Pre-Planning FAQ

Pre-Planning FAQ

Pre-planning is determining the details of your funeral and cemetery services in advance. To some, this may sound like a difficult conversation. But putting a plan in place is actually a smart and caring thing to do. With a plan, you’ll reduce stress for grieving loved ones—and simply let them honor and celebrate your life, knowing things are happening just as you wanted. All your wishes. All with ease.

Everything you need to know and want to ask about pre-planning.

By taking the important step to pre-plan your final arrangements, you will take a large burden off your family, providing them with greater peace of mind. You're relieving your family of the cost that can be associated with planning a funeral, allowing them to celebrate and honor your life. And finally, you're ensuring that every last detail is planned according to your own wishes and needs. You might have some questions as you begin the path towards pre-planning. We're here to help answer them. Here are some questions that often come up from others at the same stage:

  • Pre-planning versus pre-funding? I've heard both terms; what is the difference?

    Pre-planning is making all of your arrangements ahead of time so that everything can be conducted according to your wishes, for peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Pre-funding is taking care of all costs for your pre-planning, so that everything is taken care of for you and your family.

  • Can I move a previously planned arrangement with another funeral home?

    Yes. If you choose to move your arrangement to Semien-Lewis Mortuary, we can help transfer your plans. You should never have to feel stuck in your decisions.

  • Can I take care of the costs now?

    Yes. You are welcome to take care of all costs now, so that later on, all your family has to do is focus on and celebrate your life. When you choose to pre-fund your final arrangements, your money is put in a state-approved funding option until needed. After your funeral is paid for in full, you will never have to pay more for the guaranteed items you listed on your contract.

  • If I pre-plan with Semien-Lewis Mortuary, what are my options if I change my mind later on?

    When you pre-plan with Semien-Lewis Mortuary, your plan will go where you go. No matter where you reside at the time of your passing, no matter what funeral home you choose to work with, your plan will be transferable to any funeral home in the United States that accepts the contract. Your peace of mind is of the utmost importance to us.

  • I want to approach my family and talk to them about my plans. Do you have suggestions for how to do this in the best way possible?

    You are truly helping your family and doing a great deed by taking care of planning something so personal and important to you. Remember to respect their feelings and emotions, as this can be a difficult subject to broach with them. Assure them that you are making these plans because you love them and want them to feel free to celebrate life and heal together when the time comes.

  • What do I do when I have completed all my pre-planning? Is there anything else I should be aware of or need to do?

    Relax and rest assured knowing that your wishes will be met, your needs will be taken care of, and there's a capable team at Semien-Lewis Mortuary always available to answer your questions or address your concerns.