Frequently asked questions
Quick links to our most popular FAQ Topics
Arranging a funeral
H Parsons Funeral Directors helps families arrange funerals, plan ahead and understand their options. We provide clear guidance and support through each step.
You can arrange a funeral by calling our team, visiting one of our locations, arrange online using Funeral Arranger or submit a request via our website form here.
Funeral costs vary depending on your choices and typically range from $6,100 to $18,000 or more, depending on whether you select a burial, crypt or cremation. The type of funeral service, location, coffin or casket, flowers, catering, memorial stationery, hearses and transfers can all influence the total cost.
If you are choosing a burial or crypt, the cost of purchasing and preparing the burial plot or crypt is separate and paid directly to the cemetery.
A no service, no attendance cremation is often the lowest cost option. Some families choose this and hold a separate memorial service afterwards, with memorials typically starting from $1,400.
As part of arranging a funeral with a funeral director, we explain what is essential and what is optional. This allows you to make informed decisions and create a personalised funeral service that reflects your preferences and budget.
Yes. We have funeral homes across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, from Wollongong to Nowra, making it easy to access local support. Learn more here →
Yes. You can plan ahead to record your wishes, including pre paid funerals and funeral bonds.
What to do when someone dies
The first step depends on where the death occurs and whether it was expected or not. If the person is under medical care, staff will guide you. If the death is unexpected, police must be contacted.
Learn more here
The hospital staff will usually manage the initial steps and arrange for a medical practitioner to certify the death. Each hospital has different process depending on whether they have an onsite mortuary.
If the death was unexcepted contact the Police. If the deceased was in palliative care at home under the guidance of a doctor contact the doctor and Ambulance. Then nominated funeral home is called. If the death occurs within a hospital or aged care facility they will take care of the initial steps.
Some steps are time sensitive, but many decisions can be made over several days with guidance.
Your funeral director will guide you on what information is required and help gather details during the arrangement meeting.
Yes. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and online arrangements are available at all hours. In‑person appointments are typically held during business hours.
Costs & pricing
Funeral costs vary depending on your choices and typically range from $6,100 to $18,000 or more, depending on whether you select a burial, crypt or cremation. The type of funeral service, location, coffin or casket, flowers, catering, memorial stationery, hearses and transfers can all influence the total cost.
If you are choosing a burial or crypt, the cost of purchasing and preparing the burial plot or crypt is separate and paid directly to the cemetery.
A no service, no attendance cremation is often the lowest cost option. Some families choose this and hold a separate memorial service afterwards, with memorials typically starting from $1,400.
As part of arranging a funeral with a funeral director, we explain what is essential and what is optional. This allows you to make informed decisions and create a personalised funeral service that reflects your preferences and budget.
A cremation is typically cheaper than a burial when all costs are considered. A cremation typically ranges from $6,000 to $9,000, while a burial ranges from $8,300 to $12,000, excluding the burial plot. The costs vary based on many factors such as coffin selection, catering, memorials, flowers, size and location of the service, hearse, transfers, and mortuary requirements.
Centrelink does not provide a specific payment to cover the full cost of a funeral, but in some situations, it may offer financial support through a bereavement payment. These payments are typically available if you, or the person who has passed, were receiving an eligible Centrelink pension or income support payment. Depending on your circumstances, this may be paid as a lump sum or as a continuation of payments for a short period. While this support can help with immediate expenses, including funeral costs, it will not usually cover the full cost of a funeral. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on your relationship to the person who has passed and your financial situation. See Services NSW for full details. [funera.sydney]
A destitute funeral in NSW is a basic funeral arranged and funded by the government for someone who has no financial means and no one able to pay for the funeral.
This may apply when:
- The person who has passed has no assets or estate
- There are no family members or friends able to cover the cost
- Financial assessment confirms there are no available funds
In these situations, NSW Health or the local Public Health Unit may arrange a simple cremation or burial at no cost to the family. [www1.healt…nsw.gov.au], [sydneyfune…sts.com.au]
Destitute funerals are intended as a last resort and are generally limited in terms of service options, location and customisation.
Payment options vary depending by the funeral director, but many families choose to manage funeral costs through a combination of available funds and pre-planning options.
In some cases, this may include:
- Using funds from the estate
- Accessing superannuation or insurance benefits
- Prepaid funerals or funeral bonds arranged in advance
Prepaid funeral arrangements, for example, allow costs to be paid in advance or over time, helping reduce the financial pressure on family members. If you are concerned about cost, the most practical step is to discuss your situation early. This allows us to explain options clearly and help you choose an approach that fits your circumstances.
You can request a quote by calling our team, arranging online using Funeral Arranger, or submitting an enquiry via the website contact form.
Cremation vs burial
The main difference between cremation and burial is how a person is laid to rest.
Cremation involves respectfully reducing the body to ashes, which can then be kept, returned to family, or scattered. Burial involves placing the body in a coffin or casket and interring it in a cemetery or mausoleum.
Your funeral director can explain both options clearly and help you understand what may be appropriate based on your preferences, beliefs and circumstances.
The cremation process itself typically takes between two to three hours. This can vary depending on factors such as the equipment used and the type of coffin.
After the cremation, there is additional time required for processing and preparing the ashes for return to the family. Your funeral director will advise you on expected timeframes and when the ashes will be available.
Before cremation, the body is cared for and prepared with respect and in accordance with legal and safety requirements. This includes;
- Identification procedures
- Removal of medical devices or items that cannot be cremated
- Dressing or preparation of the person, depending on family preferences
All preparation is carried out by trained and highly experienced professionals, ensuring dignity and the highest levels of care for the deceased at every stage.
In New South Wales, cremation ashes can generally be scattered in a range of locations, provided you have the appropriate permission which include:
- Cemeteries or memorial gardens
- Private property, with the landowner’s consent
- Public land, such as beaches or parks, if permitted by the local council
It is important to check any local regulations or restrictions before scattering ashes, particularly in public places. Your H Parsons funeral director can help guide you on suitable options.
Legal & admin after death
In New South Wales, a death certificate is issued by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. In most cases, your funeral director will assist with registering the death and applying for the certificate on your behalf as part of the funeral arrangement process. Once the registration is complete, the certificate is issued and can be used for legal and administrative purposes, such as finalising estates, closing accounts and managing financial matters.
When a person dies, their individual bank accounts are usually frozen to prevent further transactions. Funds are generally held in the account until they are released as part of the estate process. In some cases, banks may allow funds to be used specifically to pay for funeral expenses. H Parsons can provide an invoice to the applicant to present to the bank.
Joint accounts may continue to operate for the surviving account holder, depending on how the account is structured. You should talk with your bank to confirm your individual circumstances.
Probate is the legal process that confirms a will is valid and authorises the executor to manage and distribute the deceased person’s estate. In NSW, probate is usually required when:
- The deceased held significant assets in their sole name
- Financial institutions require formal authority before releasing funds
If the estate is small or assets are held jointly, probate may not be necessary. A solicitor or estate professional can advise based on your situation.
The term “next of kin” generally refers to the closest living relative, but it does not automatically give legal authority over all decisions. In practice, next of kin:
- Are usually involved in making funeral arrangements and are refered to as the applicant
- May be consulted about decisions if no formal executor is appointed
- Can act on behalf of the family where appropriate
However, the legal authority to manage the estate rests with the executor named in a will, or an administrator appointed by the court if there is no will.
Pre-planning
A pre planned funeral records your wishes for your future funeral without requiring any payment. It allows you to outline your preferences in advance so they are clearly understood when needed.
A pre planned funeral is for anyone who wants clarity and peace of mind without financial commitment. It suits people who want to guide their family, reduce future decision making and retain flexibility.
No. A pre planned funeral involves no upfront payment. It is simply a record of your preferences.
Yes. Your arrangements can be updated at any time to reflect changes in circumstances, preferences or personal wishes.
Planning ahead can include your preferences for burial or cremation, the type of service, location, and any personal details you would like included. For a more detailed guide, you can complete our My Wishes booklet or speak with our team by arranging a pre‑planning appointment with our specialist.
A prepaid funeral combines planning with financial provision for your funeral. Learn more here
The PrepaidPlus Funeral Plan allows you to plan your funeral in advance, pay for it ahead of time (either upfront or by instalments), and lock in today’s prices for the funeral you’ve selected. Funds are securely managed and allocated toward your funeral arrangement. Learn more here
A funeral bond allows you to set funds aside for future funeral expenses and retain flexibility over how the funds are ultimately used. The bond accumulates over time and can be applied toward funeral costs when needed. Learn more here
Yes. A funeral bond can be opened with an initial investment from five hundred dollars, with the option to make additional contributions at any time. Learn more here
A prepaid funeral includes setting money aside in advance through an approved financial product to cover future funeral expenses. A funeral bond allows you to set funds aside for future funeral expenses while retaining flexibility over how the funds are ultimately used. Learn more here
Amounts invested in an eligible funeral bond or prepaid funeral plan are generally exempt from assets testing for government benefits such as the Age Pension and aged care assessments, up to the allowable limits. As individual circumstances vary, independent financial advice should be considered. Learn more here
Funeral insurance involves ongoing premiums that pay out a set amount after death, while a pre‑paid funeral is arranged and paid in advance at today’s prices. Learn more here
A pre‑planning meeting is a structured conversation where you can discuss your wishes, explore options and understand costs with guidance from a funeral professional. Learn more about how this works here
If a death is expected, you can begin arrangements in advance to reduce pressure later, with guidance on what can be decided now and what can wait. Learn more about arranging a funeral
Contacting us & appointments
Yes. H Parsons Funeral Directors is available 24/7 for immediate support.
No. You can call at any time. Appointments can be arranged if you would like to meet in person.
Call the Illawarra or Shoalhaven number based on your location, or submit an enquiry and we will direct it appropriately.
Yes. We support funeral pre‑planning, prepaid funerals and general enquiries.
You can email us at info@hparsons.com.au.
Locations & visiting a chapel
Yes. H Parsons Funeral Directors operates funeral homes and chapels across Wollongong, the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven.
Yes. You can choose the H Parsons Funeral Directors location that best suits your needs and preferences.
All locations provide access to experienced funeral directors and core funeral services. Facilities may vary by location.
Yes. You are welcome to contact your nearest H Parsons Funeral Directors location to discuss your options or arrange a visit.
We’re here when you’re ready
If you need help now, call H Parsons Funeral Directors. If your enquiry is not urgent, you can email info@hparsons.com.au or use the online enquiry form.