Q Who has the legal right to arrange a funeral?
A The executor of the estate if there is a valid Will.

Q What happens when the deceased person has made no arrangements/Will/requests?
A It is then up to the next of kin to make the arrangements. In cases where there is no next of kin, then usually a friend or neighbour would assume the role.

Q How long can the body of the deceased be kept in refrigeration?
A Funerals usually take place within 2 - 4 days. The longest period we would suggest would be 3 - 4 weeks unless the body is embalmed.

Q Is viewing always possible?
A In most cases yes, but it would depend on the specific circumstances. At F.W. Barnes & Son we believe in the value of viewing and would endeavour to facilitate this where possible.

Q Is there any significance in the colour of coffins?
A No. This is purely a matter of personal choice.

Q What is the percentage of cremations to burials? A There are approximately 30,000 deaths each year in Victoria with some 12,000 cremations taking place. In metropolitan areas approximately 60-65% of all funerals are cremation. In country areas the percentage varies dramatically.

Q What happens to the metal parts of a coffin at cremation? A Some crematoria remove the fittings because of chemical compositions and emissions. Any fittings removed are destroyed.

Q Is more than one coffin cremated at the one time in a cremator?
A No. However in the case of a mother and baby / father and baby or twin children some crematoria will accept both in the same coffin.

Q Can I keep the cremated remains or must I dispose of them?
A Disposal of the cremated remains is the responsibility of the executor of the estate. They may keep the cremated remains if they wish or arrange a memorial, such as a wall niche or rose garden.

Q Could someone be buried in their own back yard?
A Although legally possible, at the moment in Victoria, it would require Ministerial approval which is unlikely to be given without extremely good reason. Times delays are also a factor.

Q Can two people be buried in the one coffin?
A This is only possible in the case of twin children or mother and baby / father and baby, as long as the Cemetery Trust involved approves.

Q Why are children's coffins white?
A Children's coffins are white as a representation of innocence.