FAQs

We have all had questions about the funeral process at some point, but clear information is not always available which allows us to understand and normalize death as an event that is an unavoidable part of life. Below is a list of questions posed by our clients, the answers of which we believe must be within the reach of all. If you have questions you would like us to answer, always in respect for the deceased and their grievers, please fill in the following form and we'll answer you as quickly as possible.

• What happens to the coffin during cremation?
• How should I dress for a funeral?
• Should I spend the night at the funeral home or at home?
• How and when are the ashes delivered to family members?
• Are there any rules related to how to dress the deceased?
• Can a funeral service be pre-prepared?
• Who should be called in the event of a death?
• • How long does a funeral service last?
• What is the Abbreviated Death Certificate or Full Form Certificate for?
• What is a certificate of last will?
• Does someone have to delete the deceased from the census?
• What happens with the heirs if the deceased does not leave a written will?
• Do ecological coffins or urns exist?
• Is cremation cheaper than burial?
• Can a quote be requested?
• Is it possible for the ashes of various bodies to get mixed in the process?
• Can people watch the cremation process?

What happens to the coffin during cremation?

For the cremation process, the deceased is placed into the crematorium oven inside the same coffin used for the vigil. Some cremation incompatible items are first removed to prevent operational problems. Once placed inside, the intense heat of the process causes the coffin wood to practically disintegrate within just a few minutes.

How should I dress for a funeral?

Custom has always been to dress in black, avoiding anything that would call people’s attention or create a distraction for the rest of the family members. However, with today’s rhythm of life and especially in the cities, it is often difficult to find time to change clothes before attending a funeral. Given the complicated circumstances family members and friends are going through, comfortable clothing is understandable. Plus, many people nowadays do not necessarily make a connection between clothing and feelings so the rigorous dark dress code for attending a funeral has been slowly disappearing. The only expectation is that the clothing you wear is respectful.

Should I spend the night at the funeral home or at home?

More and more psychologists and professionals in the sector are advising people, to the extent possible, to rest in their own home or in a close relative’s home - accompanied, if necessary,- for the first few nights. Besides reducing the impact of the loss on our bodies, adequate rest allows us to be aware of what is happening and identify and organise our emotions. It is also very important for the grieving process to have some time to be distracted, to get away from the sadness and the intense sorrow that comes with losing a loved one. Therefore, leaving the funeral home for the night gives us this time to disconnect and face the next day with the strength required.

How and when are the ashes delivered to family members?

The procedure varies depending on the centre where the cremation takes place. In the quickest cases, the ashes are ready for delivery some four hours after cremation begins. For this reason, it is more comfortable for many family members to collect the ashes the day after the process. Family members may purchase the urn they prefer depending on what they plan to do with the ashes. Grupo ASV Servicios Funerarios offers family members and friends of the deceased urns designed for placement in the chosen place and others, such as ecological urns that are ideal for disposition in the ground or in the sea because they end up forming part of the environment.

Are there any rules related to how to dress the deceased?

Traditionally, the deceased was dressed in his/her Sunday best. This was perhaps done to continue the thousand-year-old custom of preparing the deceased for a journey. Today, most people continue dressing their deceased in a sober and elegant manner. However, nowadays as part of the trend to personalise the funeral ritual, some people are beginning to dress their loved ones in the clothes that best represented them or that they liked the best which is a valid option if the family is in agreement.

Can a funeral service be pre-prepared?

Yes. Grupo ASV Servicios Funerarios offers the possibility of signing a contract that pre-establishes funeral arrangements. The sum of these services is paid in life and remains valid regardless of when the death occurs. If you’d like more information, please click here.

Who should be called in the event of a death?

If the deceased had a burial insurance policy, family members or friends should contact the company at the contact number provided for this purpose. If in doubt or no policy exists, the best thing to do is call a funeral services company which will immediately begin the process, provide you with precise information on the steps to take and take care of all of the procedures that are so very uncomfortable at such difficult times. You may find the telephone number for the funeral home nearest you in the Where We’re Located section or you can call the 24-hour service number 965 205 444.

How long does a funeral service last?

The duration of the service depend on many circumstances including cultural and/or religious factors. The only legal requirement imposed by the law today is that the body not be cremated/buried until 24 hours after the death.

What is the Abbreviated Death Certificate or Full Form Certificate for?

The primary document proving the death of a person is the abbreviated or full form death certificate. This document is required to obtain pensions and benefits, the certificate of last will, any applicable indemnities and so the heirs may liquidate their inheritance. In general, clients of funeral service companies receive a copy of this document as part of the service.

What is a certificate of last will?

This is the document that proves whether a deceased person had granted a will and before which notary. It is issued by the General Register of Wills and Testaments to be used by the interested parties for various affairs: pensions, successor rights, indemnities, etc.

Does someone have to delete the deceased from the census?

There is no legal obligation; however it is a good idea. The town hall may require a death certificate.

What happens with the heirs if the deceased does not leave a written will?

This situation is known as “intestate succession", intestacy or legitime. If the deceased did not grant a will, the heirs should obtain a reliable declaration that they are the only and legitimate heirs of the deceased. This declaration can be obtained from a Notary if the heirs are the descendants, ascendants or spouse of the deceased. Otherwise, a declaration of intestate heirs must be filed with the Court of First Instance along with all supporting documentation.

Do ecological coffins or urns exist?

Yes. Among the options, Grupo ASV Servicios Funerarios offers coffins made of 100% biodegradable materials that are free of metal elements and include water-based varnishes and natural glues. The inside is fully padded with ecological cotton or other natural fibres. These chests are suitable for cremation as well as burial and, given their characteristics, do not generate any waste in the environment in the long term. As far as urns, we offer families alternatives that allow them to reintegrate their loved one’s ashes in the biosphere without harming the environment. They are urns made exclusively with plant or mineral based raw materials that seek to keep the memory of the deceased alive with absolute respect for nature.

Is cremation cheaper than burial?

Burial costs vary depending on the area and the fees of the corresponding cemetery as well as the niche rental rates. These costs normally mean the price of burial is higher than cremation.

Can a quote be requested?

Yes. Anyone can request a quote prior to the funeral service. It will include the itemised prices of all of the elements comprising the service price. If you wish to do so now, you may find the contact details for the closest Grupo ASV Servicios Funerarios funeral home in the “Where We’re Located” section or call the 24 hour phone number 965 205 444.

Is it possible for the ashes of various bodies to get mixed in the process?

No. Each body is cremated individually and all of the ashes are collected from the crematory oven before the following cremation.

Can people watch the cremation process?

Grupo ASV Servicios Funerarios has specially prepared rooms so family members and friends may watch the coffin being placed in the cremation oven. After that time, the machine is sealed for the cremation and it is not possible to view the rest of the process. Some Grupo ASV Servicios Funerarios centres offer the possibility of watching the beginning of the cremation from a facility closer to home with a videoconference system. This way, relatives may view the process in real time without having to travel.

If you have any questions about funeral services, don’t hesitate to fill in the following form and we’ll answer you as quickly as possible.

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