrangements.
- Do I have to pay in advance to pre-arrange my cremation?
No. Pre-arranging and prepaying are separate options. You can simply document your wishes without making a payment. If you choose to prepay, you may be able to lock in today’s pricing and protect against future cost increases, depending on your plan.
- Can I change my pre-arrangement after it’s completed?
Yes. Life circumstances and personal preferences can change over time. Most pre-arrangement plans can be updated whenever necessary to reflect your current wishes.
- What information is needed to pre-arrange cremation services?
You’ll typically provide basic personal information along with your preferences for cremation, memorial services, urn selection, obituary details, and any special instructions you want your family to follow. The process is designed to be straightforward, and a funeral professional can guide you through each step.
- What are the benefits of prepaying cremation services?
Prepaying can provide financial certainty by securing current pricing for eligible services. It also helps relieve your loved ones from unexpected expenses and ensures that your arrangements have already been taken care of in advance.
- Is pre-arrangement only for seniors?
Not at all. Adults of all ages choose to pre-plan after major life events such as getting married, starting a family, retiring, or caring for aging parents. Planning ahead is about being prepared, regardless of your age.
- Will my family still have to make decisions if I pre-arrange?
Pre-arrangement significantly reduces the number of decisions your family must make. By documenting your preferences in advance, your loved ones can focus on supporting one another instead of guessing what you would have wanted.
- How long does the pre-arrangement process take?
Many pre-arrangements can be completed in less than an hour. Depending on the provider, you may be able to complete forms online or schedule a meeting with a funeral professional who will answer your questions and help you through the process.
- What happens after I complete my pre-arrangement?
Once your paperwork is processed, your information is securely stored so it is available when needed. If you’ve chosen a provider that offers documentation such as a pre-arrangement certificate or wallet identification card, you’ll receive those records for your peace of mind. You can review or update your arrangements in the future if your preferences change.