Funeral Planning in Palmerston NORTH
Compassionate Funeral Directors in Your Time of Need
Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, especially during a time of grief and loss. At Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, we are here to provide a guiding hand, offering support, expertise, and care to ensure a meaningful and personalised farewell for your loved one.
STEP 1
First Point of Contact
funeral assistance
Contact is made to Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors to advise of the death. We will organize the transfer of your loved one to our care.
Information required:
Caller details i.e., name, contact & relationship to the deceased.
Name of the deceased
Place of death
Whether a doctor has signed the required paperwork
Cremation or burial (if known)
If viewing or embalming is required
Preferred time and place to meet with a funeral director to discuss the funeral arrangements
In the event of an unexpected, sudden or accidental death at home, hospital, work or public place – the police must be contacted, and the coroner may be involved.
STEP 2
Funeral Arrangement
Customised funeral plans
A meeting is held between the funeral director and the executor or next of kin to discuss funeral arrangements & wishes.
Items to bring:
Complete attire for the deceased
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
A photograph of the deceased can assist the funeral director in ensuring the loved one resembles their familiar appearance
On the day of burial or cremation, the death will be registered with Births, Deaths & Marriages for the issuance of the Death Certificate, which will be sent with the final funeral account.
STEP 3
Funeral Service
a Meaningful Farewell
Our dedicated team of funeral directors carefully coordinates each detail of the service, from the venue to the flowers and music, creating a distinct and lasting tribute that commemorates and celebrates the life that was lived.
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT
‘At Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, we understand that every farewell is different because every person is unique. In this time of need, we are here to provide support, guidance, and care, ensuring that each service we craft is as special as the life it honours.’
“Deepest thanks to Hayden and the team for organizing such a beautiful funeral for Uncle Willie. It was a great reassurance to have trusted and experienced funeral directors like Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, who showed such professionalism, respect and thoughtfulness throughout”
— HELEN YOUNG
Compassionate Funeral Services in Palmerston North
Where Every Farewell is Personal, Every Memory Cherished
Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors has been a pillar of support in Palmerston North for over 50 years, weaving a rich tapestry of history marked by unwavering dedication and compassion. Our legacy is rooted in a personalised approach, where every family is met with empathy and understanding. We are not just funeral directors; we are companions in your journey of farewell, ensuring that each service is a reflection of the life it honours. Our commitment extends beyond professional service; it is a heartfelt embrace, a listening ear, and a promise of care that transcends the ordinary. In every interaction, every service, and every support we offer, empathy and respect are our guiding lights.
Our Approach
We maintain open and honest communication with families, ensuring that they understand all options, costs and details associated with the funeral arrangements so there are no hidden fees or surprises.
funeral pre-Planning
Download our Personal Wishes guide to help you document your wishes. This can be filed with your important documents or left with your chosen executor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Immediate Steps Should I Take After a Loved One Passes?
In most cases, there is no need to start making funeral arrangements immediately. If it is the middle of the night or early hours in the morning, it can be nicer for the loved one to stay in bed so relatives can take the time to come to terms with the passing and may want to visit, before the doctor has completed the required paperwork.
When a family member dies in a hospital, hospice or rest home, Nursing staff will ensure a doctor completes the Medical Certificate of Causes of Death form and the Application for Cremation form (if applicable).
If the death is unexpected, sudden or accidental death at home, hospital, work or public place, the Police must be contacted who will engage a coroner for a former investigation.
How Can Robert J. Cotton Help with Funeral Planning?
Our experienced funeral directors offer personalized consultations to help families with funeral planning by advising options available, pricing, coordinating funeral arrangements and recording personal details and wishes.
How Much does Funeral Cost?
Direct cremation without a funeral service starts from $4,000. The average cost of a cremation with a funeral service ranges from $9-12K depending on the number of guests, catering, service sheets, casket, care and preservation, etc. A cost estimate will be provided and discussed at the time of the funeral arrangement.
Burial involves the purchase of a plot, so there are more costs involved. A burial without a service starts from $7,000. The average cost of a burial with a funeral service ranges between $11-14K. Again, this depends on the amount of arrangements, time and guests involved. A cost estimate will be provided at the conclusion of the funeral arrangement.
Can I Personalize the Funeral Service?
Absolutely. We believe in celebrating the uniqueness of each life lived. Our team works closely with families to incorporate personal touches, ensuring the service reflects the individual’s personality, beliefs, and values.
How Do I Handle Legal and Administrative Tasks?
Our team assists with all legal and administrative aspects, including obtaining death certificates, medical paperwork and applications for burial or cremation with the respective city council. We aim to ease this burden, ensuring precision and timeliness in handling these tasks.
How Can I Pre-Plan a Funeral in Palmerston North?
We offer comprehensive pre-planning services, allowing individuals to document their wishes and provide peace of mind to loved ones. Reach out to our team to discuss options and begin the pre-planning process. You can see more information here.
What is Repatriation, and How is it Handled?
Repatriation involves returning the deceased to their place of origin. Robert J. Cotton has extensive experience in managing repatriations, handling all aspects meticulously, including liaising with consulates and handling documentation.
How Does Robert J. Cotton Serve the Wider Ethnic Community?
We are proficient in serving diverse ethnic communities respecting and honouring various cultural and religious practices. Our trained staff ensures each service is tailored to meet the unique customs of every family.
What Financial Arrangements Are Available?
While our commitment lies in delivering exceptional products and services, it's important to note that we do not offer financial services or assist with payment plans. We kindly request that funeral accounts be settled within 30 days of the funeral date; beyond this timeframe, finance charges may apply. You can have confidence in our expertise in funeral directing, as we remain steadfast in delivering the utmost quality funeral services to cater to your unique needs.
Why Choose Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors in Palmerston North?
With over 50 years of service to the community, we are committed to providing professional, compassionate, and personalised care. As proud members of the Funeral Directors Association of NZ, we uphold the highest standards in every service, offering peace of mind to the families we serve.
Begin the Journey of Honouring Your Loved One
Reach out to our dedicated team at Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors. We're here to guide, support, and assist you in creating a meaningful farewell that honours the life and memories of your loved one. Your peace of mind and comfort during this time is our utmost priority.