How to Choose a Funeral Director in Derby: 10 Questions to Ask
Choosing a funeral director is one of the first decisions you face when someone dies, and it often has to be made quickly, while you are still in shock. If you are looking for a funeral director in Derby, asking a few simple questions can help you find someone you trust to look after your loved one and your family.
Here are ten questions we suggest asking any funeral director, including us.
1. Are you independent or part of a national chain?
Many funeral homes in Derby keep a long-standing local name but are owned by large national companies. There is nothing wrong with that, but some families prefer an independent, family-run business where the people they meet are the people making decisions. J Barlow & Family is fully independent and family-owned.
2. Can I speak to someone 24 hours a day?
Death does not keep office hours. A good funeral director will answer the phone at any time and be able to bring your loved one into their care promptly, whether from home, a hospital, hospice or care home. Our phone, 01332 409182, is answered around the clock by our family team.
3. Will you give me a written, itemised price?
Funeral directors in the UK are required by the Competition and Markets Authority to publish clear prices. Ask for a written estimate that separates the funeral director’s charges from third-party costs (sometimes called disbursements) such as crematorium or cemetery fees, celebrant or minister fees and doctor’s fees. Our guide to understanding funeral costs in Derby explains each element.
4. Do you offer lower-cost options?
Not every family wants, or can afford, a full traditional funeral. Ask whether the funeral director offers a simple funeral or direct cremation, and whether they will happily explain those options without pressure.
5. Who will actually look after my loved one?
It is reasonable to ask where your loved one will be cared for and by whom. Some larger firms move people between central hubs. We care for everyone in our own premises at Park Farm, Allestree.
6. Which churches, crematoria and cemeteries do you work with?
An experienced local funeral director will know Markeaton Crematorium, Bretby Crematorium, Amber Valley Memorial Park and Crematorium, and Derby’s cemeteries and churches well, and can tell you about availability and fees for each. See our funeral services in Derby for the options we arrange.
7. Can the funeral be personalised?
From music and readings to a horse-drawn hearse, a favourite football shirt or a woodland burial, a funeral should reflect the person. Ask how flexible the funeral director is. Our bespoke funerals page has ideas.
8. Will you visit me at home?
Some families find it easier to make arrangements in their own home. We are happy to visit you anywhere in Derby, Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire.
9. Can you help with the paperwork?
A funeral director should guide you through the medical certificate, registering the death and the documents needed for burial or cremation. Our page on what to do when someone passes away sets out the first steps, and our article on essential documents your funeral director needs lists the paperwork.
10. Do you offer support after the funeral?
Grief does not end on the day of the funeral. Ask whether the funeral director can help with ashes, memorials and bereavement support.
You do not have to use the funeral director the hospital suggests
Families are sometimes unaware that they are free to choose any funeral director, even if a hospital, care home or the coroner has already contacted another firm. Simply call the funeral director you would like to use, and they will arrange everything.
Funeral directors across Derby and Derbyshire
J Barlow & Family Funeral Service are based at 41 Park Farm Shopping Centre, Allestree, and look after families throughout the city and county, including Allestree, Duffield, Belper, Mickleover, Darley Abbey and the wider Derbyshire area.
If you have any questions, or need us now, call 01332 409182 at any time or get in touch online.
