Frequently asked questions
Quick links to our most popular FAQ Topics
Arranging a funeral
H Parsons helps families arrange funerals, plan ahead and understand their options, with funeral homes across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
You can arrange a funeral by calling H Parsons, meeting with a funeral director, starting arrangements online through Funeral Arranger, or submitting an enquiry online.
Funeral costs vary depending on whether you choose cremation or burial and the type of service you arrange. H Parsons funerals typically range from $6,100 to $18,000 or more, with cemetery burial or crypt costs additional.
Yes. H Parsons has funeral homes across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, including locations from Wollongong to Nowra.
Yes. You can plan your funeral in advance by recording your wishes, choosing a prepaid funeral or establishing a funeral bond.
What to do when someone dies
What you need to do depends on whether the death was expected. For an expected death at home, contact the person’s doctor or healthcare team. For an unexpected death, call 000.
When someone dies in hospital, hospital staff will manage the immediate steps and explain what happens next. You can then contact your chosen funeral director to arrange their care.
Who you call first depends on where and how the person died. For an unexpected death, call 000. For an expected death at home, contact their doctor or healthcare team. In a hospital or aged care facility, staff will guide you.
A funeral does not usually need to be arranged immediately. Some steps are time sensitive, but most funeral decisions can be made over several days.
You’ll need basic details about the person who has died and any known wishes for their funeral, burial or cremation. Your funeral director will guide you through anything else required.
Yes. H Parsons is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online funeral arrangements can also be started at any time.
Costs & pricing
Funeral costs vary depending on the type of funeral and the choices you make. H Parsons funerals typically range from $6,100 to $18,000 or more, with cemetery burial or crypt costs additional.
If you are choosing a burial or crypt, the cost of purchasing and preparing the burial plot or crypt is separate and paid directly to the cemetery.
A no service, no attendance cremation is often the lowest cost option. Some families choose this and hold a separate memorial service afterwards, with memorials typically starting from $1,400.
As part of arranging a funeral with a funeral director, we explain what is essential and what is optional. This allows you to make informed decisions and create a personalised funeral service that reflects your preferences and budget.
Cremation is generally less expensive than burial. H Parsons cremation funerals typically range from $6,000 to $9,000, while burial funerals typically range from $8,300 to $12,000, excluding the burial plot.
Centrelink does not provide a specific payment covering the full cost of a funeral. Some eligible people may receive bereavement payments or other support following a death. See Services NSW for full details.
A destitute funeral is a basic funeral arranged for someone who has no funds or estate to pay for their funeral and no family or friends able to cover the cost. Eligibility is assessed by the relevant NSW authority.
There are several ways funeral costs may be managed, including estate funds, eligible superannuation or insurance benefits, prepaid funerals and funeral bonds. Available options depend on individual circumstances.In some cases, this may include:
- Using funds from the estate
- Accessing superannuation or insurance benefits
- Prepaid funerals or funeral bonds arranged in advance
Prepaid funeral arrangements, for example, allow costs to be paid in advance or over time, helping reduce the financial pressure on family members. If you are concerned about cost, the most practical step is to discuss your situation early. This allows us to explain options clearly and help you choose an approach that fits your circumstances.
You can request a funeral quote by calling H Parsons, arranging online through Funeral Arranger, or submitting an enquiry through the website.
Cremation vs burial
Burial places the person who has died in a grave or burial site, while cremation returns their ashes to the family. Both can include a personalised funeral or memorial service.
The cremation itself generally takes around two to three hours. Additional time is required to prepare the ashes before they are returned to the family.
Before cremation, the person is identified and cared for according to legal and safety requirements. Preparation can also include dressing and presentation according to the family’s wishes.
Ashes can generally be scattered on private property with the owner’s permission and in many public places where local rules allow it. Always check with the relevant council, landowner or authority before scattering ashes.
Legal & admin after death
Death certificates are issued by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. Your funeral director will usually register the death and can arrange the official death certificate as part of the funeral arrangements.
A bank will generally restrict an individual account once notified of the account holder’s death. How funds are released depends on the account, estate and bank requirements, although funds may sometimes be released directly for funeral expenses.
Probate is a court order confirming a valid will and the executor’s authority to manage the estate. Whether probate is required depends on the assets in the estate and the requirements of the organisations holding them.
Next of kin usually means a person’s closest living relative, but being next of kin does not automatically provide legal authority over their estate. An executor or court-appointed administrator is generally responsible for managing the estate.
Pre-planning
A pre-planned funeral records your funeral wishes in advance without requiring you to pay for the funeral.
Anyone can pre-plan their funeral. It can help ensure your wishes are known and make future decisions easier for your family.
No. Recording your funeral wishes with H Parsons does not require an upfront payment.
Yes. Your pre-planned funeral wishes can be updated if your preferences or circumstances change.
You can record preferences including burial or cremation, the type and location of the service, music, readings, flowers and other personal details. For a more detailed guide, you can complete our My Wishes booklet or speak with our team by arranging a pre‑planning appointment with our specialist.
A prepaid funeral allows you to plan your funeral and make financial provision for agreed funeral services in advance. Learn more here
The PrepaidPlus Funeral Plan allows you to plan and pay for your funeral in advance, either upfront or by instalments, and lock in today’s prices for the funeral you select. Learn more here
A funeral bond allows you to set money aside for future funeral expenses while retaining flexibility over how the funds are ultimately used.
Yes. A funeral bond can be opened with an initial investment from $500, with the option to make additional contributions over time.
A prepaid funeral provides for agreed funeral arrangements in advance, while a funeral bond sets money aside for future funeral expenses with greater flexibility over how the funds are used. Learn more here
Eligible prepaid funeral plans and funeral bonds may be exempt from Centrelink assets testing, subject to current rules and limits. Individual circumstances vary, so independent financial advice should be considered. Learn more here
Funeral insurance involves ongoing premiums and pays a set benefit after death. A prepaid funeral allows agreed funeral services to be arranged and paid for in advance. Learn more here
A pre-planning meeting lets you discuss your funeral wishes, explore your options and understand costs with guidance from a funeral professional. Learn more about how this works here
If a death is expected, funeral arrangements can be discussed in advance, giving you time to understand what can be decided now and what can wait. Learn more about arranging a funeral
Contacting us & appointments
Yes. H Parsons Funeral Directors is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate support.
No. You can call H Parsons at any time. If you would like to meet a funeral director in person, an appointment can be arranged.
Call the Illawarra team on (02) 4228 9622 or the Shoalhaven team on (02) 4423 2333. If you are unsure which team you need, H Parsons can direct you.
Yes. You can contact H Parsons to discuss funeral pre-planning, prepaid funerals or your wishes without needing to arrange a funeral now.
You can email H Parsons at info@hparsons.com.au.
Locations & visiting a chapel
Yes. H Parsons operates funeral homes and chapels across Wollongong, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. View all of our locations.
Yes. You can choose the H Parsons location that best suits your family, the funeral service and where you live.
All H Parsons locations provide access to experienced funeral directors and core funeral services, although chapel facilities and other services vary by location.
Yes. You can contact your nearest H Parsons funeral home to discuss your options or arrange a chapel visit.
We’re here when you’re ready
If you need help now, call H Parsons Funeral Directors. If your enquiry is not urgent, you can email info@hparsons.com.au or use the online enquiry form.
