Sometimes the deceased person has expressed specific wishes about his/her funeral. These wishes should of course be respected, and efforts be made to find out whether there is a written expression of this wish. The funeral procedure normally takes eight days from the day of death. The actual service takes place in a church, in a cemetery chapel, a crematorium chapel or in another non-denominational place. We are happy to help with the choice of time and place and will ensure that all participants are informed.
From a legal point of view it is generally fairly clear who is responsible for and who has the right to arrange a funeral. In the first instance this involves spouses, co-habitants, partners or children. However, it is not always that simple. There may be people who have an emotional need to influence the type of the funeral. This is particularly true of ex-husbands/wives and stepchildren and can lead to conflicts, even if it is in everybody’s interest to find a solution.
If equally close relatives cannot agree, the municipality will decide who shall have the right to arrange the funeral. This right will be given to one person who is then authorised to make all decisions regarding the funeral. The municipality’s decision cannot be appealed against. Before this stage is reached, we have often done a great deal to achieve a constructive dialogue between the relatives in disagreement.
The person who has been given the right of responsibility for the funeral arrangements must be prepared to give a little, listen to the other relatives and try to find good solutions. There are many persons who have needs that must be considered in connection with the funeral. One possible solution is that relatives who cannot agree give their views to us so that we can assist them in finding alternative solutions.