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Funeral Resources
Guidance for every step
Having funeral resources at hand means no family has to navigate these decisions alone or be left guessing, whether you’re planning ahead or supporting a loved one now. That’s why we’ve put together this collection, covering everything from end-of-life plans to burial, cremation, and the practical details in between, for families across Perth and Western Australia.
Whether you’re creating an end-of-life plan, deciding between burial or cremation, navigating Voluntary Assisted Dying, or working through the practical details such as paying for a funeral, writing a will, organ donation, or superannuation, we draw on our experience and knowledge to offer a carefully curated collection of funeral resources for families.
What to Consider before you die
Preparing for the end of life can feel overwhelming, but taking time to plan can bring comfort, reduce uncertainty, and ease the burden on those you love. Whether you’re living with a terminal diagnosis, exploring Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), or simply thinking ahead, there are a few gentle but important areas worth considering.
From our funeral resources, here are some of the most important things you may choose to organise before you die:
Planning Your Funeral
Whether you want a funeral, a quiet farewell, or no ceremony at all, it’s important to let your family and friends know. In Australia, a funeral is not a legal requirement, but it can be a meaningful way to honour your life, support those you leave behind, and create space for emotional closure.
Our team encourages you to think about what matters most to you. Sharing your wishes early helps reduce stress for loved ones and ensures your farewell reflects your values. If you’d like a funeral, consider outlining your preferences, such as:
- A viewing or Identification only
- A funeral service, religious or non-religious
- A burial or cremation ceremony
If you prefer not to have a funeral, you can still guide your family on what you’d like them to do instead whether that’s a private reflection, a memorial, or no gathering at all.
Closing Circles offers planning support, ceremony design to help you document your wishes with clarity and care.
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD)
As Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is a legal end-of-life option in Western Australia for eligible individuals who choose to control the timing and manner of their death. While the medical and legal process is managed by healthcare professionals and government services, there’s still much to consider when it comes to preparing your family, shaping your farewell, and coordinating what happens after.
We walk alongside families during Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) planning, not with medical advice, but with emotional clarity, practical coordination, and ceremony design that honours your wishes. If you’re preparing for VAD, we’re here to help shape the farewell that feels right for you.
What Closing Circles Can Assist with;
- Living Wake – Organise the celebration of your life before you pass.
- End-of-Life plan – Outlining your wishes, plan your funeral your way and easing the burden on loved ones
- Final Wishes – When and where you’d like us to take care of your remains after your passing
- After-death logistics – What happens next, and how your family can be supported
- Memorialisation – Discuss and prepare options around the placement of your remains.
Deciding Between a Burial or Cremation
One of the most important decisions to make before you die is whether you’d prefer to be buried or cremated. Even if you choose not to have a funeral, your body will still need to be cared for through one of these options. Sharing your preference with your family helps reduce uncertainty and ensures your wishes are honoured.
If you choose burial, your body will be interred, placed in the ground or in a mausoleum, typically within a cemetery. Burial may include a graveside ceremony or quiet reflection, depending on your wishes.
If you choose cremation, your body will be transformed into ashes through fire. Your family can then store, scatter, or memorialise your ashes in a way that reflects your values and instructions.
We help individuals clarify and document these choices with care. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating these decisions in real time, we offer guidance to ensure your farewell is handled with dignity and clarity.
Paying for Your Funeral
Planning how your funeral will be paid for is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones. It reduces financial stress, ensures your wishes are carried out, and gives your family clear direction during a difficult time.
If you have a funeral plan, you can estimate the likely costs and begin saving gradually. Even small, regular contributions can make a meaningful difference. It’s important to let your family, executor, or administrator know about your plan and how to access the funds. To release the money, they’ll need to provide proof of your death, evidence of their relationship to you, and documentation of funeral expenses.
You may also choose to pay for your funeral in full before you die. Common options include:
- Pre-paid funeral plans – You pay upfront for an agreed service. Be sure to include a copy with your will so your executor or administrator can locate it.
- Funeral bonds – You invest funds that are released to your estate or directly to a nominated funeral director.
- Private Savings – Your money held in your own a high interest savings account.
- Pre-purchase – Cemetery burial plot or preneed cremation permit directly from the Metropolitan Cemetery Board.
Our team will help individuals understand these options and document their preferences clearly. Whether you’re planning a traditional funeral, a living wake, or no ceremony at all, we offer guidance to ensure your farewell is handled with dignity and care.
Writing Your Will
A will is a vital legal document that outlines how you want your estate and personal assets to be distributed after your death. But it can do more than divide property, it can also reflect your values, wishes, and care for those you leave behind.
Your will can include instructions such as:
- Preferences for your funeral or memorial service
- Whether you wish to be buried or cremated
- Guidance for the ongoing care of pets or dependents
Having a valid will helps ensure your intentions are respected and reduces stress for your loved ones during a difficult time. If you die without a will, your state or territory government will attempt to locate a close relative to manage your estate. If no relative can be found, your assets may be claimed by the government.
Planning ahead gives you the opportunity to shape your legacy with clarity and care. If you’d like support in preparing your wishes or understanding how your will can align with your farewell plans, Closing Circles is here to help.
Organ Donation
If you’d like to become an organ and tissue donor, it’s important to register your decision and just as importantly, to talk about it with your family. In Australia, your loved ones will be asked to confirm your wishes, and their consent is required before donation can proceed.
Organ and tissue donation has the power to save up to 10 lives and improve many more. Transplants offer people a second chance restoring health, mobility, and hope. At any given time, more than 1,300 Australians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.By making your intentions clear and having the conversation early, you give your family the confidence to honour your choice when it matters most.
Superannuation
Superannuation isn’t just about retirement, it can also play a role in your end-of-life planning. Many superannuation funds include life insurance, death benefits, and disability cover. It’s worth checking your fund to see what’s included and how it applies when you die.
To avoid confusion or delays, ask your superannuation provider:
• What happens to your superannuation when you die
• Who they will pay it to
• What documentation your family or executor will need
Unless you’ve nominated a beneficiary, the fund’s trustee may decide who receives the payment. This can lead to unexpected outcomes, especially if your wishes aren’t clearly documented.
To make things easier, we recommend reviewing your superannuation details and making sure your nominated beneficiaries reflect your current intentions. You can also read more about superannuation death benefits on the Australian Taxation Office website.
- OFFICE 08 6187 2320
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- EMAIL office@closingcircles.com.au
- 45b Old Perth Road, Bassendean, WA 6054
- PO Box 137 Bassendean WA 6054
We will be there when you need us.
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