Frequently Asked Questions
Will the funeral home provide the death certificate, or must we get it from the doctor?
There is often some confusion about this. The paperwork completed by the doctor or nurse is not the actual death certificate, but rather the Notice of Death (BI-1663 form). Once the medical professional has filled it in, Bayview Funeral Home will collect the form and assist your family in completing the necessary details. We then take it to the Department of Home Affairs to register the death. Home Affairs issues an abridged death certificate, which we collect on your behalf and hand over to the next of kin or executor.
How soon after a death will the family receive the death certificate?
In most cases, you can expect to receive the certificate within 2 to 5 working days. Doctors usually complete their portion promptly, but delays can sometimes occur. Once Bayview Funeral Home has the paperwork, we make sure the process moves forward as quickly as possible.
What documents must the family provide to Bayview Funeral Home?
We will guide you through what is needed. Typically, we collect the medical paperwork from the doctor or hospital. We will also require the deceased’s Identity Document, which we cancel and return to you after making the necessary copies. The family member completing the forms must also present their own ID.
Do we need a coffin for a cremation?
Yes. Crematoriums operate under strict regulations, and for both health and safety reasons, a coffin is required for every cremation. The coffin must be well-constructed and made of combustible material. At Bayview Funeral Home, we can advise you on simple, dignified options that honour your loved one’s wishes.
How can we be sure we are receiving the correct ashes?
Crematoriums follow strict identification procedures. When we deliver the coffin, it is assigned a unique number on a metal tag. This tag accompanies the coffin throughout the cremation process and is placed with the ashes. Bayview Funeral Home then collects the ashes and delivers them safely to your family. Only one person is cremated at a time, so you can be assured of receiving only your loved one’s ashes.
How long can we wait before the burial or cremation?
Many families need extra time to gather relatives from different areas. Bayview Funeral Home understands this and offers cold storage as part of our services. Usually, families take 5 to 10 days to finalise arrangements before additional daily charges may apply. The exact time frame depends on our facilities and your needs.
Can we buy burial plots in advance?
Most municipal cemeteries in Cape Town only sell plots when they are needed. Some families still have plots purchased years ago. Private cemeteries, such as Durbanville Memorial Park, do allow families to buy plots ahead of time. Bayview Funeral Home can guide you on what options are available in your chosen area.
If another funeral company removed our loved one, are we obliged to use them?
No. Families are free to choose the funeral home that best suits their needs and budget. Unless you have signed a mandate, you are under no obligation to use the company that handled the initial removal. They may charge a removal fee if you decide to move your loved one to Bayview Funeral Home, but we will assist you with the transition.
How soon after a passing should we meet with the funeral home?
It is entirely up to the family. Some prefer to take a little time before making decisions. To avoid scheduling issues, we recommend confirming dates and times with Bayview Funeral Home as soon as possible. We usually reach out within 8 to 12 hours after a loved one’s passing to offer support and guidance.
What happens if a death occurs while the family is away?
If you anticipate this possibility, it helps to make arrangements in advance with Bayview Funeral Home, a doctor, or caregiver. If you are away when a death occurs, you may appoint a trusted family member, friend, lawyer, or care facility manager to handle the arrangements on your behalf. We will liaise with them and ensure everything is taken care of.
What if the death certificate has errors, such as the wrong marital status?
Unfortunately, errors do sometimes occur, often because Home Affairs records have not been updated. For example, if someone was divorced, widowed, or remarried, the system may not reflect this. To correct it, you must provide Home Affairs with supporting documents such as a divorce decree or a spouse’s death certificate. At Bayview Funeral Home, we will guide you through the correction process.
Why are some cases referred to the state mortuary for a post-mortem?
When a doctor is certain of the cause of death, they issue the necessary paperwork. However, if the cause is unclear, sudden, or suspicious, the law requires the deceased to be referred to a state mortuary for a post-mortem. This includes cases of accidents, unnatural causes, or where the medical professional feels further investigation is necessary. A police docket is then opened, and the forensic pathologist determines the official cause of death.
Do we have to use a funeral home/Undertaker, or can we go directly to the crematorium?
Crematoriums do not work directly with the public. By law, a Burial Order and other documents must be submitted by a registered funeral home. Bayview Funeral Home will prepare and submit these documents on your behalf, ensuring the process runs smoothly.
Does the next of kin have to complete all the paperwork?
Ideally, the closest relative will complete the required documents. If this is not possible, another family member, executor, close friend, or a legally appointed representative may do so. Bayview Funeral Home will assist in making sure the right person is guided through the process.