FAQ
What should I do when a family member has died?
This depends on where they died and the manner of death, but in general when
the death happens, all you need to do is call us for advice and assistance.
The phone will be answered by a Capital City Funeral Services staff member, and they will ask
a few questions to establish who has died, where they have died and talk to
you about the next step.
If the death is unexpected it is possible that the police and coroner would be involved. A funeral director contracted to the police would transfer the body to Wellington mortuary.
Do I have to use the Police contracted funeral director?
No. The Police contracted funeral director is required only for the initial
transfer to the Wellington mortuary. From there the family may engage a
funeral director of their choice. Your chosen funeral director would then
liaise with the relevant authorities on your behalf.
Why and when is a Coroner involved?
Usually, the coroner is involved in a sudden death, an accidental death, or
if a doctor is unavailable or unable to establish the cause of death. When a
coroner is called in, s/he must establish a cause of death, which may mean
the examination of the body by a pathologist – otherwise known as a post
mortem or autopsy.
Is embalming necessary?
The function of embalming is to ensure preservation, presentation and
sanitation during the funeral period. It can also ensure a more natural
appearance of the deceased for viewing. Sometimes, if the funeral is delayed
for some reason, or if the deceased has to be transferred to another city or
country, embalming is necessary. Other times, it is optional and Capital
City Funeral Services' experienced funeral directors can help you make the right choice.
What about ACC after a death by accident?
The cause of death must be established before the Accident Compensation
Corporation (ACC) is able to pay compensation to the dependents of accident
victims and make a contribution to funeral expenses. If an inquest is not
held after the cause of death is established, ACC payments can be made
immediately.
