We appreciate that during this difficult time you will have to make important decisions about the funeral you would like. The following information will help you to make an informed choice on the option that is best for you and your family.

Wills and Living Wills

It's important to have a Will that clearly says who will take care of things after you die. This helps your family know what you want and who is in charge of making it happen. As part of your Will, it is also essential to include a funeral directive - a legal document that outlines your preferences for your funeral. This directive may also appoint a specific person to manage these arrangements on your behalf. Key information often included in a funeral directive can cover the appointment of a designated person, disposition of remains, type of service desired, financial instructions, personal wishes, and the necessary signatures and witnesses to make the document legally valid.

It may also be useful to complete a Living Will - a legal document that guides doctors and loved ones about your wishes for medical treatment if you are in a terminal condition, permanently unconscious, or otherwise unable to express informed consent. A Living Will can address medical treatments such as life-sustaining measures (eg ventilators), resuscitation (CPR), pain management, organ and tissue donation, and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) or Do Not Intubate (DNI) orders.

For more detailed guidance and to ensure your wishes are legally documented, please consult a solicitor who can assist you in preparing and formalising these decisions.

If you would like any advice or information about burials, cremations and cemeteries, please contact us:

Our policies on the cremation of babies and infants and cemetery management are available to read below.

The Bereavement Services office will be closed on public holidays. Cremations and burials will still take place if they have been booked in advance (except for Christmas and New Year).

During the period of closure, cremations can still be booked by calling the out of hours team on 01324 506070.

If you require further information please contact bereavement@falkirk.gov.uk.

Funeral Support Payment is a payment available to people in Scotland, who are on certain benefits or tax credits, and need support to meet the costs of a funeral.

The process of grieving can be different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to cope with how you are feeling.

Whilst organising the cremation or burial of your loved one is the main focus in the immediate days after death, in Bereavement Services we understand that once this initial period has passed you may find yourself looking or needing to speak to someone who is not immediate family about your loss regarding how to cope with the coming days and months.

Whether it is professional counselling or just a friendly face to have a chat over a cuppa, the following groups and organisations are available in our area and beyond and can be contacted online or by telephone:

Organised by members of the local community – offering company and a friendly ear.

Speak to a support organisation for emotional help and practical advice. Four of the largest organisations are listed below:

• Support if a child or baby dies - mygov.scot
• Bereavement support for children and young people - mygov.scot
• Families of murder victims: support - mygov.scot
• Road crash victims: support - mygov.scot
• When caring ends - mygov.scot
• Child Bereavement UK
• Strathcarron Hospice: Bereavement information and support
• NHS inform: Death and bereavement
• Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
• Quiet Waters: Bereavement support
• NHS Forth Valley: Remembering Little Stars