Foto: Kjartan Haugen
Losing a child
When the worst possible happens we ask many questions. What do we do now? Which practical matters must be arranged first? When do we do it?
Losing a child
Type of service
Most funerals in Norway follow the Norwegian Church Order. If a church funeral is chosen, we will liaise with the local church office and co-ordinate time and place with the priest who officiates in the particular church. If a civil funeral is chosen, a decision has to be made as to who will conduct or lead the service. At the same time consideration must be given to how the service will be arranged.
Type of service
After a death
Most people feel that they are unprepared when a death occurs. Some prefer that the deceased is collected at once, whereas others would like to have more time to say good-bye.
After a death
Cemetery plot
Most people find it natural to have an actual grave to visit. It can be important for following generations to sustain the memory of former generations. Some may want to arrange for a new cemetery plot, whereas others wish to use a family plot. There are other alternatives for urns. An urn can, for example, be placed in a commemorative grove.
Cemetery plot
Public or private service?
Many relatives find this a difficult subject. There may be many reasons why a private service is chosen. However, experience shows that what seemed correct at the time can become a burden in the long run if people who should have been present were not given the opportunity to attend.
Public or private service?
Consultation
The discussions we have with relatives on planning the funeral are called conferences. One of the first things we do is to arrange a time for the conference. Most people prefer to come to one of our offices but we can also visit relatives in their home. For practical reasons the conference sometimes takes place by telephone, outside work hours in the evening or at weekends.
Consultation
Who arranges the funeral?
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.
Who arranges the funeral?