FUNERAL PRE-PAYMENT
Supporting your journey of preparation.
If you’re considering rest home care for a parent or family member or starting to think about your own retirement, it’s a good time to explore your options.
A funeral prepayment with Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors is a practical way to plan ahead and ease the burden on your family when the time comes.
Why Prepay Your Funeral?
The reality is, when someone passes, money can be incredibly hard to access:
Bank accounts may be frozen
Probate can take months
Funeral insurance payouts are often delayed, especially when the coroner is involved
At a time when families are already grieving, financial uncertainty is the last thing they need. Prepaying for your funeral is a way to give your family peace of mind, knowing your wishes are covered and paid for.
How It Works
Your funds are held securely in an ANZ Funeral Trust Management Account, separate from our business and under your name.
A minimum deposit of $500 is required and can be added to.
Funds (up to $10,000) are exempt from the Residential Care Subsidy asset testing
Your money remains in trust until needed
Any unused balance is refunded to your estate
No ongoing premiums or medical checks required
Your Wishes, Your Way
We’ll meet with you to talk through your preferences and answer any questions. Together, we will:
Record the key details needed for official documentation
Discuss any personal touches you’d like included—music, flowers, readings
Provide a funeral estimate based on your wishes
Provide you with a certificate of participation that you can attach to your will documents or pass on to your solicitor for safe keeping.
STAGE 1
Consultation
MEET, DISCUSS, choose
Schedule a funeral pre-arrangement meeting with one of our funeral directors to explore options available including your choice to be buried or cremated, document any preferences, and gather necessary details for Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
STAGE 2
Financial Planning
clarity, trust
A Funeral Trust Plan allows you to set money aside, in trust, for your final farewell or for that of a loved one. Prepaying towards a funeral means when the time comes loved ones can gather together, support one another, and remember and celebrate a life, without the responsibility of making difficult choices in very emotional circumstances.
STAGE 3
Peace of Mind
confidence, comfort
With every detail prearranged, find comfort in knowing your loved ones can focus on celebrating your life, supported by our unwavering care.
Funeral Pre-planning advice.
Book an appointment with our experienced team to discuss funeral arrangements, ask questions, and explore how a prepayment plan can offer peace of mind for the future. We’ll guide you through each step of the planning process, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully tailored to reflect your values and wishes—or those of your loved one.
You may also meet Lola, our gentle funeral therapy dog, who brings quiet comfort to those visiting our premises.
At Robert J. Cotton, personalisation is at the heart of what we do.
PERSONALISED FUNERAL SERVICES
At Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, we believe the most meaningful farewells are those that truly reflect the individuality of the person being honoured.
Our goal is simple: to help every family personalise the service in a way that feels right for them. No matter your budget, there are so many thoughtful and creative ways to add that extra touch.
From custom casket designs and floral sprays made with flowers from the home garden to meaningful hobby items or even having the family dog present, we’re here to make each farewell personal, comforting, and memorable.
