Planning ahead for a funeral may ease a difficult time. To assist, pre-planning services at A.J. Desmond & Sons are coordinated by Suzanne Seitz Behan.

Who preplans a funeral?
Anyone can preplan their own funeral, but family members or even friends should participate in the process. If possible, it is always beneficial to plan together, since the actual funeral or memorial is not for the deceased but for the loved ones left behind.

What are the benefits of preplanning a funeral?
Preplanning a funeral is a secure and informed way to prepare for the eventuality of death. With the cost of funerals constantly increasing like everything else, planning ahead could prevent an untimely financial obligation to your family. By making arrangements in an unhurried atmosphere, you will not leave complicated decisions to your family on perhaps the most difficult day of their lives.

What is my first step?
Contact the funeral home for details on setting up a prearrangement. We will assist you in selecting services and merchandise to meet both your budget and your wishes. Our prices are itemized so you pay only for what you choose - you control the costs. Our many years of service to the community gives you confidence that your choices will be respected.

Should I also prepay?
While prepayment is not necessary, there are many advantages. Paying in advance allows you to guarantee the costs and avoid inflation, as well as insuring that your family will be relieved of any financial obligation. There are several payment options, including single payment or installment plans.

Are my Funds safe?
In one word, YES! This is an important question because not all sellers of prepaid funerals are regulated equally and not all prepaid plans are alike. You need to be sure that the plan is controlled by state law and that the cost is guaranteed. You also need to be comfortable that the money is invested prudently and securely. Our plans meet all these criteria.

What happens to the pre-arrangement money?
Escrow Funds are deposited in the Bank of Bloomfield Hills and appropriately invested, or in a Merrill Lynch program under the auspices of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. Insurance funds are placed with Fortis Life Insurance, an A+ rated multi-billion dollar company. Both plans are strictly regulated by Michigan law, assuring that your money will be there when needed. Once you pay, the funeral home is obligated to provide the guaranteed services and merchandise regardless of fund balances, so all responsibility rests with us.

Who pays taxes on the income?
In an escrow account, under recent changes in the tax code, either the owner (normally the purchaser) of the contract or the trust itself can assume the tax liability. If the owner has an income tax responsibility, the funds will be invested so that the trust pays any taxes due. Insurance policies have no tax liability.

What is the procedure when death occurs?
The family should immediately call the funeral home where the funeral was preplanned. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if death occurs away from the planned area, the family should still call the funeral home where the arrangements were originally made. We will make all the necessary contacts for you, including a funeral home in the location of death. Although we keep a complete record of all transactions, please remind us that there is a prepaid funeral agreement.

Will more money have to be paid at the time of the funeral?
All prepaid items with a guaranteed price are always considered to be fully paid. Of course, there would be charges for major price changes in non-guaranteed accommodation items, as well as for anything either not prepaid or added at the time of death.

How does a prepaid funeral contract affect Medicaid or S.S.I. eligibility?
While the funeral home does not control Medicaid eligibility or regulations, it is usually possible to pay for a funeral and have those funds considered a non-asset for Medicaid evaluation. Medicaid situations may change, but our documentation will always comply with requirements at the time.

What if I move away or change my mind?
Don't worry, moving or changing your mind is not a problem The contract can be cancelled or changed at any time. If you move, Trust 100 Funeral Homes in other areas will honor the contract, so a transfer of funds may be all that is necessary. Escrow accounts can readily be cancelled and, by law, you are entitled to receive at least a 90% refund of both your original payment and the accumulated interest. It may not be financially practical to cancel insurance, but a change in the designated funeral director can always be made.

PLEASE NOTE: To qualify the recipient for Medicaid assistance, some contracts may be certified "irrevocable" by the Michigan Family Independence Agency. Irrevocable contracts cannot be LEGALLY cancelled for any reason, although it is normally possible to transfer performance of the contract to another funeral home. Notify us of any changes, and we will either make the appropriate arrangements or give you a refund within 30 days.