Funeral Related Questions
Common questions about funeral services and arrangements
When a death occurs, the first step is to contact a funeral home. Olive Tree Mortuary is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will guide you through the entire process and handle all necessary arrangements.
If the death occurs at home, you should:
- Contact the attending physician or call 911
- Contact Olive Tree Mortuary at (714) 739-1961
- We will arrange for the transfer of your loved one
Planning a funeral service involves several decisions. Our compassionate staff will help you through each step:
- Choose between burial or cremation
- Select a casket or urn
- Plan the funeral or memorial service
- Choose flowers and other tributes
- Prepare the obituary
- Handle legal paperwork and death certificates
You can also make arrangements online or through our mobile app for your convenience.
Yes, you can absolutely have a viewing before cremation. Many families find comfort in having a final opportunity to see their loved one. We offer various viewing options:
- Private family viewing
- Public visitation
- Full funeral service with viewing before cremation
Funeral Service: A ceremony held with the body present, typically before burial or cremation. This allows mourners to view the deceased.
Memorial Service: A ceremony held without the body present. This can take place after cremation or burial and offers more flexibility in timing and location.
Both services honor and celebrate the life of your loved one. Our team can help you decide which option best suits your family's needs.
Embalming Questions
Understanding the embalming process and requirements
Embalming is the process of preserving and sanitizing the body. It serves several purposes:
- Temporarily preserves the body for viewing
- Restores a natural appearance
- Sanitizes the body for public health
- Allows time for family to gather from distant locations
In most cases, embalming is not required by law in California. However, it may be required in certain situations:
- When shipping remains across state lines or internationally
- If there is a significant delay before burial or cremation
- For public viewing (in some cases)
We will advise you on when embalming is necessary for your specific situation.
If you choose not to embalm, there are several alternatives:
- Refrigeration: Keeps the body preserved without chemicals
- Immediate burial: Burial within 24-48 hours
- Direct cremation: Cremation without embalming or viewing
- Dry ice: Can preserve the body for a short time
Cremation Questions
Everything you need to know about cremation services
Cremation is a process that uses high heat and flame to reduce the body to cremated remains (commonly called "ashes"). The process typically takes 2-3 hours.
After cremation, the remains are processed into a fine, powder-like substance and placed in a temporary container or an urn of your choice.
Yes! Cremation does not limit your funeral options. You can have:
- A traditional funeral with viewing before cremation
- A memorial service after cremation with the urn present
- A graveside service at a cemetery
- A celebration of life at any location
There are many meaningful options for cremated remains:
- Keep at home: In a beautiful urn as a memorial
- Burial: In a cemetery plot or columbarium niche
- Scattering: At a meaningful location (with proper permits)
- Memorial jewelry: A small portion in a keepsake pendant
- Divided among family: In smaller keepsake urns
The cremation process itself takes 2-3 hours. However, the total time from death to receiving the cremated remains is typically 3-7 business days. This includes:
- Obtaining necessary permits and authorizations
- Any waiting period required by state law
- The cremation process
- Processing and packaging of remains
Funeral Cost Questions
Understanding pricing and payment options
Funeral costs vary widely depending on the services you choose. At Olive Tree Mortuary, we offer transparent pricing:
- Direct Cremation: Starting at $1,425
- Burial Packages: Starting at $2,375
- Caskets: Starting at $750
We provide a detailed General Price List so you know exactly what you're paying for. No hidden fees.
We offer several payment options to accommodate your needs:
- Cash, check, or money order
- All major credit cards accepted
- Insurance assignment (we can work directly with insurance companies)
- Payment plans available
- Multiple family members can contribute online
Yes, life insurance can be used to pay for funeral expenses. We can work directly with insurance companies through a process called "insurance assignment."
This allows us to begin services before the insurance claim is processed, reducing the financial burden on your family during a difficult time.
Pre-Need / Pre-Planning Questions
Planning ahead for peace of mind
Pre-need planning (also called pre-planning) is arranging your funeral services in advance. This allows you to:
- Make your own decisions about your funeral
- Relieve your family of difficult decisions during grief
- Lock in today's prices
- Spread payments over time
- Ensure your wishes are honored
Pre-planning offers many benefits:
- Financial: Lock in current prices and protect against inflation
- Emotional: Reduces stress on family members
- Personal: Ensures your wishes are followed
- Practical: Gives time to make thoughtful decisions
- Peace of mind: Knowing everything is taken care of
Yes, pre-need plans are flexible. You can:
- Update your preferences at any time
- Change service options
- Transfer your plan if you move
- Cancel with a full refund (subject to terms)
We recommend reviewing your plan periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
Starting your pre-need plan is easy:
- Call us: Schedule a free consultation at (714) 739-1961
- Visit us: Come to one of our offices
- Online: Use our website or mobile app
Our compassionate staff will guide you through every option with no pressure or obligation.