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Learn more about prepaid funerals

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Prepaid Funeral Contract Checklist

Before signing your prepaid funeral contract, make sure you’ve read and understood it. The contract should confirm:

  • Details of the funeral director
  • Details of the financial institution who holds the funds until they are required
  • Where the service is to take place
  • Itemised costs and all other details of the service
  • Total fixed cost of the funeral
  • If and how the contract can be cancelled
  • The cooling off period
  • What happens if the funeral director goes out of business
  • What happens if you move state or outside of the funeral director’s serviced area
  • The funeral director cannot withdraw any funds for any reason until the death

Note that all prepaid funeral contracts can be negotiated, even if they are described as ‘standard’. Just be sure to make sure all variations are signed and in writing.

Once you have completed your signed prepaid funeral contract, make sure you get an original copy and keep it safe (preferably with the original copy of your will).

Regulation of Prepaid Funerals
in South Australia

Australia has strong laws and regulations in place to protect consumers who purchase prepaid funeral plans. In addition to these laws, South Australia has state laws which impose additional requirements on funeral directors.

The Fair Trading (Pre-Paid Funerals Code of Practice) Regulations 2011 seeks to protect consumers by setting out the minimum details that must be included in a prepaid funeral contract. In particular, it requires that the following details be specified:

  • Burial or cremation
  • Location
  • Coffin or casket
  • Funeral flowers
  • Notices
  • Transport
  • Clergy / celebrant

While the required details are fairly comprehensive, to the extent possible, we recommend that you include as much detail as you can about your desired service in your prepaid funeral contract to avoid confusion down the track.

Let us handle the running around, so you can focus on what truly matters.

We exist to give you more choice and control when it comes to saying goodbye—while making the entire process simple and stress-free.