PETS: Estate Planning for Companion Animals

Whether you call them pets or companion animals, they play an important part in the lives of many people. Frequently owners of companion animals want to arrange for the financial support and care of their animals if they become unable to personally provide for that care. Estate planning provisions that provide for companion animals that outlive us can be included in your will or trust agreement. Also existing estate planning documents can be amended to add these provisions.

A durable power of attorney or the dispositive provisions of a revocable living trust also can be used to ensure that companion animals will be properly cared for if the owner becomes disabled or until the long-term plan takes effect.

For more information contact Robert A. Gordon.

What happens when someone dies at home

Many people are unfamiliar with what must be done following a death. We hope that this information will help to answer your questions about various procedures which must be followed.

The functions of the Coroner's Department

When a hospital, doctor or individual advises the Coroner's department of a death, the department will contact the police, who will in turn arrange for the transport of the deceased to the main mortuary. A report is then prepared by the Police for the Coroner. Then the Coroner seeks to establish the cause of death either by contacting the deceased's doctor or by requesting an autopsy. Another function of the Coroner's court is to establish the identity of the deceased person through formal identification. Although this can be done by anyone who knows the deceased, it is necessary that the person making the identification knows the correct spelling of the deceased's name, their age, address and occupation.

When a person dies at home.

If a person dies at home, the first telephone call should be to a doctor. If the person has been treated recently by that doctor, and the doctor is positively able to identify the cause of death, he or she will normally be able to issue a Medical certificate of Death. The next call should be to your funeral director. Your funeral director will take immediate steps to transfer the deceased person to the mortuary and will arrange the registration of death. The funeral director will then take care of all the subsequent funeral arrangements.

When a person dies in hospital

If a person has died in hospital, the attending doctor should be able to sign a Medical certificate of death. Again, once the Medical Certificate of Death. has been signed your funeral director can arrange for transport of the deceased, the registration of death and subsequent funeral arrangements.

When death occurs interstate or overseas

If a person dies interstate or overseas, your funeral director should be notified immediately. he or she should be able to arrange transport of the deceased, and attend to any statutory or customs requirements.

When death is accidental or sudden.

Should a person in apparently good health and not under the care of a doctor die suddenly or as a result of an accident, it is necessary to notify the Coroner.

Where will the Deceased's personal belongings be held?

If death occurred after admission to hospital, the hospital is responsible for personal items. Otherwise any valuables or personal effects will be removed during admission to the mortuary and then placed in safe custody by police officers. If you have a query contact Coronial Counselling Service

Where can I obtain a copy of the Registration of Death ?

The County Recorder's Office upon application, provide you with a certified copy of Death Registration. Prior to the cause of death being registered, an interim certificate can be obtained, which in some circumstances may be used for processing legal documents.

Will the Post Mortem examination interfere with the Funeral Arrangements?

A post mortem examination does not usually delay funeral preparations. However, if organs must be retained for analysis you may want to take this into account when deciding on the day of the funeral. Your funeral director will contact the Coroner's Office to determine the earliest date for release of the deceased.

Can I have a copy of the Post Mortem report?

A Copy of the post mortem report can be sent to your personal doctor for him or her to explain to you in detail the medical cause of death.Your request for such a report should be in writing and forwarded to the Coroner's Office giving the name and address of the doctor and details of the deceased

Can I see the Deceased?

Apart from the formal identification which is arranged by police officers, it is suggested that the viewing of the deceased be arranged with the Funeral Director.

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