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Today, more and more families are choosing to plan funerals in advance. This trend continues to grow as people discover the
benefits of planning ahead. Information is gathered and decisions that would have to be made at the time a death occurs are
instead made in a leisurely manner, amid comfortable surroundings, and without the stress that accompanies grief.
Both you and your loved ones will benefit when funeral arrangements are made well ahead of the time of need. By discussing
plans in advance, you can take all the time necessary to gather the information that will be needed for the legal paperwork and
newspaper notices and to make the most satisfactory decisions regarding the type of ceremony and method of disposition you prefer.
A carefully pre-planned funeral will be most comforting to your family. It will free them from having to make difficult
decisions at a time of sadness and stress, and give them peace of mind knowing that your own specific wishes have been followed.
Of the hundreds of families who have chosen to pre-arrange funerals with the Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, none have ever
expressed any regret about doing so. Without fail, families tell us that making the arrangements in advance was the best decision
they could have made.
Frequently asked questions:
| Q - How do I go about making funeral pre-arrangements? |
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The process is uncomplicated and makes great sense. Simply contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet. The
appointment can be scheduled for any weekday, evening, or weekend, and will usually take less than an hour of your time. You will
have the comfort of knowing that your personal wishes will be fulfilled and that unnecessary difficulties can be avoided.
You choose the type and cost of service you want, right down to the smallest detail. You're assured that your funeral will
be consistent with your individual standards and lifestyle. We encourage you to discuss your thoughts and preferences with your
family, and to take into consideration their feelings about your choices. After all, the funeral is very much about providing
an outlet for grief of those you leave behind.
| Q - Do I have to pre-pay? |
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There is no obligation for funeral pre-planning beyond making choices and providing information to be kept on file at the
funeral home for future reference. Many people, however, choose to set funds aside for these future services, especially if they
are facing the possibility of nursing home care which could deplete the funds that would otherwise be available to cover funeral
costs.
Paying for your funeral in advance is an allowable expense and will not negatively effect your eligibility for Medicaid or
other government assistance with nursing home costs. In fact, most nursing homes strongly recommend that you pre-pay for your
funeral before your available funds are exhausted.
Your funeral contract can include cash advance items such as flowers, monument engraving, and even catering costs for the
post-funeral gathering - all items that your family would have to pay for out-of-pocket if your own funds were spent on long
term care.
Monthly payment plans or assignment of existing insurance policies can also be arranged. Please feel free to ask any
questions or discuss any options that would be convenient for you.
| Q - Can I guarantee today's prices? |
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If you decide to pre-pay in full for funeral arrangements at today's prices, the goods and services you select will be
fully cost protected. We guarantee that you will never have to pay additional amounts for the merchandise and services provided
by us due to inflation or price increases to us, now matter how long you live.
| Q - How do I know my payment will be secure? |
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Massachusetts laws provide strict regulations on the handling of pre-paid funeral funds. All funeral establishments must
put pre-payments into a funeral trust account with a state-regulated financial institution or use the funds to purchase a
pre-need insurance policy, the proceeds of which can only be paid to the funeral home upon proof of death and satisfactory
completion of the contracted services.
You will receive copies of the pre-need contract and an itemization of funeral goods and services selected.
At Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home we fund pre-arrangements through Columbian Life Insurance Company, a nationally
recognized provider of specialized pre-need life insurance policies. Based on information on the consolidated financial
strength of the company in 2005, Columbian has an A.M. Best's Rating of A- (Excellent), the fourth highest of sixteen
possible ratings on A.M. Best's scale.
| Q - What if I change my mind? |
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Should your wishes or circumstances change, the value of your pre-need policy is fully transferable to any funeral home
that provides the services requested by your family.
Pre-arranging and pre-paying your funeral is a simple and secure way to provide for an inevitable family expense. It is
a valuable and protected investment, and is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your family.
To discuss funeral pre-arrangements for yourself or a loved one, please use the convenient e-mail form in the Contact Us
section of this web site, or call us at any time at 508-529-6992.
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