Funeral planning in Utah can feel overwhelming, especially when families are grieving and faced with urgent decisions. SereniCare understands how difficult this time can be and has spent nearly 30 years helping families navigate each step with clarity, compassion, and affordability. Knowing what is required, and what comes next, can ease stress and help families focus on honoring their loved one.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to funeral planning in Utah, including legal requirements and practical next steps.
Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death
The first legal step after a death is an official pronouncement. If the passing occurs at home under hospice care, a nurse or physician typically completes this step. In a hospital or care facility, staff handle it directly. This pronouncement allows funeral arrangements to move forward.
Once completed, families can contact a trusted funeral home like SereniCare to begin the process.
Choose a Funeral Home to Assist With Arrangements
In Utah, licensed funeral homes manage many legal details on behalf of families. SereniCare Funeral Home is a full-service mortuary and a member of the Utah Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Their experienced team helps coordinate transportation, documentation, and planning while keeping costs transparent and affordable.
Selecting a funeral home early allows families to receive guidance before decisions feel rushed.
Provide Required Personal Information
Certain information is needed to complete legal paperwork, including the death certificate. This includes details such as full legal name, date of birth, marital status, and parents’ names. While this may feel technical, SereniCare’s caring staff walks families through each item and answers questions along the way.
Accuracy is important, and having support helps avoid delays.
Decide on Burial or Cremation
One of the most significant choices in funeral planning in Utah is whether to choose burial or cremation. Utah law allows both options, and the decision often reflects personal wishes, faith, or family tradition.
If preferences were documented in advance, those wishes guide the process. If not, SereniCare helps families understand available options without pressure or unnecessary upselling.
Plan the Service Details
Service planning includes selecting the type of ceremony, location, and any personal touches that reflect a meaningful life. These decisions can feel heavy, especially since more than 150 choices are often made within the first day or two after a passing.
Pre-planning helps reduce this burden. When arrangements are made in advance, families can focus on preserving memories instead of managing logistics.
Understand Payment and Funding Options
Funeral services are traditionally paid for at the time of need, which can add financial strain. SereniCare offers flexible funding options, including pre-need policies, life insurance, and scheduled payments.
Pre-funding is not required, but many families choose it for peace of mind and to protect loved ones from unexpected expenses. SereniCare guarantees no hidden fees and remains committed to being Utah’s most affordable funeral and cremation provider.
Consider Pre-Planning for Peace of Mind
Pre-planning is an act of care. It allows individuals to record their wishes, reduce family conflict, and give loved ones space to grieve when the time comes. SereniCare’s secure online preplanning form and in-person consultations make the process simple and thoughtful.
Plans can also be transferred if families move or already have arrangements elsewhere.
Compassionate Support Every Step of the Way
Funeral planning in Utah does not have to be confusing or stressful. SereniCare offers guidance before, during, and after services, including grief resources and an aftercare program to help families manage estate-related tasks.
