Q: According to Oregon law, when does a body have to be embalmed?

A: When the person died of a contagious or communicable disease.

Q: Are Home Funerals legal?

A: Families in Oregon can legally care for their own dead.

Q: What is the fee, if any, for a member of the clergy to conducting services.

A: Generally, the standard honorarium is $250.

Q: Do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home?

A: The funeral home has to accept the casket you want to use, and cannot charge you a handling fee or service charge if you provide your own.

Services

Farewell Assistance wants to help everyone, whether they are a senior on a fixed income seeking something inexpensive yet dignified and respectful, or a millionaire who can afford to say goodbye with the aplomb only afforded the rich. Our services are customized, and the following list is an example of common requirements. Each client and every ceremony is an opportunity to do what we do better than anyone else, and we thrive on being successful.

CALL US: (503) 651-2669 Within a few short minutes we can both determine if Farewell Assistance can provide you with the services that are appropriate for you. If so, then we will ask you to begin an Initial Consultation.

INITIAL CONSULTATION: $50. Because every situation is unique and personal, we individually evaluate your circumstances and suggest how we could best assist you by providing you with a written estimate for our services, and a rough estimate for allied services. The goal will be to select products and services that fit your budget, making changes accordingly. Much like a contractor will put together a construction bid based on labor, materials and subcontractors, we will do an event bid based on labor, materials and support services like florists, musicians & caterers. If you choose to hire Farewell Assistance the $50 is credited to your bill. Worth it

HOURLY PHONE CONSULTING: $100, 1 hour minimum. This service is for those who are do-it-yourselfers who have uncomplicated situations, have lots of helping hands and need minimal assistance. We are happy to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, save money and care for your loved-one in a dignified and appropriate manner. It can be broken into 15 minute conversations or even emails. We applaud and support your personal touch.

BASIC – $500. This service is designed for those who are seeking simple and dignified yet inexpensive services for their friend or loved one. We will help you navigate the process of immediate and practical concerns: facilitate decision-making on disposition & services based on price and practicality; obtain death certificates; contact appropriate authorities, service providers, friends, associates and relatives; help you act as your own funeral service provider; help write obituary; plan and implement services; help with insurance and social security paperwork. Does not include disposition expenses. You are not alone.

HOME FUNERALS – Varies, approximately $600 per day. This is an extremely personal and emotional experience for a close family that wants to care for their dead. Farewell Assistance will support your family with consulting and educational services throughout the process of caring for your relative in your or their home. This requires a family member to act as the funeral service provider, and take responsibility for physically washing, dressing and caring for the body for viewing, services and transportation, with direction from a death midwife. A final act of love.

COMPOSITE – Varies, approximately $50 per hour. This service is designed to assist those who have complicated situations that may include an inconsolable survivor, conflicting family members, a large community of mourners, or difficult financial, legal and/or emotional issues. Includes professional navigation through the process of immediate and practical concerns; facilitate decision-making on disposition & services; accompany client to shop for service providers; help select and order materials; obtain death certificates; help family act as funeral service provider for disposition arrangements; contact appropriate authorities, service providers, friends, associates and relatives; help write obituary; plan and implement services. In addition Concierge Services can include scheduling lodging and travel arrangements for out-of-town visitors, seeing to their needs and coordinating their stay. This option can also include direction through the legal, emotional, tax and financial process: identification of probable legal, tax and financial concerns; assistance in obtaining, filling out and submitting paperwork; referral to appropriate professionals; assistance in identifying and gathering necessary information for professionals. Full service, when you need it most.

COMPREHENSIVE – Varies, approximately $50 per hour. Comprehensive services are intended for those who are overwhelmed or unable to effectively undertake the final affairs of another due to busy schedules, illness or living distantly. In addition to the Composite service, the Comprehensive service provides a proxy for those who are unable to physically attend to long-term arrangements. A customized service that may include securing a home or business and personal belongings; arranging for childcare, eldercare or pet care; caring for property (watering plants, mowing lawns); notifying service providers; managing employees; contacting banks, insurance and credit card companies; canceling subscriptions and services; forward mail and return phone messages; arrange for professional services such as attorneys, accountants, real estate agents or estate salespersons; arrange the appraisal and sale of personal effects like automobiles, boats and jewelry; assist with business affairs and employee relations. We can do the job for you.

PLANNING AHEAD – Varies, approximately $50 per hour. This service is for those who want to make life easier for friends and loved-ones when they pass. A little bit of work on your part can save someone else a whole lot oftime and stress, not to mention money, when you die. This involves some do-it-yourself projects, depending on your individual situation. In addition, it may be wise to consult an accountant, tax attorney and/or an estate attorney to complete the process most thoroughly. Even if you don’t need an estate attorney, or you already have a will, there are a myriad of details that we can help you arrange to benefit your loved-ones.

We recommend PAYPAL to expedite payment
Please make payments to janie@farewellassistance.com

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Facts:

Do not leave instructions for your disposition or services in a safety deposit box, because it will probably be opened after the ceremony.

Premiums on insurance policies must continue to be paid while a claim is being filed, or the policy may become invalid.

Some credit card companies offer a death benefit when a card holder dies.

An executor should never distribute assets to beneficiaries before the taxes are paid, or they could be personally liable for taxes owed.