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Can you dress my loved one before the Funeral?

Yes, most definitely.  Your loved one will be bathed and dressed by the mortuary staff. Your arranger will speak to you about providing suitable clothing for your loved one and we will organise to gather that from you, or the clothing can be given to our staff when we come to bring your person into our care.

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How soon can I plan a funeral?

The date a funeral can take place will depend on many factors, including the location of your loved one and completion of paperwork. There are also many things that need to be planned and put into place. We suggest that at least 7 days is necessary to allow you time to process matters, make decisions and planning to take place. Your funeral date will need to be settled in conjunction with your funeral arranger, but our advice is to not rush and to give yourself the much needed time to prepare for the day fully.

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What is the difference between a memorial and a funeral?

A funeral is a service celebrating your loved one’s life that has the coffin present at the service.  It therefore takes place before the cremation and at a venue suitable for the presence of a coffin.  

A memorial service in comparison does not have the coffin present at the service.  Because of this the service can take place at a wider variety of venues and at any time, before or after the cremation.  Many families choose to wait till their loved ones ashes are returned home and have the ashes present at the service.

Both types of services are able to be offered within a Bare Funeral package. Speak to our arrangers to understand which type of service may be best for you and your family. If you wish to receive a free quote online, you will see this option presented as a funeral with a coffin present, or a funeral without a coffin present - this second option is what is also known as a memorial.

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Can I choose a different coffin from what’s in your package?

Yes you can.  The coffins we offer in the package come into the pricing of our package.  We can show you a wider selection of coffins and if you wish a different coffin we can organise that for you.  The cost difference will then simply be added on to your invoice. 

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Are their any hidden or additional fees in a Bare Funeral price?

There are no hidden fees. The advertised base package price is the final price, unless you’d like to add additional items or extras - for example a hearse as part of a Bare Funeral. 

Any additional costs will be quoted for you prior to booking so you can maintain control over what you spend. 

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What is the Photo Slideshow?

Photo presentations allow for the sharing of rich and intimate moments with everyone gathered at the funeral service. Accompanying music allows you to share your loved one's favourite songs. We recommend that families include a wide variety of photos of all stages of your loved one’s life.

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Can we have an open coffin/viewing?

Yes, absolutely.  If you'd like to have a viewing, we can arrange for this to happen at the chapel or crematorium prior to the funeral service. To enable this you’ll need to ensure you choose a Bare Funeral where you plan to have your loved one’s coffin present, and which takes place prior to cremation.

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What happens after the funeral service?

After the funeral service, your loved one is taken to our partnered crematorium - where they are privately cremated in their state of the art facility. The cremation is dignified and full of care.

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Can I personalise a Bare Funeral or Memorial service?

Absolutely! At Bare, we understand that each person is unique and we believe in helping you create a personalised service that reflects the life and personality of your loved one. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your preferences, desires and ideas, ensuring the funeral service is tailored to meet your needs and pays tribute to the life of the deceased.

In short, almost anything is possible. Feel free to give us a call and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

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What is a Cremation + Funeral Package?

This package includes both the cremation service and a simple, elegant funeral or memorial service at one of our partner venues.

Led by one of our professional celebrants, the service is held at your venue of choice, and includes a beautiful flower arrangement, order of service booklets and a memorial book. We also coordinate a photographic slideshow tribute and music to remember your loved one - all curated in a way that best celebrates the life that was lived.

You’ll have the choice for the funeral to take place prior to cremation, with the coffin present. You may also choose to hold the service following the cremation - also referred to as a memorial.

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What if I already have a family lawyer?

Before engaging with your family lawyer, it's worthwhile comparing their fees with our fees.  It's just as quick and easy for Bare to arrange a Grant of Probate as your family and more often than not, our fees are lower.  If you have any questions about this, feel free to call our lawyers for no-obligation advice.  

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Is the advertised price of a Bare Cremation the final price?

Yes - the advertised price of a cremation with Bare is the final price.  We're aware that the funeral industry has a reputation for hidden fees and charges. With a Bare Cremation, the price you see is the price you pay.  We don't charge extra for weekend or overnight transfers, oversized coffins, pacemaker removal - or anything else.  To get a price for your location, simply hit the "Instant Quote" button and know that the price you'll see is the price you'll pay. 

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Do I have to pay upfront?

No, you don't have to pay upfront.   We know that paying for a funeral can be daunting, particularly when there's more important things to worry about, so with Bare we don't ask for payment upfront.  If you have any questions about this, please give our care team a call on 1800 071 176. 

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How do I know you’re reputable?

Bare is one of the largest independent funeral directors in Australia, performing more than 7,000 funerals annually.  Bare and our partners are registered or licensed as per each state’s local guidelines and regulations for Funeral Directors. We're ISO certified, have more than 2,000 5 Star Reviews, and have featured in a number of media stories for the difference we're making in the industry. 

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Do I have to pay upfront?

No, you don't have to pay upfront.   We know that paying for a funeral can be daunting, particularly when there's more important things to worry about, so with Bare we don't ask for payment upfront.  If you have any questions about this, please give our care team a call on 1800 071 176. 

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What is Probate and Letters of Administration?

Probate (where there is a will), or Letters of Administration (where there isn't a will) is the approval granted to an executor of a Will by the Supreme Court.  Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration means that the Court has formally recognised the authority of the executor to manage the estate of the deceased.

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Why do I need Probate or Letters of Administration?

In most cases, without a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, the executor will be prevented from accessing and managing the assets of the estate.  Occasionally a smaller estate will not require these documents to access and distribute the estate’s assets, but this is uncommon. We can help you understand whether, based on the size and type of assets in the estate, you will require either of these documents.  

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How soon can I plan a memorial?

As a memorial service does not have the coffin present it can take place at any time.  

We do request at least 7 days however to plan the memorial, as it required securing a venue, meeting with a celebrant and organising the many features of the day. If you wish to have the ashes of your loved one present at the memorial we would also need to have the memorial booked on a date that ensures their ashes are available to come back to the family.  

Giving yourself time and not feeling rushed is something we feel is quite important for you at a time like this.

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What is the Photo Slideshow?

Photo presentations allow for the sharing of rich and intimate moments with everyone gathered at the funeral or memorial service. Accompanying music allows you to share your loved one's favourite songs. We recommend that families include a wide variety of photos of all stages of your loved one’s life.

​Your arranger will work with you to create a slideshow to be played at the service.  You'll need to provide us with the photos and select the music you'd like to be played. We recommend showing about 40 photos per song, and playing 1-2 songs. If you only have a few photos, this is fine. We can even show one still photo while a song is played, to allow your guests a time of reflection.

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How are the ashes returned?

This will vary with each state, so please check with your arranger on the specific options available to you. In the majority of metropolitan areas we can hand deliver the ashes at a day and time that is convenient for you. We can also mail the ashes or you can collect from the crematorium directly.  Please note we require a signature for all return of ashes to ensure they are successfully delivered.

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How much does it cost to create a Live Photo?

Your first 3 photos are free, then you can purchase additional blocks of photos to suit your budget.

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What type of photo should I upload to create the best Live Photo?

We recommend choosing an image where everyone is facing the camera and heads are not angled. High quality pictures with solid lighting and background colours works best. Pick a shot with neutral facial expressions, eyes open, and gentle smiles with mouths closed. No hats. Preferably without eyeglasses but not mandatory. If they have facial hair just trying to select a photo where beards and moustaches are not excessively covering the lips and borders of the face.

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What paperwork do you need to perform the service?

The paperwork requirements vary by state. We will provide you with all documentation that needs to be filled and, where helpful, guide you through it's completion. We also give you the ability to complete these documents online, so you don’t need to find a printer, and can start, stop and resume at your own pace. The documents are used for authorisation to cremate, transferring a person into our care from an institution (such as a hospital), and personal details for the registration of the passing.   

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Can I receive a hard copy of my funeral contract and disclosure document?

Yes. On completion of your prepaid arrangement, we’ll mail you a hard copy of your arrangement, as well as some instructions you might wish to leave with your family or lawyer. Your documents are also securely stored online and can be shared with family, executors, lawyers and accountants anytime. Your account details and documents can be found at https://bare.com.au/dashboard/home

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What can I store in the Digital Vault?

You can add photos, legal documents, account details, title documents, pet information and much more. It’s your personal digital deposit box to store all of your valuable data for yourself or to help manage your estate when you are gone. 

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What sort of gift card am I allowed to request?

You can request anything that can be purchased either as a physical gift card or an electronic one. These will take the form of prepaid Visa or EFTPOS cards and store cards. You also have the option of donating the money directly to a charity of your choice.

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What if I change my mind?

You have a 30 day cooling off period to consider your contract and change your mind if you wish. You may cancel your contract within the 30 day period by notifying Bare Cremation in writing. Your contract is cancelled and you will receive a full refund. It is important that you are aware that your Bond cannot be withdrawn prior to death, except during the cooling-off period. 

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Who do I have to notify that someone has passed away?

There are a number of institutions and people you should contact to ensure a person’s estate is effectively closed. Our team is here to help you with that, and we’ve also built a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate through the estate administration process.   If you'd like a copy of that checklist, feel free to give us a call on 1800 071 176. 

General
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When should I write my Final Wishes?

Why not now? It only takes 15 minutes, it's completely free, and it's an important thing to have done - just in case.

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Does the Digital Vault supersede a Will in Authority?

No. The contents of the vault are designed to support a legal will and to help manage your estate.

Digital Vault
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How do I know you’re reputable?

Bare is one of the largest independent funeral directors in Australia, performing more than 7,000 funerals annually.  Bare, and our partners, are registered or licensed as per each state’s local guidelines and regulations for Funeral Directors. We're ISO certified, have more than 2,000 5 Star Reviews, and have featured in a number of media stories for the difference we're making in the industry. 

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Are there any hidden fees in your Cremation price?

Our Bare Cremation prices are fully inclusive, with no hidden fees. A major reason Bare was started was to offer an affordable and completely transparent funeral service. We are completely open about our pricing, which differentiates us from the traditional funeral industry. 

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Are these legally binding?

No. Unlike a will, your Final Wishes is not a legally binding document. However, it's an important additional document that sits alongside a will to help your family navigate your funeral wishes, as well as get the relevant instructions from you on how you'd like your estate managed.

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The animations are impressive but also seem a bit eerie. Is that expected?

The technology is designed to animate a photo in a very  life-like way however it will never match the physical mannerisms of someone alive today or fresh in our memories. For that reason we generally recommend choosing images from times past. Follow our tips and share with your family and friends and see what they think too! We give you 3 Live Photos free so you can test out a few different options to get started.

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Can we use our own Celebrant?

We can certainly customise your Bare Funeral package to include your own celebrant. You will only pay for the service elements you need, so the cost of the celebrant will be deducted from your package.

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What do I do after my loved one has passed?

The first thing to do is contact our Customer Care team on 1800 071 176 (we're available 24/7). On speaking with your dedicated concierge, they will take some brief details and talk you through the process, along with answering any questions you might have. Their role is to make your life just a little bit easier, and so they will do everything they can to make the funeral arrangement process as simple as possible.  Once we have those initial details, we'll transfer your loved one into our care and begin the process of arranging a cremation.  We'll guide you through the paperwork that must be completed, and keep you constantly informed of what's happening with your loved one.  Once the cremation is complete, we'll return the ashes to you and arrange for the Death Certificate to be mailed to you. 

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What is a memorial service?

A memorial is similar to a traditional funeral service, it simply happens after the cremation. This gives you, and us, the time and the space to arrange a service that best reflects your loved one.  Using beautifully presented ashes as the centrepiece of the event, like the coffin is for a traditional funeral, we’ll arrange a memorial service at one of our curated venues, led by one of our professional funeral celebrants, and it’ll include flowers, memorial stationery, slideshow and music - all curated in a way that best celebrates the life that was lived. 

We offer the option to plan a memorial as part of a Bare Funeral - you may see this written as a Bare Funeral without your loved one's coffin present.

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Can I store the username and passwords for my accounts in the Digital Vault?

Yes absolutely! Writing your passwords down on a piece of paper can be daunting - who knows who will find or use them. The vault can safely and securely store this information and share it with your next of kin so they can can close your accounts when the time comes. 

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Do I have to display the ashes in an urn at a Memorial?

This is a very personal decision that will be respected by your memorial arranger in either case. The ashes can provide a tangible representation of your loved one, and they may form part of a special moment in the service for everyone to pay their respects to the deceased.   Many families choose not to bring the urn, and instead, display a large framed photo to represent the life of their loved one.

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I have my contract – how do I let my next of kin know?

It’s important to ensure that your next of kin or executor knows your wishes. That will make the process seamless at the time of your passing. If you are in an aged care facility or hospital, we encourage you to let them know that you have a prepaid contract with Bare and provide our phone number 1800 071 176. They will then be able to contact us immediately when the time comes. 

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What can I do with my Live Photo?

You can share it with family and friends, or download it as an MP4 video file. You can return to our End Of Life Platform at any time to access it once it is created.

Live Photos
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Can multiple faces be animated in the one photo?

Yes, up to five faces in a group photo can be animated. Just make sure to select the option to specify your image is a group photo and how many faces you would like to animate.

Live Photos
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How do you store my data?

Your data is completely encrypted - we can't see anything. It's encrypted 2 times before it hits the vault database, and then encrypted again.

Digital Vault
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What if there is no will?

If there is no Will, it is most common that the next of kin of the deceased will apply to the Court for Letters of Administration. The distribution of the estate would then occur in accordance with particular rules of intestacy. The rules of intestacy are a set of rules that determine exactly who will receive a benefit from the estate and in what proportions.

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How long does it take for collection to happen?

The timing of collection depends on where the passing occurs. If your loved one has passed away at home, we will aim to be there within 2 hours. If they passed away at an aged care facility or hospital, we will collect as soon as possible, pending the hospital or age care home availability. If your loved one is taken to the Coroner, we will collect after the Coroner enquiry has been completed, which can take more than a week.   

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Can I include my log in and passwords in my Final Wishes?

For security reasons we recommend not adding usernames and passwords to your Final Wishes. Our Digital Vault is coming soon, which has military-grade security to protect your banking and any other important account details you want to share, either now or at the time of your passing. In the meantime you can use final wishes to keep a list of what accounts you currently hold and will need closing when the time comes.

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When and how do I receive a death certificate?

From the time of cremation, we typically advise a wait time of 3 weeks. At times it can take longer if there is a delay in processing by the state authority. If there is a long delay, we will actively follow up on your behalf. 

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The technology looks amazing. How does it work?

For portraits, Live Photos uses D-ID’s reenactment technology to breath life into any still photo. The process uses a driver video to animate a person in a still photo to precisely match the driver’s head movement, facial expressions, emotions and even voice. This technology brings a whole new dimension to photos and images, allowing them to be seen in a totally new and fresh way. For group photos, the technology identifies the faces in the image, animates them and then stitches them back into the original image they were taken from. It allows for much larger image sizes as well as the ability to animate multiple faces simultaneously.

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Can I choose to not have the ashes returned?

You may request to not have the ashes returned after the cremation. If that is your wish, we will require a signature as confirmation. We can then scatter or dispose of the ashes on your behalf. 

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Can I upload my Will here?

Yes! We also recommend storing your Final Wishes and any prepaid funeral contracts here as well and nominate who should get access to those documents, either now or when you pass. 

Digital Vault
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I have seen and read how some funeral homes use shady tactics and don’t treat the deceased with care – how do I know you’re not the same?

We’ve seen those reports too – it’s exactly why we started Bare. As our customer reviews show, we’ve committed our lives and our company to providing the highest level of care in the industry. Our team have come from all walks of life, drawn to the purpose of doing right by families going through an incredibly difficult period. It’s also important to note that we use the many of the same crematoriums, mortuaries and transfer vehicles as “premium” funeral homes – we’re affordable simply because we don’t charge you for the things that you don’t need.   

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Why should I write my Final Wishes?

Having an end-of-life plan is one important way to take an emotional burden off your family when the time comes. We often see the difficulty associated with managing grief at the same time as managing a loved one's funeral and estate plans. Having your preferences written down is one way to make this process easier for those left behind.

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Do I have to have flowers at a Bare Funeral or Memorial?

A large vase of flowers is provided as part of your Bare Funeral package and can be a beautiful way to add a touch of colour to a service. You might also consider complimenting the flowers with a personal touch of your own; lots of families get creative when it comes to honouring their loved one, so feel welcome to add an array of photos, letters, books and other unique mementos that speak to your loved one’s story. 

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Do I need Probate, or Letters of Administration?

A grant of probate is granted when the deceased held a Will and this Will is submitted to the Court. Letters of Administration are granted when someone passes away without a Will and someone close to the deceased (generally next of kin) applies to become the Administrator of the estate.  If you're not sure what you will require, feel free to give our legal team a call and they'll be happy to give you some no-obligation advice. 

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What legal documents will I receive?

As part of a prepaid funeral arrangement, you will receive a funeral contract, which lists all the prearranged services agreed upon. You will also receive a copy of your Lifeplan Australian Friendly Society Disclosure Document outlining how your money is kept safe. 

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How do I correctly sign my Will?

After you have finished filling out your Will Form it must be printed then signed. Signing the Will correctly is vital to ensure it is valid.

The Will-maker (testator) and both witnesses must be present at the same time of signing. They must also use the same pen to sign and date the Will Form, including any additional pages or correction notations (codicils) added to your Will. Use a black or dark blue pen. 

Signing each page of the Will is extremely important, to ensure absolute certainty that extra pages have not been inserted, removed or replaced later. You and each of your witnesses MUST be present together to sign the Will Form. The three of you will need to sign the bottom of each page of your Will. The witnesses will need to write in their full name and address, this usually is done on the last page of the Will. Don’t forget, the three of you must use the same pen, so take turns signing and filling in the details.

Aside from not having a witness sign the document, the Will-maker can sometimes pass away without themselves having finalised and signed it. If it’s not signed, it’s simply not valid. So ensure you don’t forget this vital step.

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Are you able to collect anytime?

Yes we collect anytime day or night. Sometimes we will be dictated by the location of collection, for example certain hospitals will have dedicated collection times that we must adhere to. Needless to say, we will always collect as soon as possible – and there are never any out of hours hidden fees.  

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What items can I bring for the Memorial Table?

The memorial table at your service is important as it represents the unique life and personality of your loved one. You can display photographs, personal items, mementos and keepsakes. These items provide a tangible connection to the person and help to bring their story to life during the service. We've had memorial tables that have included sporting memorabilia, cook books, war medals, favourite records and everything in between.  

A memorial book, flowers and a custom Bare urn are also included in your Bare Funeral package, which you can choose to add at the front table. Alternatively, the memorial book can be placed at the entrance for people to sign as they walk in. 

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When should I update my Will?

Wills and estate plans shouldn’t be a ‘set and forget’ approach, but reviewed every few years or whenever there is a significant change to your personal or financial circumstances. For example, it’s wise to make a new Will, as soon as possible, if:

  • there is a change in your relationship: if you marry, divorce, separate, have children, or enter into or end a de facto relationship;
  • you buy or sell a major asset like a house or car. Any items that you’ve listed as specific bequests will need to be updated if they are no longer in your possession;
  • you, or anyone else named in your Will changes their name; 
  • your executor has died since you wrote your Will, or if they are unable to execute your Will for some reason.

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Is my data safe?

Absolutely - we’ve partned with The Prepared Company, who use military-grade security to safely store and encrypt all data stored in the Digital Vault.

Digital Vault
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Where is the deceased taken?

Once we collect your loved one, we take them into our care.  This is typically the mortuary of our service provider, where they will be cared for while we arrange for the cremation to take place.  Throughout their time with us, rest assured that your loved one will be treated as if they were our own. 

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I have funeral insurance – can I use that? Should I keep paying it? What are my options?

If you’re currently paying funeral insurance, you have three options. The first is to cancel your funeral insurance payments, and convert to a prepaid funeral plan. This means you forfeit your potential payout, but this is likely the cheapest option if you’re planning on not requiring our service for three years or more. The second option is to continue paying your funeral insurance premiums, and also take out a prepaid plan. As funeral insurance simply pays out a lump sum of cash, this could be used by your family for anything (as a gift for a car, holiday, education etc) if you’ve also prepaid your funeral. The final option is to keep paying funeral insurance, and simply use that payout to arrange a Bare cremation when the time comes. This is what we recommend if you’re expecting to require our service in the next three years.   

Prepaid
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Is food included at a Bare Funeral or Memorial?

Catering is an optional extra, as some families choose not to provide any catering. We will tailor our venue recommendations to your preference, as some venues require catering, such as restaurants.

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How long will this program be valid for? (ie if i tell someone about Bare and they don't purchase it until 6 months later - am i still eligible as a referrer?)

Referees are eligible to receive their gift card after their 30 day cooling off period of their own prepaid purchase. A referral is still valid up to 6 months from referring, so long as they’ve advised the Bare team online or on the phone in that time of the referral. 

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Can I have an itemised breakdown of the services you offer?

Yes. Your funeral contract has each specific line item, with each of its costs. You can request this anytime, or create your own via Get Started  

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How are you so affordable?

We have a different business model to traditional funeral homes. Traditional funeral homes have high fixed operating costs - with physical funeral parlours to manage and maintain. Bare is different. By offering simple services that can be arranged online or over the phone, we can provide high quality services at affordable prices.  

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What is the maximum number of referrals/gifts I am eligible for?

At the moment there is no limit to the number of uses you can refer.

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Who do I contact if I have further questions?

Our care team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 071 176 or via email – [email protected]

General
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How long does the process take from collection to return of ashes?

We generally advise families that the timing from collection of your loved one to return of ashes is 3 weeks. However, it can vary depending on many factors and it is best to obtain guidance from your arranger.

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Who pays for the funeral expenses?

Funeral expenses are considered an estate expense, this means that the deceased’s bank accounts can be used to pay for the funeral expenses. However, if any other person pays for the funeral expenses, they are entitled to be reimbursed for these expenses from the estate.

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Who should I choose as my executor?

Your chosen executor should be someone you can trust to make decisions about your estate. People generally nominate their spouse, sibling, an adult child, or some other close family member or friend. Others may choose a solicitor, however, it is not necessary to hold any professional qualifications to be an executor.

Other considerations include a person’s organisation skills, ability to manage details, their knowledge of all beneficiaries’ whereabouts and their travel time to the beneficiaries. If the person you choose moves to another country, it may be easier to write a new Will that nominates a different person to perform the task.

Your executor cannot be a witness to the signing of the Will, however they can be a beneficiary, providing they are 18 years of age or older. They must also be willing to take on the task.

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Why is the amount put in trust lower than the price I paid?

When you purchase a prepaid funeral, we are must legally remit GST immediately. That means we take out the GST component of the amount paid and send it to the Australian Tax Office. We also take our setup fee to pay for the administration and setup of your Prepaid Bond in a regulated fund with the Lifeplan Australian Friendly Society. All of these costs are clearly outlined on your prepaid funeral contract. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call or email us anytime. We pride ourselves on complete transparency. 

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How do I share my Final Wishes?

Once you have completed your Final Wishes we’ll save them in a document you can print or send to your next of kin or executor. That will make the process seamless at the time of your passing.

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What's the difference between a Bare Cremation and a traditional funeral?

A Bare Cremation (often called a direct cremation) is an increasingly popular alternative to a traditional funeral. A traditional funeral typically involves a ceremony, with coffin present, in a funeral parlour.   A Bare Cremation is a cremation-only service, which then  allows families to create a personal memorial service after the cremation occurs. It is the fastest growing funeral trend in Australia, because of the cost advantages, but more importantly the flexibility it affords families to hold a highly personalised farewell.   For families who would like support arranging a ceremony, a Bare Memorial is perfect for you.  A Bare Memorial is a ceremony, but without a coffin present.  This allows the service to focus less on their passing, and more on the life that they lived - and the people that mattered to them. 

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Do I pay any extra fees when the time comes?

No. Once the plan is paid in full, there’s nothing more to pay, whether you need us in 5 or 50 years’ time. The only situation where extra fees may be payable is if you pass away in a different region where there are higher transport and operating costs, or overseas. 

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What does the Celebrant do at a Bare Funeral or Memorial?

A celebrant is the person entrusted with bringing the story of your loved one out in all its richness. Your celebrant will meet with you in person prior to the service to help plan the Order of Service; who will speak, what they might like to say, what poems or passages will be read, and more. On the day, your celebrant ensures the smooth running of your service and supports your family every step of the way. ​

All Bare Funeral packages include a celebrant to plan the service, as well as officiate the service on the day. Your Bare Arranger will recommend a celebrant based on an understanding of your family and your loved one. You will always remember the celebrant who celebrated your loved one's life, so we take great care in our selections.

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What if you go out of business?

The investment value of your prepaid contract is invested in a regulated Fund with the Lifeplan Australian Friendly Society. As a member of the Fund the investment value is held in your name and we can only access the funds on your passing as part of the pre-paid contract. In the very unlikely event that we are not in business when you pass away the investment value at that time would either be paid to your Estate or paid to another Funeral Director at the direction of your Executor to contribute to your funeral expenses.

Prepaid
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How do I revoke my Will?

The safest and easiest way to revoke, or cancel, your Will or estate document is to make a new document. This new document will then be declared as your last Will or most current estate planning document. Making a new version automatically makes all previous documents of the same type void.

Wills
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How can I be certain I will get the correct ashes back?

We take this responsibility very seriously, and the process to ensure this happens is closely regulated. Your loved one is cremated individually. They, the coffin, and the ashes receptacle are all labeled and checked and verified. Your loved one’s paperwork accompanies them throughout their care journey and is checked multiple times to ensure their identity is recorded correctly.

Cremation
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What should I include in my Final Wishes?

You can include anything that you feel is important for your family to know and understand. It is a useful tool that can provide context about the decisions left in your Will or directions about your funeral.

Final Wishes
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How will Bare know that I was the referrer?

It is up to the referrer to advise the Bare team either via phone on 1800 202 90 or via email. 

Referrals
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How long does Probate take?

Obtaining a grant of probate (or letters of administration) is not the whole estate administration process. Before obtaining a grant of probate (or letters of administration) the death certificate must be obtained and information must be collected from any asset holders. An application for the grant can then be made and, when the grant is made by the Court, asset collection and distribution can be completed.

The estate administration can take between 6 – 12 months, this is generally impacted by the type of assets that need to be dealt with. For example, if property needs to be sold this can be a longer process to complete.

Probate
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How long until I can expect my gift card?

You will receive it an estimated 2 weeks from the date the referee advises Bare of their referral, but expect up to 30 days depending on the lead time for our postage handlers.

Referrals
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How do I store my Will?

Your Will does not need to be lodged or submitted anywhere. Keep a copy in a safe but accessible place and give another copy, or the original, to your executor or solicitor. The common approach is to not keep your original Will at your place of residence, because if the property is destroyed by fire your Will may never be found. You can store your Will at your bank, usually in a safe deposit box or envelope with any mortgage documents. If it’s stored under both your name and the name of your executor, they will have authorised access at the time when they need it.

Wills
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Can I change them later?

Yes. You can edit your Final Wishes at any time - it's a free tool that you can access via our End of Life Dashboard whenever you like.

Final Wishes
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What if I die away from home?

If you are travelling within Australia when death occurs, your family will need to contact us immediately, so that we can make the necessary arrangements to assist with your safe transfer. Some additional costs for transport may be required. 

Prepaid
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What venues do you offer for Funerals and Memorials?

We use a wide variety of venues to suit your individual wishes, whether it be a formal service to something more casual. If you choose to have a coffin present your venue is limited to venues that cater for such.  If you choose not to have a coffin there is a wider variety of venues available. You choose your venue based on your wishes, be it a cemetery chapel, a function center, a sports club, community hall, or a restaurant or pub.

You may search our Bare venues below; simply enter your postcode and preferred style of venue:

https://bare.com.au/venues

Memorials
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Why do states or regions vary in price?

We aim to be one of the cheapest providers in every region we operate. The bulk of our costs are from the cremation fee and the transportation. In some states (such as Western Australia) the cremation fee is significantly higher than others. Our prices reflect the local input prices of our services. We’re constantly working to get our prices as low as possible in all locations.  

Prepaid
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Can a Bare Funeral Service be customised?

Absolutely! At Bare, we understand that each person is unique and we believe in helping you create a personalised service that reflects the life and personality of your loved one. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your preferences, desires and ideas, ensuring the funeral service is tailored to meet your needs and pays tribute to the life of the deceased.

In short, almost anything is possible. Feel free to give us a call and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

Memorials
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Should I pay now or wait to pay later?

The decision to purchase your prepaid funeral now or later completely depends on your current financial circumstances. The major benefit of prepaying with Bare is that you lock in today’s price – which is typically the lowest in the market. Paying now avoids any increase in prices, which can be substantial over many years. It also allows for peace of mind that you won’t pass the stress and burden onto your family when the time comes. Paying later allows you to save money in the meantime, however you do run the risk that prices will increase. 

Prepaid
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Why should I make a Will?

A Will is probably the most important document you’ll ever make in your life. Getting your affairs in order while you are still enjoying sound mental health allows you to make these important legal decisions now, before it’s too late.

Making a Will allows you to:

  • ensure your assets will provide for your children and other dependants after you die;
  • nominate the executor, or executors, of your estate, who will distribute the assets to the beneficiaries as per your written instructions;
  • safeguard your family from the possible stress of an unknown executor taking ownership of your estate;
  • make your exact wishes known about who will benefit from your estate after you die;
  • gift specific family heirlooms or sentimental items to those who you think will most treasure them;
  • replace any previous Wills that may be outdated if your relationships or other circumstances have changed.

Wills
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How can I get in contact with Bare?

For Immediate Service, please call our 24/7 line – 1800 071 176 For Prepaid Enquiries – 1800 202 901  For Corporate Enquiries, Billing and Complaints – (03) 8820 5678 If you’d like to email, you can reach us on [email protected]

Contact
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What areas do you cover?

Bare operates across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, ACT and WA. Click here to view all our service areas.

General
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Can I have a Bare Funeral or Memorial live streamed and/or recorded?

Live Streaming and recording of a memorial is a lovely way to include those who cannot attend in person. This is an optional extra and usually costs around $600-$900 if you’d like a service professional to attend and record. 

At some venues, live streaming and recording is provided free of charge. Our friendly team can help you locate a venue with this inclusion.

Memorials
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How can we help?