faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

The funeral industry still has a reputation for still being a little macabre. Naturally, this leads to a lot of confusion and common misconceptions. At Parkside Funerals, we are committed to staying fully transparent with our families.

We have consolidated some frequently asked questions below to assist in removing the veil.
What do I do when someone dies?
Contact the person’s doctor, community nursing or Palliative Care team. A doctor must certify that death has occurred. Normally funeral arrangements cannot be completed until care staff have signed a Declaration of Life Extinct, or the doctor has signed and issued a Medical Cause of Death Certificate. In certain instances it may not be legally possible for the doctor to issue a Death Certificate and there is necessity for police and coronial involvement.
When does the Coroner become involved?
If the doctor is unable to certify the cause of death it is necessary to contact the police, who then will liaise with coronial staff. This will be necessary in such instances as:
Coronial staff will transfer the deceased person to the Coroner.

A post mortem examination, also known as an autopsy, is a detailed examination externally, and of internal organs, to establish the cause of death. This examination is conducted by a doctor known as a pathologist. Once we have been notified of their death, we will then liaise with coronial staff regarding release of the deceased person into our care.
What clothing should I choose for my loved one?
This decision can be made based on many factors. Did they have a favourite outfit? What would they have been comfortable in? Do you need underwear or shoes? While this is ultimately a personal decision, our funeral directors can help guide you. However, we prefer to fully dress the deceased person in our care.
What is the difference between a coffin and casket?
The difference between coffins and caskets is essentially one of design. Coffins are tapered at the head and foot and wide at the shoulders. Caskets are rectangular in shape and are usually constructed of high-quality timbers and feature a high standard of craftsmanship.

The decision to select a coffin or casket is made by the family of the deceased according to their personal/financial preferences.
What happens to the coffin/casket when cremated?
At Parkside, the hardware is removed from the coffin or casket and responsibly disposed of prior to a cremation. The nameplate from the coffin or casket is also removed. This stays with the remains to ensure correct identification whilst at the crematorium. The coffin and its contents are then cremated entirely.
What happens with jewellery?
It is the decision of the Next of Kin whether jewellery is removed as a keepsake or left with their loved one. If cremation is chosen, the jewellery is respectfully removed prior to cremation and later placed inside the container with the cremated remains.
How soon after cremation are the ashes available?
Ashes are usually available within 3 days of the cremation taking place. However, special arrangements can be made if necessary.
Should children attend funerals?
Children can gain comfort from taking part in the family’s mourning, knowing that they are included in the event and not left out because they are ‘too young to understand’. Children can often contribute creatively to a funeral, perhaps by placing a special flower on the coffin or casket, or reading or writing something that can be incorporated into the service. They can offer great comfort to the adults around them, just by being there.
When is the Registered Record of Death
Certificate issued?
It may take up to three weeks for the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages to process the information and issue a Record of Death Certificate. In some cases, such as coronial inquiries, it can take longer. A certificate is not automatically issued, and can applied for directly with Service Tasmania. If required, a ‘Priority Certificate’ can be requested from Service Tasmania, which will incur a charge, but means that the certificate will be provided within 24 hours.
Is money ‘frozen’ following someone’s death?

Bank accounts in joint names should not be affected by the death of one of the owners. Accounts held solely by the deceased may still be able to be accessed, and presentation of a funeral account is often all that is required to release funeral funds to pay for the funeral out of the deceased person’s estate.
If you have any further questions, we welcome them. Please email us at and we will do our best to answer them.
Resources
Helpful Links
StandBy is a Suicide Bereavement Response Service that provides a 24-hour coordinated community crisis response to families, friends and associates who have been bereaved through suicide. StandBy respects, understands and supports the health and well-being of people bereaved by suicide. Our service is available for you regardless of where or when your loss occurred free of charge.

You can call us anytime on 0439 556 660.
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