There are many decisions to make after a loved one dies, but we know how difficult this task can be when you’re grieving. Know that you’re not alone, and you never have to go through this by yourself. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons has been serving families in Michigan for many decades; our team is here to guide you through this process and help you plan a fitting tribute to your loved one.
1. Providing Notification & Starting Arrangements
In most situations, you will never have to make an official medical pronouncement. In nearly all cases, that will be handled by medical staff. After this official pronouncement is made, the state creates a death certificate between 24 and 72 hours. You will need to fill out
this form with the state of Michigan to obtain certified copies (at least 8). The cost of a death certificate is $34, with each additional copy costing $16. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons will purchase these certificates on your behalf, but please note that not all funeral homes offer this service. It’s always good practice to call your chosen funeral home to schedule a consultation first. You don’t need a death certificate to begin arranging and planning a funeral for your loved one, but you will need it before cremation or burial because neither process can legally occur without a completed death certificate. You’ll also want to contact other immediate family members and close friends, as well as your loved one’s employer, primary doctor, attorney (if applicable), insurance company, and bank. You’ll also need to contact the Social Security Administration. If this sounds overwhelming—don’t worry. Your funeral home will support you throughout this process.
2. Meeting with the Funeral Director
Before your consultation with us or another funeral home of your choice, we recommend gathering the following information related to your late loved one:
- Birth certificate or Social Security card
- Marriage certificate
- Military discharge papers/DD-14 (if applicable)
- Insurance policies (primarily health and life)
- Property deeds
- Vehicle titles
- Financial account information
- A will (if available)
- Contact information for their estate attorney, primary doctor, and other medical specialists.
- Cemetery plot deeds (if applicable)
During your consultation, your chosen funeral home will provide a
General Price List, which includes a comprehensive breakdown of all costs related to your loved one’s funeral.
3. Researching & Choosing a Burial Option
During your consultation, you will be walked through your available options and given recommendations based on your budget and your loved one’s wishes. There are several options, including traditional full-service burials with a memorial service, visitation and viewing, and burial,
natural/green burials, traditional cremation with a funeral/memorial, direct cremation with no funeral, and immediate burial with no viewing or visitation. Your funeral home can also help you choose a cemetery (if you don’t have a family burial plot) and assist in purchasing a plot or burial vault.
4. Planning the Funeral or Memorial Service
Planning the service can be the most challenging aspect of the process, primarily because many family members will have differing opinions on how the service should be conducted. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons (or your other chosen funeral home) can help facilitate this process, collaborating with as many family members as needed and ensure your loved one’s final wishes are met, should they have any. Throughout this process, a funeral home can help you:
- Choose a service (Military, traditional, direct cremation, etc.).
- Select a venue
- Coordinate with clergy or other speakers
- Arrange music, flowers, photo displays, videos, guest books, and other elements for your loved one’s tribute/memorial service.
- Complete any required paperwork and file permits
- Coordinate with cemeteries and crematories
- Obtain veteran benefits (as needed)
- Get support from grief counselors
5. Handling the Day of the Funeral & Burial
Funeral homes, including Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, want you to focus on grieving and honoring your loved one rather than coordinating the funeral. During this stage, all you have to do is show up. The funeral home will handle the rest, including greeting attendees, helping with seating, distributing programs, managing guest book signing, handling technical issues (should any arise) during service, transportation coordination to the burial site, graveside setup, and any other final details, such as folding and presenting a flag for a military funeral or lowering the casket.
6. Handling Post-Burial Obligations
Unfortunately, there are tasks that will still need to be completed after the day of the funeral. Funeral homes, including Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, can help with the following:
- Contacting and coordinating with life insurance companies and providing claims assistance
- Providing continued grief counseling
- Referring estate attorneys, financial advisors, or accountants who can help guide you through the legal processes, negotiate with creditors, manage properties, or handle asset transfers.
Get Started Today
Losing a loved one is never easy, but Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is just a phone call away. If you’re ready to schedule a free consultation, call our Sterling Heights location at (586) 588-9459 or Shelby Township location at (586) 217-3273 today. You can also
fill out our online form, and someone will reach out to you as soon as possible. Our team is ready to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
