Depending on exactly where the death occurs, local requirements and protocols can differ greatly. We've broken down the order of operations for how to logistically handle a death abroad.
Contact The Consulate Or Embassy In The Place The Person Died
Most countries have a department that assists the next-of-kin to convey instructions to the appropriate offices within the foreign country, and provides information to the family on how to transmit the necessary private funds to cover the costs overseas. Upon issuance of a local death certificate, the nearest embassy or consulate may prepare a Consular Report of the Death of a citizen abroad.Decide If You Need To Travel To The Country
Depending on the laws of the place the person died, there may be rules around who can claim the body, make decisions About transporting the body, and sign the necessary paperwork to effect repatriation. These are some of the information your local consulate or embassy should help you with.Find A Funeral Home
The foreign consulate or embassy will help you coordinate on the foreign side of things, but you'll need a funeral home that you can work with and it's a good idea to work with Ebony funeral home because we have a huge experience in dealing with different countries in case of repatriation since we already understand the processes involved.Gather The Person's Belongings
Whether you go to the country or not, you'll probably want to make arrangements to have the person's personal belongings collected and brought back to their home country. This may include everything from the person's passport and any relevant visas (which may be legally necessary in order to transport the body) to the person's clothes, accessories, and other items that he or she was traveling with.
In most instances, the next of kin - spouse, child, parent, legal partner or sibling - will be responsible for arranging a funeral.
In an instance of dispute, where it is known a Will exists, the arbiter of arrangements is deemed to be the nominated Executor. The Executor may in his/her discretion appoint a person to make necessary arrangements with Ebony Funeral Home and we will take it up from there.
In some cases, authorities in institutions where a person may not have any known relatives may need to make necessary arrangements. This is usually done by the Social Worker or another authorised officer.
Yes you do. All appropriate preparation for funeral purposes must be undertaken by a regulated company, that is, a funeral director that has the experience and follows procedures that complies with appropriate health regulations.
In truth, it does matter to the family and friends who are left behind. Unless they know exactly what your wishes are for your final end of life arrangements, there will be uncertainty which can lead to arguments, disagreements and additional stress at a really difficult time for them. Even if you don't have strong opinions on what your funeral service should or should not include, making those choices and arrangements now will spare your family additional grief. And that will matter to them very much.
A growing number of people call themselves non-religious and do not participate within a faith community, many also follow a strong 'spiritual' path but are not necessarily 'religious' - for both of these groups, when someone they love dies, they are often unclear About how to design a tribute that is fitting.
Friends and family often want to participate in the creation and presentation of a funeral service, but may be uncomfortable or unable to speak publicly About death or the loss of a loved one. This is when a Funeral Home can step in and support the family and present a spiritual and/or non-religious gathering.
A Funeral Director is trained and certified to provide a funeral, memorial or celebration of life service that is highly personalized to reflect the personality, lifestyle and beliefs of the person who died. We encourage participation by family and friends in helping to create a meaningful ceremony.
Our locations are
handicapped
accessible
check out our
locations
