Preplanning? You’ll be glad you did.
Ask people why they haven’t preplanned their final arrangements and you’ll hear many different answers. I don’t have time. I don’t want to think about my own passing. I don’t know where to start. But, ask someone who has made their arrangements and you’ll hear one response: I’m so glad I did.
At Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Cemetery and Mausoleum, we understand that it can be difficult to take the first step. We do everything we can to make it easy on you and your family with planning tools that help you to organize the details you need and people who can answer questions you might have.
Then you’ll have a plan that you can share with your family. And that makes it easier on everyone.
the first step is simple
Fill in the blanks
Preplanning your final arrangements starts with gathering information – from your name and birthday, to family members and important dates like your birthday, wedding date, military service dates, and other details about you, such as where you were born. Our Personal Planning Guide is a great first step and features worksheets and forms that let you put all your details in one place.
Decide what’s important to you.
When you preplan, you also have the opportunity to decide what’s important to you and how you want to be remembered by people in your life. Make decisions about your service, the location, and even readings and music you would like to include.
Learn more about the options that are available to you, such as cremation burial and traditional casket burial, the different options of permanent memorial you prefer and even the details you want to include on your memorial or marker. It’s also a good time to talk to other family members – like adult children or others – to let them know where to find the plans you make and any paperwork they’ll need.
Extend costs over time
One of the advantages of preplanning is the ability to pay for the costs of your final arrangements over time. You’ll not only benefit from a manageable monthly payment, you will also feel good about saving your family from added expenses.
Get answers fast
Talk to a human
At Forest Lawn, our people are recognized for our knowledge, experience and the care we provide. Feel free to speak to one of our Cemetery and Funeral Counselors to ask questions and make arrangements to pre-pay for your arrangements. It’s a good way to lock in today’s costs and ensure that family members won’t have to worry about the expense at a time when they are dealing with their grief.
Your plan goes with you
A great advantage of pre-planning is that your pre-arrangement goes with you. That’s good news if you have moved here from another state or city, the company you originally made plans with has changed ownership or is no longer in business – or if you simply want to work with Forest Lawn.
Being able to transfer your plan also protects you to make sure your wishes and financial investment is protected.
We have the experience you need
Let us help you with the process.
At Forest Lawn, we have a lot of experience with pre-arrangement planning. We’re able to help you with the process for transferring your pre-arrangement in a way that ensures all the details are verified and that there are no surprises.
Contact the original funeral home or insurance company that issued your contract
Provide Forest Lawn with the company name on your plan and we will contact them about your policy to get the details we need to begin the transfer process.
Bring your policy to meet with Forest Lawn
Your pre-arrangement specialist will walk through your policy and contract details with you to review the selections you made regarding services and items like casket, urn and service details. This ensures we have a clear understanding of the type of service you envision and allows you to be sure it still reflects your wishes.
Tip: This is also a good time for you to review your policy, beneficiary and other details to be sure they are up to date or make any necessary changes to be sure your policy is in good standing.
Verify your price guarantee
One of the main reasons people pre-plan their final arrangements is to relieve family of any costs. Meeting with Forest Lawn helps to determine if those guarantees can be honored and discuss any financial details that you may have questions about.
Transfer paperwork
Once all the details have been reviewed, Forest Lawn will work with your original insurance company to finalize any paperwork – including a “Change of Funeral Home Form.” Both you and one of our funeral directors will sign off on the form and return it to the insurance company. We’ll also make copies of the form, your contract and policy – giving one set to you and keeping another set in our files.
Funeral planning made simple
Whether you’re pre-planning or have an immediate need, Forest Lawn’s online funeral arrangements help to simplify the process. Available anytime it’s convenient for you, it leads you step-by-step through the selections and decisions you need to make – and provides you with the costs associated with your choices.
Move at your own pace.
Because it’s online, you’re able to gather with your spouse, partner or other family members to share in the decisions you make. Save and continue the process over time or work through the process in a single setting.
Know what you’ll pay.
With Forest Lawn, you’ll see the pricing options displayed, so you’ll always know what you will pay – without any hidden fees or add-on costs. You’re even able to select the payment option that fits your needs and make your payments online.
Complete your plan online.
Once you have completed your plan, download a PDF and print the paperwork for your files. You can share your arrangements with key family members and include a record in your important papers.
