Pre-Planning

Why plan ahead

Nowadays people are eager to take a more active part in deciding how to be remembered. This is one way they can remove some uncertainty from their family members at this difficult time. Their documented wishes assist with answers to common questions about details such as venue, readings, music, and flowers. Family members can also gain comfort from knowing they are respectfully following the wishes of their loved one.

Thinking about pre-planning and/or making a pre-payment for your funeral?

Pre-planning your funeral

Pre-planning provides peace of mind for you and your family, knowing that you’re not leaving your family with all the decisions. It enables you to leave an expression of your wishes to guide your family on how you would like to be remembered.

Lamb & Hayward is happy to meet with you and guide you through a plan at a time suitable to you. There is no cost for this service.

You can choose how much detail you record with us – it may be just one or two matters of importance (for example, preference of burial or cremation, and place the service is to be held) or you may choose to go into considerable detail. After meeting with one of our funeral directors we will hold on file a record of your wishes. If you wish to add or change your wishes in the future this can be done at any time. We would recommend you let family and caregivers know we are holding your instructions. When the time comes your family or caregiver are not obliged to use Lamb & Hayward.

Making a pre-payment for your funeral

In addition to pre-planning a funeral you may wish to take the next step and make a payment towards the funeral cost. When making a pre-payment for your funeral you have peace of mind knowing that your wishes are understood, your funeral details are in good hands, and the financial situation has been addressed. Your family and loved ones are relieved of the responsibility of making difficult decisions in very emotional circumstances.

Pre-payment funerals up to $10,000 are currently excluded from asset testing by the government for the residential-care-subsidy. For complete details

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/residential-care-subsidy.html

For more information on our pre-payment contract go to https://www.lambandhayward.co.nz/about-us/pre-paid-contract/

A simple, unique plan

By making a pre-payment with Lamb & Hayward you can rest assured that your money is safe with Lamb & Hayward Funeral Trustee Ltd. The money that you pay now for your pre-planned funeral is held in trust for you in the Lamb & Hayward Funeral Trustee Ltd, BNZ Client Funds account, on daily interest bearing deposit. This account is completely separate from the company’s accounts. Funds cannot be withdrawn from this account without providing a Death Certificate, copy of contract, and the funeral account.

Refunds, changes or cancellations?

If circumstances change and you wish to change or cancel your funeral plan, this can be done at any time, by writing to us to request a change or cancellation.  After cancellation a full refund will be provided within 40 days.

If there is a balance remaining after the funeral has been paid, this amount is refunded to your estate within 30 days.

What are the fees?

There are no fees charged by the Lamb & Hayward Funeral Trustee Ltd for the establishment of your pre-payment plan, management of the trust, or to exit the trust.

Personal profile record

We provide a Personal Profile Record form to help with your pre-planning. We recommend that you complete as many of the details as you wish, and then contact us to make an appointment to meet with one of our funeral directors. We will advise you of all your options and guide you with next steps.