Frequently Asked Questions

We are here for you! We are industry experts that have dedicated our lives to support the families we serve. Unlike big corporations and online cremation firms, we are members of the community and strive for excellence with every person in our care. Questions to ask mortuaries and funeral homes include, but are not limited to:

• Is the establishment local to you, or is it another online cremation operation?
• Is the establishment owned by a corporate entity?
• Is the refrigeration onsite or at a "shared facility"? 
• Where is the establishment's crematory (if applicable)?
• Is there a licensed embalmer employed by the establishment (if applicable)?

Deathcare is by no means a linear process. Depending on the circumstances, the process can vary on a case-by-case basis. The simplified process is as follows:

• Call our Care team at 951-851-9650. Our team is on call 24/7, 7 days a week, for immediate requirements.
• Your loved one is brought into our care by our transportation team and immediately placed into refrigeration. 
• One of our licensed Funeral Directors will coordinate arrangements with the legal next of kinship(s) at one of our offices (or online if preferred) to begin the registration process. 
• Funeral Director works with the signing physician and/or coroner and the local health department to register the death and final disposition of your loved one.
• Burial or cremation takes place according to final disposition permit.

Cremation costs can be as high as $3000 for a basic cremation. At Dearly Beloved Mortuary Services, cremation costs begin at $995 for a simple - direct cremation. Price varies depending on how many death certificates are required, merchandise preferences and associated sales tax. After all California taxes, fees and requirements, the average out the door cost for a direct cremation range between $1200-$1300. Questions to ask mortuaries and funeral homes include, but are not limited to:

• Is there a separate transportation fee for the initial pickup?
• Is refrigeration included and for how many days?
• Does the advertised price have weight limitations?
• Is there an additional "cremation fee" or is that included in the price?
• Where is my loved one being cremated at?

Burial costs typically range between $3500 - $20,000. At Dearly Beloved Mortuary Services, burial costs begin at $1895 for a direct burial and caskets start at $995 (plus tax). Cemeteries have their own fees and requirements. Questions to ask cemeteries include, but are not limited to: 

• Current price for a burial plot?
• Are there opening and closing fees when someone is buried?
• Is a burial vault or grave liner required?
• Will there be future maintenance fees?
• Is a headstone included in the plot price?

Yes! We offer pre-planning with monthly payment options as low as $25/month (terms and conditions apply). This is an excellent option for those looking to finalize arrangements in advance, so your family does not have to bear the burden or costs. Questions to ask when shopping for prepaid services include, but are not limited to:

• Are funds placed in a funeral trust or an insurance policy?
• What happens if the company changes ownership or goes out of business?
• Can I transfer the plan to another funeral home?
• What happens if the death occurs while out of town (vacation, traveling, etc.)
• What happens when the time comes?