Frequently Asked Questions

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Funeral directors

The following information will help you find and select a funeral director you are comfortable with and who offers services at a reasonable price.

Before selecting a funeral director, you should try to understand exactly what it is they do. Here are the main services offered by funeral directors:

• Register the death after the issue of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (includes a Cremation Certificate if required).
• Transfer the body from the place of death to the funeral director’s premises in accordance with strict health rules concerning handling, transport and storage.
• Meet you at your home or in their office to discuss your preferences and options. Depending on what you decide, a meeting like this may be less than 30 minutes or up to two or three hours.
• Coordinate between your clergy (or a funeral celebrant if you wish) and the cemetery or crematorium to decide when, where, and what type of service will be needed. In most cases cemeteries and crematoriums will not deal directly with anyone other than a funeral director.
• Prepare and place death, funeral and obituary notices in newspapers of your choice and organising flowers.
• Prepare the body for burial or cremation.
• Supply a coffin or a casket.
• Provide a place for a viewing of the body by friends and relatives if desired. » Transport the body by hearse to the ceremony and then to the cemetery or crematorium.
• Provide special cars for mourners.
• Pay fees for such things as the cemetery, crematorium and flowers on your behalf.
• Advise and helping you with paperwork involved in accessing any financial reimbursement associated with the funeral (such as a funeral fund).

What should I do after I have chosen a funeral director?

Different funeral directors can charge different amounts for the same service. So try and get more than one quote and compare costs. Ask for a detailed and itemised price list of all fees and charges before making a decision.

Once you have chosen a funeral director, make sure you:

• Get a written quote giving details of all costs you will be charged.
• Get a detailed list of all fees paid by the funeral director to third parties (disbursements).
• Check the wording of the contract for any hidden fees or charges. Make sure you read it carefully and ask the funeral director to explain anything that you do not understand.

In summary, the top tips for choosing a funeral director are:

• Plan ahead
• Shop around and compare prices in advance
• Ask for a price list
• Resist pressure
• Understand funeral costs and charges
• Try to avoid emotional overspending
• Recognise your rights
• Read customer ratings and reviews @ ezifunerals.com.au
• Apply the smart shopping techniques you would use for other major purchases
• Get an itemised quote of funeral costs from the funeral director

See our help section on choosing the right funeral director.

Peter Erceg

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.