Frequently Asked Questions
What can be done prior to death occurring?
Record your wishes, advise family members and even prearrange with your funeral director.
What should one do when a death occurs?
Arrangements for disposition of the deceased generally can be made by a spouse, next of kin or legal representative.
What is embalming and its purpose?
Embalming is the use of chemicals, internally and externally, to disinfect and temporarily preserve the body for open casket viewing and/or for the removal of the body to distant destinations.
Can I donate my organs without donating my entire body?
Yes. A gift of all or part of the body may be made by a proper document and/or the instructions made known to relatives or responsible persons.
What is meant by immediate disposition?
Immediate disposition usually consists of the disposition of the remains with no attending rites, ceremonies or services. Immediate disposition usually includes the transfer of the remains, sanitary care in compliance with the Texas law, preparation of and filing the necessary authorizations and consents, death certificate and burial transit permit, and container for handling remains.
Can a body be cremated immediately following death?
Texas law, instituted at the request of the state's medical examiners, prohibits cremating any dead human body prior to the expiration of forty-eight (48) hours after the death of such human body, unless this time requirement is waived in writing by the County Medical Examiner or, in counties not having a County Medical Examiner, a Justice of the Peace.
If death occurs before the prepaid contract is paid in full, will any additional payments be required?
On a deposit arrangement any unpaid balance would become due at the time of the funeral. Depending on the type of insurance policy or annuity contract used to fund the prepaid funeral contract, expenses may not be paid in full. If you are unsure, question the seller and/or the Texas Department of Insurance.
Will my contract cover all my final expenses?*
You are entitled to receive all items shown on the contract at no additional charge, if the terms of the contract have been met. There may be additional charges for items that are not part of the prepaid contract. These may include cemetery fees, such as lowering equipment, opening and closing the grave, and burial vaults. You should discuss with the seller items that are not covered.
*Information provided courtesy of the Texas Department of Banking and the Texas Department of Insurance.
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