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Search for funeral home
You can find funeral homes in your local area on www.bestatter.ch. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Funeral homes with quality seal
Some funeral homes have a certified quality seal. The seal of approval is indicated with a special logo and the requirements can be viewed here: https://bestatter.ch/en/swiss-funeral-quality-seal-quality-and-trust/
You can find funeral homes in your local area on www.bestatter.ch. They may or may not have a quality seal. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Which tasks can be taken off your shoulders in the event of a death?
It is important to take the individual situation, the needs of the family, and the instructions of the deceased person into account. The deceased person’s place of residence also needs to be considered.
In federalist Switzerland, numerous tasks are divided between municipalities and funeral homes.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions.
For example, the services vary depending on decisions regarding: official formalities, organising pastors, churches, printed materials, burial in Switzerland or abroad, cremation and urn burial in a cemetery in Switzerland or abroad, the shape of the grave (perishable or imperishable urns), existing grave with an address or a new grave without an address, private burial of an urn in nature, etc.
A local funeral home can inform you and clarify the necessary questions with you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
What mourning items are available in the event of a death?
It is important to take the individual situation, the needs of the family, and the instructions of the deceased person into account. It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions.
For example, mourning items vary depending on decisions regarding: burial in Switzerland or abroad/cremation and urn burial in a cemetery in Switzerland or abroad/the shape of the grave (perishable or imperishable urns)/existing grave with an inscription or a new grave without an inscription, etc.
A local funeral home can inform you and clarify the necessary questions with you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Can a cremation take place if the deceased person has an artificial hip?
As a general rule, foreign objects should be left in the body. There are cantonal requirements, for example, which prefer to have pacemakers removed for cremations and burials, for environmental reasons (canton of Bern).
There are also specific cemetery regulations and cremation requirements. After a cremation, any foreign objects are removed from the ashes.
Your local funeral home can inform you about the removal of a pacemaker and answer any other questions you may have about foreign objects. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Pacemakers and other foreign objects in the body – in the event of a death
As a general rule, foreign objects should be left in the body. There are cantonal requirements, for example, which prefer to have pacemakers removed for cremations and burials, for environmental reasons (canton of Bern).
There are also specific cemetery regulations and cremation requirements. After a cremation, any foreign objects are removed from the ashes.
Your local funeral home can inform you about the removal of a pacemaker and answer any other questions you may have about foreign objects. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Does a pacemaker have to be removed for a burial?
There is no blanket answer to this question for the whole of Switzerland. There are cantonal requirements, for example, which prefer to have pacemakers removed for cremations and burials, for environmental reasons (canton of Bern).
There are also specific cemetery regulations and cremation requirements. Your local funeral home can inform you about the removal of a pacemaker. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Who decides if a deceased person is allowed to be cremated?
Clients and heirs can be: representatives, an inheritance service, relatives, heirs, etc.
The deceased person may have also set up a funeral plan or made funeral arrangements.
Different documents are required for a cremation, depending on the region. For example, funeral arrangements, a medical death certificate, a release certificate for any person who died of unnatural causes, a confirmation from the civil registry office, etc.
A local funeral home can inform you and make all the necessary arrangements. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Cancellations and terminations in the event of a death – what do I need to think about?
In principle, a guardianship expires in the event of a death, therefore the heirs and/or relatives are generally responsible for making the necessary arrangements. As people’s starting points and situations vary greatly, it’s worth talking to a funeral home that knows the local conditions.
Generally, contracts have to be terminated or rewritten, for example if there is a surviving spouse. Here are just a few examples: health insurance policies, other insurance policies, redeemed number plates, pension funds, newspaper subscriptions, public transport subscriptions, telephone contracts, etc.
A local funeral home can help you. You can find a list of our members here:
Cancellations and terminations Switzerland
In principle, a guardianship expires in the event of a death, therefore the heirs and/or relatives are generally responsible for making the necessary arrangements. As people’s starting points and situations vary greatly, it’s worth talking to a funeral home that knows the local conditions. A local funeral home can help you. You can find a list of our members here:
https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
What are inventory clerks?
There are various names: inventory clerk, sealing officer, inheritance service, etc.
As a basic rule, the following tasks need to be carried out: the heirs have to be determined, the assets have to be determined, the will/inheritance contract/marriage contract has to be checked, depending on the region a notary has to be appointed (as from a certain financial situation), and an inheritance has to be accepted or rejected.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. A local funeral home can help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Are the costs included in the funeral plan?
There’s a distinction to be made between funeral arrangements (whereby people write down what they want) and a funeral plan (whereby people make voluntary payments to cover future costs). At any rate, a funeral home will provide you with a cost overview upon request.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Where can I find a funeral home?
You can find funeral homes in your local area on www.bestatter.ch. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
How much does a cremation cost in Switzerland?
It’s worth contacting a funeral home in your local area. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
The reason is as follows: would you like to know how much the funeral services cost or how much the crematorium charges? Or are you interested in the total costs that you will incur with regard to your specific situation? Are you also including cemetery expenses? You may incur costs due to inheritance services, a compulsory notary, a district administration office, etc.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. For example, there are different rates for a crematorium depending on the deceased person’s place of residence. It can thus range from being free of charge to costing several hundred francs. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Funeral expenses Switzerland
It’s worth contacting a funeral home in your local area. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
The reason is as follows: would you like to know how much the funeral services cost or how much the crematorium charges? Or are you interested in the total costs that you will incur with regard to your specific situation? Are you also including cemetery expenses? You may incur costs due to inheritance services, a compulsory notary, a district administration office, etc.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. For example, there are different rates for a crematorium depending on the deceased person’s place of residence. It can thus range from being free of charge to costing several hundred francs. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Finding funeral homes
You can find funeral homes in your local area on www.bestatter.ch. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
May a cremation be performed if the deceased person has an artificial hip joint?
People with artificial joints for example hip joint, knee joint, stiffened back ect. may be cremated. These are removed from the ash.
Questions
Media representatives and private individuals can contact the ombudsman’s office with questions about the funeral service. She is happy to provide information to the best of her knowledge, based on her experience and expertise.
Mortician fair
On the website of the Eidg. Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA you will find the representations
Here is the link to the website: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home.html
What is the terminal phase?
The terminal phase refers to the time when the seriously ill person is at the threshold of his or her life to death. In most cases, it lasts from a few days to a week. This phase is usually characterized by increasing to permanent bedriddenness and other weaknesses, including breathlessness.
Where can palliative care be obtained?
Palliative care can be received at home, in a hospital, a hospice, or a nursing home.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care involves the holistic care of people with a limited life expectancy due to illness. The goal of palliative care is to strengthen the self-determination of affected people and to enable the best possible quality of life until the end. In the process, death is neither deliberately brought about nor delayed at any price.
What is the cost of a tombstone, gravestone?
The local cemetery regulations provide information on the size, shape, inscription and material of gravestones and grave slabs. There is a big difference in price between a standard gravestone and an artistic one. The stone sculpture workshop will submit individual proposals with drawings and a quotation.
What is the cost of a death notice, thank you notice in the newspaper?
The tariff calculates the newspaper according to the size of the ad in millimeters. The millimeter price varies greatly, and depending on the circulation of the daily or weekly newspaper and whether a photo/background is desired black and white or color. An obituary can cost from about CHF 400 to several thousand francs.
What is the cost of an urn?
Urns differ in shape, color and material. Various grave types and regulations require urns to be suitable for burial in municipal cemeteries. In the ground, the urn should be biodegradable, remain durable in a wall niche or dissolve quickly in water. A simple urn costs about CHF 100, a handmade or artistic urn can cost up to several thousand francs.
What is the cost of a coffin?
The funeral culture is cultivated very differently in Switzerland. The burial articles, in particular the coffin models, are adapted to the customs and practices in the cantons, municipalities and cities. The price of the coffin depends on the quality, different shape, decorative ornamentation and different materials.
Between a few hundred francs to 3000 thousand or more francs, there is a diverse choice.
What does the health insurance pay in the event of death?
Generally, funeral expenses are not covered by health insurance. However, it is worth clarifying the lump-sum death benefit. This may be as an add-on to a pension, travel or life insurance policy or may be included in the health insurance policy.
How much does a cremation cost?
Cremation costs between 0 and 900 Swiss francs for an adult person. In some places, the cost of cremation is covered by the municipality. Depending on the situation, there are additional costs for the laying out, a decoration, an organ playing, the use of the chapel or an urn.
What is the cost of an urn burial?
See WHAT COSTS A BURIAL BURY
What is the cost of a funeral?
The price range for a funeral is from 0.- to 15 000.-Fr or more, depending on the location and wishes. Depending on the canton, a funeral home provides all services in full, or the municipality must be contacted and it provides some or all of the services.
If the cost of the funeral services is deliberately kept to a minimum by the funeral director, it can amount to around 2000 francs. For a farewell in the normal framework should be expected with 3500.- francs and more.
Depending on this, the following third-party costs will be incurred: cemetery, crematorium, use of cemetery premises and other premises, grave, grave planting, flowers, sculptor, funeral orator, musician, restaurant, printer, newspaper, apartment clearance, cleaning, notary’s office, government registrar’s office, civil registry office, burial office, municipality, funeral service, etc.
A funeral service in your area will be happy to provide you with information and is familiar with the regional peculiarities. To find out what a funeral costs, a local funeral director will be happy to provide you with a specific cost summary, without obligation, which is adapted to your situation and your wishes.Ask a funeral service in the region where the person died and request a cost summary.
How do I make a body donation?
If you wish to make a body donation, you must notify the desired Anatomical Institute yourself during your lifetime. There, a registration form (“Last Will and Testament”) must be filled out and signed, which you, the Anatomical Institute and usually also the family doctor will receive.
How do I make an organ donation?
If you wish to make an organ donation, you must put this in writing in an organ donor card and/or living will. The best way is to register in the national organ donation registry of swisstransplant.org. In this you can indicate what you would like to donate or not, so that relatives do not have to decide for you in case of emergency.
Loop text examples
For our beloved father / Your children
In loving memory / Lotti, Ueli with Noah and Kim
Rest in peace / Your family
Last greeting / Your club mates
Are there seasonal differences in flower arrangements?
Depending on the season, there are different flowers. For example, sunflowers are not present in December. It is also conceivable that certain flowers cost different amounts depending on the season. Perhaps roses are more expensive before a Valentine’s Day. Of course, the same applies to other occasions and flowers. Advice can be obtained from the funeral service or florist.
What kind of floral arrangements are customary at a funeral service or burial, resp. Burial in the ground?
Traditionally, there are the flower wreaths. These are wreaths of different sizes and with more or less flowers, depending on the size. Wreaths are often decorated with a bow. The loop then includes a final greeting and the names of the people saying goodbye.
There is also the urn wreath. An urn wreath can serve to decorate the urn, but also the grave. That is why the urn wreath comes in different sizes.
There are also coffin decorations, for example, a coffin bouquet or urn decorations.
Furthermore, flower bowls, flower arrangements, petals, throw or grave roses are common.
It is important that the farewell is accompanied by flowers or that other decoration is chosen so that the place, the urn, the coffin or the grave is lovingly decorated.
Flowers – is it necessary?
In the time of saying goodbye, flowers give comfort and a solemn mood. Donations of flowers honor the deceased person, express sympathy, and express that no one is alone.
Flowers are placed in the casket for a laying out ceremony. Flowers are placed on the casket for a funeral service and/or burial at the cemetery. Flowers are placed as decorations in the church or cemetery. There are a variety of options: Casket bouquet, casket decoration, flower heart, flower bouquet, flower arrangement, flower wreath, urn wreath, etc.
The deceased person has left the church – what now?
If someone has left a member of a national church, then, as a rule, the accompaniment of a pastor is no longer free. The argument is that this has saved church taxes and would be justified to pay for the accompaniment of a pastor. How it behaves in the concrete case, is to be discussed necessarily with a church representative, because depending on the situation the circumstances are differently evaluated.
Accompaniment by a pastor: is it obligatory?
There is no obligation to conduct the farewell with a pastor. There is probably a reason why someone is a member of a church or faith community, and therefore it is desirable to have a pastor accompany them on their final journey.
Is a funeral speaker expensive?
The cost varies depending on the person and the time spent. Relatives may inquire about costs. It is usually the case that a funeral speaker charges by the hour. In some cases, standard rates are also available.
Are there rules about who can give a devotion?
Those who wish to be accompanied by a religiously neutral person choose a funeral speaker. However, it is also conceivable that someone else will take care of the process and be there for the deceased person and for the relatives with a eulogy during the farewell.
There is no requirement to have a minister or funeral speaker. However, it is advisable for a funeral service, a burial or a burial in the ground to have someone who creates a dignified setting, ensures the process and commemorates with words.
Someone in the family may want to do it, but the rule is that a minister or funeral speaker will do it.
A funeral home will inform them and usually take care of the coordination as well as the organization.
What to do in case of death?
Calmly consider which steps to take and in what order:
- Notification of primary care physician or emergency room physician?
- What funeral wishes are known?
- Who do I need to notify first?
- What are the formalities to be fulfilled?
- How should the abdication ceremony be arranged?
- Who will help me create the obituaries?
- Who will assist me in writing up the resume?
- Which type of grave should I choose?
- Who can answer all my questions?
- Who will stand by me in these days?
You are not alone. In any case, you may contact a member of our association and ask for help or information. Select the mortician from your region from the SVB Members directory. He will be happy to assist you.
All these questions can also be answered and determined as a precautionary measure during one’s lifetime. This will give you great peace of mind and security, and you will also get to know the responsible funeral director from your area.
How many funeral services, funeral homes, funeral homes are there in Switzerland?
The Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB) currently has 176 members.
In addition, there are still some funeral homes that do not belong to the professional association.
Members of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB):
You can find all members of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services HERE.
What does the training for funeral directors look like?
The qualifications required for the examination are acquired in the form of modules. The modules last 2 years, part-time.
Audited subjects:
Preparation course module 1
Order processing / Counseling and accompaniment / Care and laying out of the deceased / Transfer and transport / Farewell and burial / Storage and infrastructure
Preparation course module 2
Order Processing and Organization / Consultation / International Transfer and Transport / Accounting / Pension Provision / Law and Business Administration
Graduation:
Funeral director with federal certificate Professional card
Training and professional examination:
Learn everything about the training and professional examination of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB) HERE.
HERE you will find the current course and examination dates of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB).
How do I find a job as a funeral director? Where can I apply?
In Switzerland, there are not very many jobs advertised as funeral director. If you meet the requirements for the job, then you may have a chance with a good spontaneous application.
Open positions:
HERE you can find the vacancies on our portal.
Send your spontaneous application to funeral homes in your area.
HERE you will find documents and information brochures of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB).
How does one become a funeral director in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, funeral directors become funeral directors through a second-chance education. This is preceded by a completed EFZ apprenticeship or equivalent qualification. Experience and knowledge from comparable work are advantageous – but also career changers can apply for a funeral service if you bring the following requirements:
Requirements:
– Basic vocational training (EFZ apprenticeship or equivalent qualification)
– A healthy relationship with the topic of dying and death
– Empathy, good manners and discretion
– Strong physical and mental resilience
– Independence and ability to work in a team
– Willingness to work weekends, nights, Sundays and holidays
– Fluency in writing and speaking in one or more local languages
– Pleasure in administrative work
– Driving license category B
– Impeccable reputation
Information and documents on the profession of funeral director:
HERE you will find documents and information brochures of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB).
Which tasks, activities, services belong to the profession of funeral director?
The offers and services of funeral homes are very extensive. In principle, funeral directors take care of all matters relating to the funeral on request – but in some places the funeral office of the municipality of residence is also the first point of contact in the event of death.
Tasks, activities, services of a funeral home:
Funeral directors …
… advise and accompany relatives in all questions and concerns about the funeral
… organize and coordinate funeral services in all matters
… respect religion and customs of the relatives
… decorate funeral rooms, churches, chapels, etc.
… work in close cooperation with parish offices, funeral orators, florists, stone sculptors, musicians, cleaning and clearance companies, etc.
… are responsible for the hygienic care of the dead, the dressing and coffering of the deceased as well as for demanding rescues, for example during police operations
… transfer deceased at home and abroad
… design and print funeral circulars, thank you notes and obituaries
… take care of official matters, procurement of documents and general administrative tasks
… inform relatives about upcoming insurance and death benefit claims, banking matters, sealing, contract terminations, etc.
… calculate the costs for the respective burial
… offer pension advice and contracts with appropriate documentation
Morticians, funeral homes in your area will be happy to provide you with information:
Ask a funeral home near you about local conditions HERE.
HERE you can find a funeral home in your area.
You were dissatisfied with the services provided by the funeral service you hired? Contact the ombudsman office of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB) HERE.
May a deceased person, body, corpse be placed in a grave without a coffin?
No, burial in the case of a burial in the ground and cremation must take place in an environmentally friendly coffin. This supports decomposition and favors biodegradation, respectively serves as a means of transport for the path and calorific value during cremation.
How long will the urn stay in the ground?
The urn will remain in the ground until the grave is removed at the end of the grave’s term. Depending on the cemetery regulations, the grave maintainers will be informed in advance if possible or officially advertised. Depending on the type of grave, an extension of the grave term can be requested. The relatives can also dissolve a grave beforehand. This is called a grave elevation. Some cemeteries clear graves only superficially (headstone and planting), others remove urns from the ground and place them in the common grave.
Who is the owner of a grave?
The cemetery or the cemetery municipality is the owner, the grave space is rented.
What is the duration of the grave?
See HOW LONG IS A GRAVE
How many coffins are allowed in one grave?
A coffin row grave is a single grave in terms of size, which means that there is only one burial in the ground. However, additional urns may be interred during the resting period of the grave. In a family grave can often be buried up to two coffins, sometimes after 20 years each one more, which is placed higher.
Is it okay to include a pet’s ashes in the casket?
In principle, no other cremation ashes, human or animal, may be in the coffin. Reference to regionality
What to consider when terminating a rental apartment?
According to Art. 266 I OR, you have an extraordinary termination option in the event of death. You may terminate the lease with the statutory notice period to the next statutory date, even if the lease agreement does not permit termination until a later date.
The statutory period is three months for apartments and six months for business premises.
The legal date is the local one.
Under certain circumstances, however, the lease agreement allows for a more rapid termination than Art. 266i CO, for example in the city of Zurich, where there are only two customary termination dates per year. Then you can terminate based on the contractual notice periods and dates.
Furthermore, you have the possibility to suggest new tenants to the landlord. Then you do not even have to comply with the three-month notice period.
A tenancy does not automatically expire when the tenant dies.
It is important to know: A tenancy does not automatically expire when the tenant dies. The heirs must give notice. In principle, all heirs would have to do this together.
However, based on the statutory provisions on management without mandate (Art. 419 et seq. CO), termination by an heir alone should also be valid.
Case of death – checklist for assistants
Principle
The guardianship and the office of the guardian end by law with the death of the person concerned (Art. 399 Para. 1 and Art. 421 No. 2 CC).
After the end of the term of office, there is a duty to submit a final report and, if necessary, a final account to the KESB (Art. 425 ZGB).
Legal succession
The guardian may be authorized to execute a specific order by the legal successors, who must legitimize themselves by means of a certificate of inheritance.
If the guardianship acts without a mandate and legitimation, the tasks are to be carried out according to the rules of management without a mandate (Art. 419 ff. OR). The transactions are thus to be conducted for the benefit of the deceased person and in accordance with his or her presumed will. The guardian is personally liable for any damage caused by careless or negligent conduct.
In practice
Often there is a need to have certain matters taken care of after the death of the person concerned, especially the arrangement of the funeral if there are no heirs/known heirs or if they do not take care of the deceased person.
Every municipality is obliged to give a deceased person a decent burial (right to human dignity, Art. 7 BV). If there are no family members to arrange for the burial, the responsibility for a suitable burial rests with the municipality. If necessary, the former support person must provide the impetus and support for this.
Inheritance Office
The municipalities act as inheritance offices and are authorized to appoint an inheritance administrator. The guardian may be provided for this purpose (Art. 554 para. 3 CC). The KESB is only to be involved in inheritance matters if absent or incapacitated heirs or heirs in need of assistance/protection must be represented.
Tenancy
With regard to a tenancy, the tenancy is not automatically terminated by death, but the tenancy agreement passes to the heirs and is continued by them. The heirs may terminate with the statutory notice period (Art. 266i OR).
If there are no known or existing heirs, the former support person should inform the landlord of the death. The tenancy may only be terminated with the express instruction of the heirs or in the capacity of officially appointed executor/administrator of the estate.
Further tasks if no relatives/heirs are available
- Removal of perishable goods
- Feeding and caring for pets
- Clarification of the burial (but no commissioning).
- Preventing unnecessary cost consequences
- Orders that cannot be postponed due to unavoidable imminent or growing damage
- Close accounting / prepare financial statements as of date of death / prepare final report and final invoice as of date of death
- Order deposit/account statements by date of death
- Create pending list for heirs (stop standing orders, cancel LSV, reclaims, such as. Health insurance premiums, medical expenses, medical expenses with EL)
Tasks on behalf of the heirs
- Notification of relatives and caregivers
- Organize funeral
- Cancellation of the apartment
- Reclaim rent deposit
- Notify creditors
- Termination electricity
- Cancellation phone
- Cancellation newspaper subscription
- Cancellation of household/liability insurance, etc.
- Inform local tax administration
Does the power of attorney expire in the event of death?
Powers of attorney become invalid, expire or are only valid to a limited extent:
- the power of attorney usually expires upon death in accordance with the Code of Obligations
- there are bank powers of attorney that are valid beyond death. However, these are not valid in every case without limitation
Do I still need a tax return when I die?
In the case of deceased persons, the tax return for the period up to the date of death must be completed by the heirs (= so-called tax liability during the year). Upon the death of a married person, the spouses are assessed jointly until the date of death. For the period after the date of death, the surviving spouse is assessed separately.
A death is a drastic event for the surviving family members and friends of the deceased person. The tax administration tries to take this circumstance into account by only sending documents after a 30-day waiting period.
In any case, the death triggers the need for action by the tax administration. Namely, it terminates the tax liability of the deceased person. Therefore, the tax liability exists only during part of the year. The income earned up to the date of death is taxable. The assets of the deceased person are taxed proportionately up to the date of death.
The heirs must submit a tax return with the income of the deceased person from the beginning of the tax period until the date of death and with the assets on the date of death. The heirs receive a separate tax statement for the deceased person.
Do I have to pay back the last pension?
Thus, the current month’s pension belongs to the bereaved family, but the next month’s pension payment would have to be repaid.
Example:
For example, with the payment of 07.02.2017 you will receive the pension for the month of February 2017. The transfer time depends on the payment method (bank transfer, check, or postal transfer) and the destination country.
If a death occurs after 07.02.2017, the pension of the deceased person, resp. their heirs.
However, the pension payment of 07.03.2017 would have to be paid back to the AHV.
Duration of the pension in the event of death
The current month’s pension belongs to the bereaved family, but the next month’s pension payment would have to be repaid.
What happens to the car, the license plate of a deceased person?
As relatives, you must notify the Road Traffic Office within 14 days by means of a circular form (indicate: name, date of birth and date of death of the deceased person). In addition, the name and address of a responsible contact person must be provided.
Any control tag numbers redeemed to the deceased person must be returned within 30 days to either.
- be returned.
or
- be transferred to the current owner or holder. The following documents are required for this purpose:
- the application form completely filled in and signed;
- a new insurance certificate in the name of the current owner (this document is available from the insurer upon request);
- the previous vehicle registration document for transcription.
- If no new owner is known, the number must be transferred to the community of heirs within the same period. The procedure is identical.
How do I wish my condolences?
In the event of a bereavement, social skills and philanthropy are elementary. It does not matter whether a death occurred suddenly or was foreseeable. Bereaved families need the support of friends and acquaintances in this very difficult and unusual situation. This is the only way to process the loss.
If you are informed of a death by SMS, you can also react directly to this message by SMS and express your concern. After that, a visit or phone contact is appropriate so that the grieving can tell. This helps those affected to understand what has happened.
Writing a letter is also a very nice way to respond. In this context, phrases such as “time heals all wounds” or the like should be avoided as far as possible. A sincere “I am very sorry” or “My sincere condolences” is appropriate. Also, the sincere offer of support is a very nice sign. Often, condolence cards are also read again and again by the bereaved and are also later, after the initial period of mourning, signs of compassion and therefore do good.
How do I get the passwords in case of death?
If the heir does not know a password, he cannot access and delete the associated user account. He must contact the service provider, such as the e-mail provider. They are obliged to grant the heirs access to the account.
Is there a digital legacy?
Yes. In the absence of a will or inheritance contract, the digital estate of a deceased person passes to his or her legal heirs.
The legal situation regarding data on the Internet has not been clearly clarified. They can be heritable assets like an online bank account or privacy-protected data like photos on Facebook. In contrast to assets, data protected by personal rights ceases to exist when a person dies. This means that heirs may be denied access to such data.
What is a digital estate?
The digital estate includes all data, profiles and assets that people leave behind on local devices such as cell phones and computers or on the Internet after their death. Without a will or inheritance contract, the digital estate passes to the legal heirs after death.
What is a family card?
The family card proves the place and date of marriage and the current personal data of the wife, husband and joint children. In case of a new civil status event, the family card will be replaced upon presentation of the old document.
Foreign nationals:
The issuance of a family ID card is only possible for foreign or naturalized persons if they had a civil status event (e.g. marriage or birth of a child) in Switzerland after 31.12.2004. The document contains the personal data as of the date of the first civil status event in Switzerland and is complete only on condition that all foreign civil status events have been reported.
Family ID Card Questions:
Find HERE the competent civil registry office of the place of event.
Are you looking for a funeral home that takes care of the official matters and supports you in all questions concerning the formalities? Find a funeral home in your area HERE.
What is a death certificate, death certificate, death certificate?
The death certificate proves the place and date of death and the current personal data of the deceased, his spouse and parents. The death certificate can also be issued subsequently and exists in two different versions:
– The national death certificate (German, French, Italian)
– The international death certificate (German, French, Italian, English, Spanish)
For foreign nationals – International death certificate, death certificate, death certificate:
For pensions, accounts or real estate abroad, an international death certificate is required. Immediate issuance of an international death certificate for foreign or naturalized persons only possible if they had a civil status event (e.g. marriage or birth of a child) in Switzerland after 31.12.2004. Otherwise, the relatives or their legal representatives receive an information letter from the registry office, on which is listed which documents are required for the issuance of the same. The documents to be submitted vary from country to country. Only when all requested documents could be submitted, an international death certificate can be issued.
What do I need a death certificate, death certificate, death certificate for?
The death certificate is required for numerous official and civil matters. In addition, burial in the ground or cremation can take place only after the civil registry office has issued a death certificate or at least a “confirmation of the registration of a death”. The death certificate is also required to apply for a certificate of inheritance, which in turn enables the disposal of bank accounts or real estate. The death certificate can also be used to cancel and terminate contracts.
Where do I have to report the death with a death certificate, death certificate, death certificate?
– Life insurance / Private pension provision
– All other insurances: Home contents, liability, vehicle, legal protection, etc.
– Health insurance
– Accident insurance (in case of accident or suicide: notify immediately!)
– AHV branch office municipality of residence, pension fund employer
– Employer
– Banks (accounts of the deceased and joint accounts of married couples)
– Rental agreement (notice period usually 3 months, also in case of death)
– Electricity
– TV / telephone / internet connection
– Credit card contracts
– Leasing contracts
– Subscriptions, memberships, clubs
– Road traffic office
– Public transport season tickets such as GA, Half-Fare Card, etc.
Questions about the death certificate, death certificate, death certificate:
Find HERE the competent civil registry office of the place of event.
Are you looking for a funeral home that takes care of the official matters and supports you in all questions concerning the formalities? Find a funeral home in your area HERE.
What do I do with current expenses of a deceased person?
The bank often only makes payments within the previous framework. This means that standing orders, for example, will continue to be paid. As a general rule, invoices addressed to the deceased person must be handed over to the bank in the original. The bank normally pays these bills directly from the deceased person’s account.
Who cancels contracts?
Upon death, all orders expire (Art. 405 para. 1 CO), unless the order is valid beyond death due to its content.
For example, a funeral order, by its nature, claims validity beyond death, but the power of disposal over the order changes to the heirs. Thus, the beneficiaries of the inheritance have a contractual relationship for the funeral order and are liable to pay, even in the case of a disclaimed inheritance.
The situation is different for a guardian or for adult protection. As a rule, their work must cease when the death occurs.
Many current contracts, such as a lease, must be explicitly terminated by relatives. For this, the relatives need the death certificate (note: the death certificate is not the medical death certificate).
A death certificate is required to cancel some contracts. We recommend that you call the contractors in advance and ask whether or not a copy of the death certificate is required. Some agencies are very accommodating, which is why a report without a death certificate is often sufficient.
We recommend that you contact the following offices:
- AHV / the residents’ registration office informs the AHV /
Tip: if death occurs towards the end of the month, then call and have pension payment stopped - Social welfare office, IV, supplementary benefits
- Pension Fund
- Health insurance
- Insurance: accident, life, liability, household, vehicle, building, legal protection
- Lease agreement apartment, garage, parking, workshop
- Motor Vehicle Inspection / Road Traffic Office
- Phone: mobile, landline, internet, phone book entry
- Newspaper and magazines
- SBB, Libero (GA, Half-Fare, etc.)
- Serafe (formerBillag) / the residents’ registration office informs Serafe monthly
- Electricity/Gas
- Family doctor and possibly other doctors, dentist
- Associations, membership homeowners association, Pro Senectute, TCS, REGA
- Coop, Migros, mail order, eggs, beverages
- Spitex, meal service
- Employer
If the bank or post office blocks an account
Yes, because a bank may only allow money withdrawals if the heirs are known (to be proven with the certificate of inheritance). This is because otherwise the financial institution risks being liable for damages to other heirs.
What is a living will?
In an advance directive, a person with capacity can specify which medical measures he or she consents to or does not consent to in the event of his or her incapacity.
What does an advance directive contain?
An advance directive can be designed very flexibly according to the needs of the client. It may be stipulated that the representative may act on behalf of the principal as a whole, or only in individual areas (administration of income and assets, sale of property, medical decisions, care and support, etc.).
In addition, you can give instructions about how to perform the tasks.
What if there is no advance directive?
In this case, your next of kin will be faced with the management and task fulfillment of all issues that arise. This can lead to very stressful and complex situations for family members.
Is an advance directive also necessary with a power of attorney?
As stated in the question “What is the difference between an advance directive and a power of attorney?”, the power of attorney also regulates the performance of transactions by a third party if the person making the directive is capable of judgment. This period is not covered by the advance directive. From this point of view, it makes sense to issue one or more powers of attorney in addition to an advance directive, which only takes effect later, if the person making the directive feels more secure as a result. This can also be done for reasons of convenience, excessive demands or the like.
When does an advance directive become effective?
If the adult protection authority learns that a person has become incapacitated and does not know whether an advance directive has been issued, it inquires at the civil registry office. It then checks whether the advance directive was validly drawn up. If the appointed person then accepts the advance directive, he or she is instructed by the authority on the content of the directive and is handed the advance directive.
If the person placing the order regains capacity, the advance directive loses its validity by operation of law.
Where can an advance directive be kept?
Upon request, the civil registry office enters the fact that a person has established an advance directive and the place of deposit in the central database.
What if no representative has been designated?
The designation of the representative, i.e. the person who is to execute the advance directive, is a validity provision. If the contract does not specify who is the representative, the order is not valid.
The substitute person must be recognizable at least by the wording / order.
How is an advance directive drawn up?
The advance directive is either drawn up in person (written down by hand from beginning to end, dated and signed) or with a public notarization.
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive can be used to designate one or more persons of trust as a precautionary measure in the event of an advance directive being issued at a later date. The term “precautionary case” is used when, as a result of an accident or serious illness (e.g. dementia), someone is no longer able to make legally binding decisions for health reasons. By appointing a health care proxy, provisions are made to ensure that the person’s claims and concerns are also enforced in the event of a pension.
In the case of inheritance, what should be known if a child never had contact with a deceased parent?
The child shall nevertheless inherit to the extent of his or her legal right to inherit, or if the deceased person has placed him or her on the compulsory portion, to that extent. Disinheritance can only be effected under strict conditions (Art. 477 CC):
The testator is authorized to deprive an heir of the compulsory portion by a disposition of death: Sec. 1: if the heir has committed a serious criminal offense against the testator or against a person closely related to the testator;
Digit. 2: if he has seriously violated the family law obligations incumbent on him towards the deceased or one of his relatives.
What is death benefit insurance?
Death benefit insurance is a term insurance policy that guarantees immediate benefits to beneficiaries in the event of death. The subsequent testator is free to choose whom he or she wishes to benefit and whether the beneficiaries receive a fixed capital sum or an annuity. In the case of capital, the subsequent testator / testatrix can agree not only a fixed sum, but also one that decreases annually.
Do the assets from the 2nd pillar belong to the estate?
The answer to this question is complex and depends on the pension fund institution in question.
By law, pension funds are not obliged to pay out the money to the remaining heirs.
However, many insurance funds voluntarily provide for a one-time lump sum to be paid out upon the death of the insured person. The pension fund regulations specify who receives this credit. For example, if a single person without children dies, the money usually goes to their parents or siblings.
However, as mentioned, it is important to note that this is regulated on an individual basis. Information is provided to the dependents by the pension fund.
In addition to their pension fund, many employed persons have further assets in the 2nd pillar, in vested benefits accounts or policies. Vested benefits are passed on to the legal heirs after the death of the holder.
What is the freely available quota?
The freely available quota is the difference between the statutory inheritance entitlements and the compulsory portions.
Example:
A father dies leaving a child and a wife and assets of CHF 100,000.00. The legal inheritance rights are: 50% wife (= CHF 50’000.00, art. 462 Ziff. 2 ZGB), 50% child (= CHF 50’000.00; art. 457 ZGB). If the deceased places the child on the compulsory portion, Art. 471 of the Civil Code must be observed. The child receives 75% of his 50% legal share of the inheritance, i.e. 37.5% (= 3/8) instead of 50% (= 4/8) of the total estate assets (Art. 471 No. 1 ZGB = compulsory share). This means that 12.5%
(= 1/8 (4/8 – 3/8)) of the total estate of the deceased free (25% of 50% = 12.5% = freely available quota). If the deceased also places the wife on the compulsory portion, she receives 50% of the 50% statutory inheritance entitlement, i.e. 1/4 instead of ½ of the total estate assets (Art. 471 No. 3 CC = compulsory portion). Thus, ¼ of the total estate of the deceased becomes free (50% of 50% = 25% = freely available quota). In this example, therefore, 37.5% of the total estate of the deceased becomes free and he can dispose of it as he wishes. The rule of compulsory shares, which is important in inheritance law, is not thereby violated as seen, because he has placed his heirs on the compulsory share.
What if there is no will?
If there is no will and no other testamentary disposition (e.g. contract of inheritance), the statutory provisions apply in full (e.g. statutory inheritance rights).
Can I keep a will at home?
Public wills must be kept in a designated office.
In principle, handwritten wills can also be kept at home.
For the sake of legal certainty, however, it makes more sense in any case to submit wills or inheritance contracts to a public institution. The cantons are even required by law to designate such bodies. In most cases, this refers to notaries public, who are also authorized to keep wills safe.
What is a public will and what must be observed?
A public will is drawn up with the assistance of two witnesses before the official, notary or other person authorized to do so under cantonal law (Art. 499 ZGB). Unlike a handwritten will, the disposition of property upon death is not made in writing by hand. The idea is that a testator who can no longer read or write can still draw up a will with the help of a civil servant.
There are two types of public wills:
- The notary submits a prepared document (will) to the testator. The testator reads the document him/herself and signs it. The witnesses will be called in after the signing.
- The notary reads the document (will) to the testator. Here the signature is not necessary. The witnesses must be here from the beginning.
Why does it make sense to make a will?
The law provides for settlement of the estate when a person dies. However, this legal regulation is only intended as a fallback solution. However, during their lifetime, all can provide for a regulation that deviates from the law (with the exception of compulsory shares; including counter-exceptions).
If a person does not want the (entire) statutory succession to take effect, the estate can be settled by a will in deviation from the law – provided that no compulsory portions are violated and the statutory minimum standards are observed.
What are the types of wills?
- Handwritten will
- Public will
- Oral will
Who is the executor of the will?
The executor is the person capable of acting (= capable of judgment and of full age) who was designated as such by the testator in the testamentary disposition (Art. 517 CC). One or more persons may be appointed as executor(s) of the will.
According to the text of the law, the appointment has to be made by testamentary disposition, but is probably also possible by contract of inheritance (controversial). But what is not possible is that the execution of the will is already concluded by an inter vivos contract.
The executor is entitled to remuneration.
What notices do survivors have to give?
- Dissolve budget.
- Cancel apartment, clear and clean.
- Revoke powers of attorney with banks.
- Cancellation and claiming of any benefits from insurance companies (health insurance, household contents, accident and life insurance, etc.).
- Cancellations of subscriptions and memberships to clubs and associations.
- Deregistration with the AHV/IV compensation fund.
Do I pay for a funeral/burial for my parents even if I inherit?
In the first place, the debts of a deceased person, as well as the costs of burial and settlement of the estate, are to be borne from the funds of the inheritance. This does not give rise to any difficulties if the testator has sufficient financial means and therefore the estate is also correspondingly solvent.
If the estate lacks the means to repay the debts, the heirs have the option to disclaim the inheritance and thus avoid personal liability for the debts of the estate. The exclusion of liability applies without restriction to the decedent’s personal debts and inheritance debts, but only to a limited extent with regard to funeral expenses.
According to a Federal Court decision, the obligation to support relatives under civil law continues to apply after death and obliges relatives to bear the funeral costs even if the inheritance is disclaimed. The law provides for a hierarchy that primarily obligates the husband or wife (today also the registered partner). Then, in the second line, the relatives in the descending line, i.e. descendants, and in the ascending line, i.e. ancestors, are liable to support, the nearer relatives excluding the more distant ones. The group of persons obliged to provide support is not necessarily identical with the heirs.
The assumption of funeral costs by the municipality is thus regulated in the respective municipal regulations.
What is a gift (Art. 239 ff. ZGB)
A gift is a gratuitous donation inter v ivos (Art. 239 CO) without any consideration. In contrast, a mixed gift can also be made (e.g. if something is sold far too cheaply with the intention of making a gift).
What is a renunciation of inheritance or a disclaimer?
The renunciation of inheritance means the renunciation of the inheritance during the lifetime of the later testator / testatrix. In such a case, the actual heir and the subsequent testator agree that the actual heir waives the right to claim his/her share of the inheritance at the time of the inheritance.
What is an inheritance service?
When a death occurs, you have to take care of many things as a family member. In many cases, the first point of contact for assistance is the inheritance service in the region where the deceased person was registered. Often, the probate service will contact the next of kin.
One of the first tasks of the probate service is to prepare a sealing protocol (see above).
Am I not allowed in the apartment after sealing?
If the entire apartment, or an entire property is sealed, access to it is prohibited. Breaking a seal can be punished by up to three years imprisonment under Art. 290 StGB.
What is (sealing)?
In the case of a seal, an official seal is applied to the estate objects. This is also a security measure. It is intended to prevent physical intervention in the estate. In other words, it is intended to prevent the estate or the object/asset from being taken away, altered, destroyed, concealed, or the like. (see also Art. 58 EG ZGB of the Canton of Bern).
Breaking a seal (i.e. acting against a seal) is an official offense and is punishable by up to three years imprisonment under Art. 290 StGB.
Further, a sealing protocol is filled out.
When is an inventory taken?
The taking of an inventory is carried out ex officio (Art. 551 para. 1 CC).
In the Canton of Berne, the taking of an inventory is ordered in accordance with Art. 60 EG ZGB of the Canton of Berne:
- if an heir is to be patronized or is under guardianship;
- if an heir is permanently absent without representation;
- if one of the heirs requests it;
- if the father or mother has died and there are minor children.
How do I wish my condolences?
In the event of a bereavement, social skills and philanthropy are elementary. It does not matter whether a death occurred suddenly or was foreseeable. Bereaved families need the support of friends and acquaintances in this very difficult and unusual situation. This is the only way to process the loss.
If you are informed of a death by SMS, you can also react directly to this message by SMS and express your concern. After that, a visit or phone contact is appropriate so that the grieving can tell. This helps those affected to understand what has happened.
Writing a letter is also a very nice way to respond. In this context, phrases such as “time heals all wounds” or the like should be avoided as far as possible. A sincere “I am very sorry” or “My sincere condolences” is appropriate. Also, the sincere offer of support is a very nice sign. Often, condolence cards are also read again and again by the bereaved and are also later, after the initial period of mourning, signs of compassion and therefore do good.
May I keep the urn or give it to nature?
The urn may be kept if so desired. In Switzerland it is allowed to give the ashes of the deceased to nature, on a mountain, in the forest or anywhere else in nature. If you also want to give the urn to nature, you must pay attention to what material the urn is made of and what the particular municipality where the urn is to be buried has for regulations.
What is perinatal infant death?
Perinatal infant death refers to all losses from fertilization of the egg to the first months of life. This refers to stillbirths, ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, abortions, stillbirths, and also sudden infant death syndrome.
Can a child attend the funeral service?
It is also important for children to be able to say goodbye to loved ones. At least older children (elementary school age and older) should be able to attend the funeral service. It is important that they prepare their child well for this and explain to them what exactly is happening there.
Can I put an urn into waters?
Urns and ashes from cremation may only be spread or laid to rest outside cemeteries in compliance with the laws governing forestry, water protection, aviation, building and the environment. An urn must be capable of dissolving very quickly when placed in a body of water.
Can jewellery be made from the ashes of a deceased person?
A sophisticated process makes it possible to turn a deceased person’s ashes, hair or fingerprint into an everlasting memento, a one of a kind and very special form of commemoration.
What happens to an artificial hip joint after cremation?
The artificial joints are sorted out from the ashes and disposed of.
Who is allowed to remove a pacemaker?
Physician, Institute of Forensic Medicine or qualified morticians.
Does a pacemaker need to be removed for cremation?
A pacemaker must be removed before cremation. Pacemakers explode at high heat and can damage the cremation oven or the fireclay inside the oven.
Who may decide whether a deceased person, a corpse, a body may be cremated?
First and foremost is the burial wish of the deceased person. If someone has not spoken up about it, it is up to those close to her to decide. One way to record one’s funeral wishes is to have a prearrangement discussion with a funeral director in your area. This can be useful if you have no relatives or do not want to burden them with it. Here you can get more details about funeral arrangements.
Who is the owner of the deceased person, the body, the corpse?
It is the right of every human being to determine, within the limits of the law, what happens to his or her body during burial. In the absence of other information, this right of determination is transferred to the relatives, based on their psycho-spiritual relationship. The decisive factor is the strength of the bond. This does not necessarily correspond to the legal succession.
Do funeral homes advise on funeral arrangements?
In fact, preventive care requires this. Funeral directors are very happy to advise you on all questions and concerns.
Do I know the costs with the funeral plan?
Upon request and in consultation with a funeral home, this will be prepared in detail. As a rule, a cost breakdown is a component of the provision. In certain cases, these can or must be waived. A funeral home will advise you.
How much does a funeral plan, death care cost?
There are regional differences in terms of rates charged by institutions/offices/facilities, costs charged by funeral homes, or costs charged by other individuals and businesses involved. If an individual cost breakdown is desired, contact a funeral home in their area. Members of the Swiss. Association of Funeral Services are experienced and trustworthy and know the local conditions. They can provide advice and support.
Because many different people, companies, community facilities, etc. are involved, detailed cost information also depends on the exact formulation of the individual situation. Thus, the costs can range from CHF 0 to several thousand francs, depending on the case.
What is a funeral plan, death care?
The funeral provision/heir’s provision ensures the desired execution of one’s own funeral according to one’s own ideas and wishes. It helps to arrange everything during your lifetime. It ensures that own wishes are fulfilled and that relatives are relieved. In certain cases, a certain amount of money can be paid for the funeral in order to arrange everything comprehensively and to relieve relatives.
Can an urn be transported on an airplane?
Urns may be transported by air.
Check with the appropriate airline for specifications.
For the transfer of urns, at least an extract from the death register and a customs confirmation from the competent crematorium is required. In individual countries, a transport release from the recipient municipality is required.
May urns be taken abroad?
Urns may be taken abroad.
However, it is not allowed in every country to transport the urn by land, privately. Check with the appropriate embassy.
For the transfer of urns, at least an extract from the death register and a customs confirmation from the competent crematorium is required. In individual countries, a transport release is required from the receiving community.
What are the costs of a transfer abroad?
The costs for transfers abroad are very different and depend on various factors:
Quality of the coffin, embalming, distance of transfer by hearse or plane, distance to and from the airport, type of documents required, fees, etc.
Find a funeral service near you HERE that will offer you a cost effective option.
What is repatriation?
Repatriation is the return of deceased persons to their country of origin.
Foreign nationals are often repatriated to their home country in the event of a death. Thus from Switzerland to abroad. This can be determined during one’s lifetime with a funeral provision.
Likewise, persons from Switzerland, in the event of death abroad (e.g. on vacation or during a business trip, after a car accident, accident or illness) are repatriated to Switzerland.
Travel insurance is often purchased to cover the cost of repatriation in the event of illness, accident or death.
In which newspaper do you publish an obituary?
It is best to publish an obituary in a newspaper that has its subscribers in the region where the deceased person lived or had the most relatives, kin and acquaintances. Thus, the death notice reaches most people who were in contact with the deceased person.
How do I give the obituary to the newspaper?
In most cases, your funeral home can help you or forward them to the newspaper right away. Some newspapers have online obituary options on their home pages, or you can get personal advice from the newspaper on how to lay out the obituary.
Who do you send a thank you note to?
Acknowledgements are usually sent to those who expressed their condolences on the death. This may have been done orally, in writing, or in some other form. Acknowledgements are used to express gratitude for the sympathy and condolences expressed at the time of death.
Who do you send an obituary to?
Death notices are usually printed in a newspaper advertisement in the newspaper that has the highest readership of relatives and acquaintances of the deceased person, in order to reach as many people as possible who knew the deceased person.
How to write a thank you note?
In a thank you note, there are some important points that should not be forgotten. Otherwise, however, the thanksgiving can be completely free and personal, even dialect language is possible and increasingly common.
- Thanks for the condolences
- First and last name (and maiden name) of the deceased person, occasionally nickname or sometimes the academic title
- Place and date
- The bereaved family
More points can be written on the thank you card like:
- Special thanks to (caregivers, pastors, doctors, or people who were of great importance to the deceased person).
- A funeral saying or verse
What is a suffering circular?
A grief circular is written to inform close people (family, friends, relatives and acquaintances or even associations in which the deceased person was a member) about the death. At the same time it will be announced where and in which form the funeral service will take place, so that the readers of the Sorrow Circular can attend it to say goodbye.
What is an obituary?
An obituary is the public publication of a death. This usually means an advertisement in a regional newspaper to reach as many readers as possible who knew the deceased person.
Will the funeral director come to my home for a consultation?
Since the funeral system in Switzerland is regulated on a cantonal basis, there are differences in the way funeral homes handle and offer their services.
What is discussed in a bereavement meeting?
During a grief interview/counseling session, all decisions and actions of a funeral are addressed and noted with the loved one in mind. It is determined whether the deceased person wishes a burial in the ground or cremation, cremation, cremation. If no decision was made during life, the relatives decide on the type of burial. In addition, the type of grave is determined. If a death notice, grief circular is to be designed, this can be discussed with the funeral director. The type and manner of the funeral service, abdication and responsible persons can be determined and requested. Organize flowers and clarify the administrative issues.
What work can be taken away from you in the event of death?
The funeral director can take care of all the work from A-Z in the event of a death.
Help
At the request of the relatives, the family can be involved in many tasks such as washing, dressing or burying. Otherwise, the funeral director will perform this work for you with great empathy.
Organization
The funeral director takes care of all the formalities, as well as the transfer, burial and laying out. He coordinates the entire funeral service and ensures that everything runs smoothly. Later, the transfer to the crematorium, the collection of the urns or the burial takes place.
Mourning print
Many funeral homes offer in-house printing for grief circulars as well as thank you notes.
Transfer
National or international transfers are also organized by the funeral director, guaranteeing a smooth process. He coordinates the transport or even carries it out himself. Transfers must be made by an appropriate casket transport vehicle such as a hearse. Further ways lead over the water by ship or through the air by plane.
Formalities
Bureaucracy knows no bounds, even in the case of a death. Various documents must be obtained, such as the death certificate or a mortuary passport (for international transports). All this work can be done by the funeral director.
What services are available in the event of death?
Grief Recovery
There are all kinds of offerings in the form of grief groups, grief walks or grief coffees. Any types of therapies such as sound therapy or other variations can be combined with grief recovery.
Funeral orator
Funeral orators are being used more and more often, especially if it is a non-denominational funeral service.
Farewell party
In addition to a celebration in church, there are a plethora of options today for celebrating the memory of a deceased person. In a neutral environment or even in nature.
Rituals
More and more funeral homes are offering individualized rituals to help cope with grief. These vary greatly from one funeral home to another. Many funeral homes explain their services on their website. If you would like to know more, simply contact the funeral director in your area.
Laying out
Laying out is an incredibly important step in coping with grief. If no laying out is desired, this is of course also possible, but this possibility of saying goodbye is only available once. An interment may be held at the local interment hall or at the funeral director’s in-house interment room. But also in your own home. Ask the funeral home near you and you will receive excellent advice.
Mourning print
Many funeral homes offer in-house printing for grief circulars as well as thank you notes.
Precaution
You can settle almost all matters yourself during your lifetime. You can get advice without any obligation. If you wish, you can also take out a death plan at your local funeral home.
Who is to be invited for a suffering banquet?
A separate invitation to the funeral meal of sorrow may be sent with the invitation to the funeral death notice.
However, it is also customary that all who are present at the funeral, burial can also participate in the funeral meal.
What is a meal of suffering?
Leidmahl is the communal meal after the funeral. The meal together should be in memory of the person who has died and provide a dignified setting to share stories and memories.
Do you have any tips on what music might help in coping with grief?
With music, emotions can be awakened. Grieving people need different channels to give space to their grief, music is one possible channel. What music speaks to you in grief is very individual. Music that the deceased person enjoyed listening to or your own favorite music, songs about saying goodbye or a classic piece of funeral music.
Is it allowed to make up a deceased person?
Cosmetics are used when the natural state should be restored, for example, when covering hematomas after an accident. It is helpful if the deceased person’s makeup items are available so that the correct colors can be used. A picture can also help. Keep in mind that the result will not be the same as when you were alive due to the change in skin color.
How is a deceased person prepared during embalming?
An embalming means that the blood is exchanged with chemicals (formalin) and the body orifices are closed in order to achieve a short-term preservation of the body. This is very rarely done in Switzerland. However, this technique is used, for example, when a deceased person is transferred abroad for burial.
Do I have to do a laying out?
No, here too, the wishes of the deceased as well as the relatives must be respected. For legitimate reasons, one may opt for an inaccessible interment, which will then take place with the coffin closed in the cemetery or crematory.
What do deceased people smell like?
Basically, a deceased person does not smell any different at the beginning than he did when he was alive. Only the gases that escape the body even after death can be a bit unpleasant. These are additionally released when the body is moved. Only after a long time or when it is very warm and the body is not cooled, a smell of decomposition begins to spread. This is not comparable with any other smell.
How long may a deceased person be laid out?
As long as you need time to say goodbye and the hygienic condition of the body allows it. We assume a feasibility of 3 to 5 days under optimal conditions. If the coffin is laid out, daily checks must be made to decide whether to close the coffin earlier. In about 2% of all deaths, burial is not possible or only possible for a short time because the body decomposes very quickly. This is usually indicated by the history of the disease.
What is a laying out?
A burial describes the place, or time between the time of death and the burial, be it a burial or cremation. An interment may or may not be made accessible, may take place with an open or closed casket, may be plain or elaborately decorated, may be public or private, may take place in a cemetery, crematory, or home, etc.
What is a funeral?
Burial can be defined as the period from death to burial. During this time, decisions and actions are made concerning the laying out of the body, funeral, burial, death announcement, thanksgiving, funeral service.
What is an urn burial?
After cremation, the ashes of the deceased person are placed in an urn directly at the crematorium. The urn will be buried in the cemetery or in a place of their choice a grave.
What is a funeral orator?
Funeral orators are people who guide through the abdication, arrange the funeral service together with the relatives and pay tribute to the deceased person once again. Funeral orators are usually chosen when the funeral service is to be held in a secular setting.
Does a minister have to be present at the funeral service, the burial, the burial in the ground, the funeral, the urn burial, the burial?
A minister is present when the funeral service is held in a church setting.
If the deceased person did not belong to any religion, a funeral speaker or someone from the family can conduct the funeral service.
The cemeteries are affiliated with the political communities and are therefore open to all. The cemetery regulations provide information on the possible forms of burial.
May I empty an urn?
In Switzerland, the scattering of ashes of deceased persons is permitted. Scatter ashes only in places where no bystanders will be disturbed. Make sure that the wind can carry away the ashes. The cantonal burial laws and local laws must be observed.
Can I take a casket home?
There is no law that prohibits purchasing an empty casket while you are still alive and taking it home.
Home Deposition
A home lay-up may be performed. The deceased is laid out directly in the coffin. For this, however, an appropriate cooling should be available, this is usually offered and carried out by the funeral director. However, it is also possible to lay out in your own bed.
What material is an urn made of?
An urn can be made of a wide variety of materials. A selection of materials used: Clay, wood, Arboform (liquid wood), porcelain, fabric, steel, copper, brass, bronze, plaster, glass, cardboard, plastic, sand, salt, paper.
What material is a coffin made of?
Usually and traditionally, a wooden coffin is used in Switzerland. The basic materials are solid wood or wood-based panels
Cremation coffin
Often simpler models are taken here. Simpler shapes as well as straight coffins. There are many different models from simple to elaborate. It is best to ask the funeral director in your area.
Earth burial coffin
If buried in the ground, more elegant coffins are increasingly being taken. More noble woods and elegant shapes are gladly chosen. It is best to ask the funeral director in your area.
Who makes coffins?
Specialized enterprises dealing only with the production of coffins. The coffins are produced in-house as well as purchased and distributed.
Which coffins are allowed?
In Switzerland, only wooden coffins are allowed. In the case of a burial in the ground, the wooden coffin completes the cycle of life. In the case of cremation, a wooden coffin is useful and necessary, as it brings an inherent calorific value. Unlike the cardboard coffin, which still requires reheating. Currently, there are no crematoria in Switzerland that accept cardboard coffins for cremation.
May I use another container as an urn?
In principle, one can answer this question with “yes”. As long as the container is stable and can be closed well and does not interfere with the funeral director’s work. It is best to ask the funeral home you trust.
Cemetery
In the event of burial in the cemetery, the cemetery regulations must be observed. Many cemeteries have explicit rules about what materials and urns can and cannot be interred. Each cemetery has its own regulations, it is best to consult with the funeral director.
Home
In Switzerland there is no compulsory burial, so an urn can be taken home.
Capacity
Make sure that the container for an adult person has a capacity of at least 3 liters, so that the ash can completely fit in it.
Can I make an urn myself?
In principle, one can answer this question with “yes”. An urn that you want to make yourself should not interfere with the funeral director’s work. The container should be stable and well closed.
Cemetery
In the event of burial in the cemetery, the cemetery regulations must be observed. Many cemeteries have explicit rules about what materials and urns can and cannot be interred. Each cemetery has its own regulations, it is best to consult with the funeral director.
Home
In Switzerland there is no compulsory burial, so an urn can be taken home.
Capacity
For an adult person should pay attention to a capacity of at least 3 liters.
Intended use
Depending on where the urn will remain, certain materials are more or less suitable. A perishable clay urn should not be placed outside (for example, in your own backyard) unprotected from the weather.
How to make an urn?
An urn can be created by a machine process or handmade by a manufactory.
Various raw materials
A mold is used here. The raw material (for example, Arboform or clay) is treated and then shaped into the typical urn form.
Wooden urn
A wooden urn is either turned or glued or set from different parts.
Clay urn
These are cast, stamped or molded. Even with machine processes, many work steps are still necessary by hand. Small potteries, on the other hand, make the urns purely by hand.
What urns are available?
There are countless urns made of the most diverse materials as well as shapes.
Materials
A selection of materials used are: Clay, wood, Arboform (liquid wood), porcelain, fabric, steel, copper, brass, bronze, plaster, glass, cardboard, plastic, sand, salt, paper.
Intended use
Depending on the material used, an urn is suitable for burial in the ground, in a columbarium (imperishable urns), in the forest (perishable urn) or a body of water (fast perishable urn).
What are the coffins?
Cremation coffins and burial coffins
Cremation caskets should be made of wood that burns well. The palette ranges from simple to elaborate coffins. For burial in the ground are usually taken more elegant shapes, as well as higher quality woods. Of course, you can also select high-quality cremation coffins. The funeral home you trust can provide you with comprehensive advice, as many offers are tailored to the region.
Cardboard coffin
At the end of the 20th century there were experiments in Switzerland with coffins made of cardboard. However, it was extremely problematic for those involved (e.g. crematoriums, cemeteries for burial in the ground, transfers of morticians, etc.). As a result, the cardboard coffins disappeared and a switch was made to simpler wooden coffins instead.
How long does it take to cremate an overweight person?
The cremation process for overweight people takes longer than for people of average weight. For those who are overweight, the cremation process can take up to 2 hours, while for those of normal weight, it is calculated to take about 70-90 minutes.
What are the ashes made of after cremation?
After cremation, all that remains is the ashes of the bones (bone chalk). The ashes of the cremation coffin are completely decomposed by the great heat of up to 1300 degrees Celsius or these ashes are lighter than those of the bones. During cremation, the wood ash rises and is filtered out by the waste gas purification system.
What remains after a cremation?
After cremation, only the bone ash remains. Metal parts that were in the body are removed with a magnet, so that only the ashes of the bones remain. Prostheses or pacemakers also do not burn completely. Larger bone fragments are still crumbled or coarsely ground so that the ash is not too fine.
Do very large coffins go into a cremation oven?
Yes, even coffins that are oversized go into the cremation oven. In recent years, there is an increase in cremations with oversize. Special coffins are necessary for this purpose. Some crematoria have also had larger cremation ovens built for this purpose in recent years.
How many coffins go into a cremation oven?
Only one person is fed in a coffin at a time per cremation furnace. Otherwise, in the end, you would not be able to separate the ashes of the deceased.
Find a funeral home
You can find funeral homes in your local area on www.bestatter.ch. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Basic offer of a funeral home
It is important to take the individual situation, the needs of the family, and the instructions of the deceased person into account. The deceased person’s place of residence also needs to be considered.
In federalist Switzerland, numerous tasks are divided between municipalities and funeral homes.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions.
For example, the services vary depending on decisions regarding: official formalities, organising pastors, churches, printed materials, burial in Switzerland or abroad, cremation and urn burial in a cemetery in Switzerland or abroad, the shape of the grave (perishable or imperishable urns), existing grave with an address or a new grave without an address, private burial of an urn in nature, etc.
A local funeral home can inform you and clarify the necessary questions with you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
What services are available in the event of a death?
It is important to take the individual situation, the needs of the family, and the instructions of the deceased person into account. It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions.
For example, the services vary depending on decisions regarding: burial in Switzerland or abroad/cremation and urn burial in a cemetery in Switzerland or abroad/the shape of the grave (perishable or imperishable urns)/existing grave with an address or a new grave without an address/private burial of an urn in nature, etc.
A local funeral home can inform you and clarify the necessary questions with you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Can a piece of jewellery be made with the ashes of a deceased person?
This is done more frequently than you may think. In Switzerland, there are several providers who offer this service You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/other-svb-members/
What happens with an artificial hip after a cremation?
As a general rule, foreign objects should be left in the body. There are cantonal requirements, for example, which prefer to have pacemakers removed for cremations and burials, for environmental reasons (canton of Bern).
There are also specific cemetery regulations and cremation requirements. After a cremation, any foreign objects are removed from the ashes.
Your local funeral home can inform you about the removal of a pacemaker and answer any other questions you may have about foreign objects. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Does a pacemaker have to be removed for a cremation?
There is no blanket answer to this question for the whole of Switzerland. There are cantonal requirements, for example, which prefer to have pacemakers removed for cremations and burials, for environmental reasons (canton of Bern).
There are also specific cemetery regulations and cremation requirements. Your local funeral home can inform you about the removal of a pacemaker. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Who decides what happens with a deceased person?
Clients and heirs can be: representatives, an inheritance service, relatives, heirs, etc.
The deceased person may have also set up a funeral plan or made funeral arrangements.
Different documents are required for a cremation, depending on the region. For example, funeral arrangements, a medical death certificate, a release certificate for any person who died of unnatural causes, a confirmation from the civil registry office, etc.
A local funeral home can inform you and make all the necessary arrangements. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
What is a sealing/airtight closing of a coffin?
Any coffin to be transferred abroad must be sealed. Depending on the region, there are different practices and different people to call upon. Generally speaking, a coffin is sealed so that no smuggled goods cross the border. Once the coffin has been sealed, there is a sealing protocol and a mortuary passport. Thus, the border authority or, for example, an airline knows that everything has been taken care of according to the rules.
A coffin does not necessarily need to be hermetically sealed. However, depending on the situation, a pressure valve is either required or recommended.
A local funeral home can inform you and make all the necessary arrangements. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Cancellations and terminations – what do I need to think about?
In principle, a guardianship expires in the event of a death, therefore the heirs and/or relatives are generally responsible for making the necessary arrangements. As people’s starting points and situations vary greatly, it’s worth talking to a funeral home that knows the local conditions.
Generally, contracts have to be terminated or rewritten, for example if there is a surviving spouse. Here are just a few examples: health insurance policies, other insurance policies, redeemed number plates, pension funds, newspaper subscriptions, public transport subscriptions, telephone contracts, etc.
A local funeral home can help you. You can find a list of our members here:
https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
What happens in the event of an inheritance if a child has never had any contact with a deceased parent?
It’s impossible to answer this question generally as it depends on the individual situation.
Some points that illustrate this: financial situation of the deceased person, acceptance or rejection of the inheritance, existing guardianship, financial situation of any heirs, clients for services, municipal regulations regarding funeral services, etc.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. A local funeral home can help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Do funeral homes provide advice on funeral plans?
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. For example, there are different rates for a crematorium depending on the deceased person’s place of residence. It can thus range from being free of charge to costing several hundred francs. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Other questions that may be of interest to you: would you like to know how much the funeral services cost or how much the cemetery charges? Or are you interested in the total costs that you will incur with regard to your specific situation?
For a burial: what type of coffin would it be? What type of grave would it be (individual grave, family grave, Jewish grave, Muslim grave, etc.)? It is a first or second occupancy? Depending on these factors, an existing gravestone might have to be removed beforehand, etc.
There’s a distinction to be made between funeral arrangements (whereby people write down what they want) and a funeral plan (whereby people make voluntary payments to cover future costs). At any rate, a funeral home will provide you with a cost overview upon request.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
How can I set up a funeral plan?
Funeral plans cover many aspects and take the burden off relatives. They make sure that everything is implemented according to your wishes, or if you don’t have any relatives, that your will is implemented, even if a guardianship is in place, for example.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. For example, there are different rates for a crematorium depending on the deceased person’s place of residence. It can thus range from being free of charge to costing several hundred francs. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Other questions that may be of interest to you: would you like to know how much the funeral services cost or how much the cemetery charges? Or are you interested in the total costs that you will incur with regard to your specific situation?
What type of coffin would it be? What type of grave would it be (individual grave, family grave, Jewish grave, Muslim grave, etc.) It is a first or second occupancy? Depending on these factors, an existing gravestone might have to be removed beforehand, etc.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
How much does a burial cost in Switzerland?
It’s worth contacting a funeral home in your local area. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
The reason is as follows: would you like to know how much the funeral services cost or how much the cemetery charges? Or are you interested in the total costs that you will incur with regard to your specific situation?
What type of coffin would it be? What type of grave would it be (individual grave, family grave, Jewish grave, Muslim grave, etc.)? It is a first or second occupancy? Depending on these factors, an existing gravestone might have to be removed beforehand, etc.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Can a coffin be taken abroad?
Yes, a coffin can be taken abroad. In fact, this happens very often. The transfer can be made by hearse or by air, for example.
However, regulations must be complied with when transferring a coffin. For example, it must be ‘sealed’ and a mortuary passport is required. Switzerland has different practices for the procedure, depending on the region.
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
Cremation Switzerland costs
It’s worth contacting a funeral home in your local area. The simplest way is to carry out a search via: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
The reason is as follows: would you like to know how much the funeral services cost or how much the crematorium charges? Or are you interested in the total costs that you will incur with regard to your specific situation?
It’s worth contacting a funeral home that knows the local conditions. For example, there are different rates for a crematorium depending on the deceased person’s place of residence. It can thus range from being free of charge to costing several hundred francs. Local funeral homes know the specific conditions and will be able to help you. You can find a list of our members here: https://bestatter.ch/en/association-members-your-regional-providers-are-ready/
For how long are graves left in place in Switzerland?
There are various types of graves: burial graves, urn graves, family graves, niche graves, Jewish graves, Muslim graves, communal graves, lawn graves, tree graves, etc.
As a general rule, in cemeteries there are graves for urns and graves for coffins. A cemetery belongs to a municipality or an association of communities. The authorities in charge establish cemetery regulations, pursuant to which the grave terms are determined according to the type of grave. The grave terms can only be viewed in the relevant cemetery regulations. Therefore, there is no blanket rule that applies throughout Switzerland.
As a rule of thumb, the term of a conventional burial grave or urn grave is 20 to 25 years. This term applies from the first occupancy. For example: if a second urn is added to a grave, the term is not extended. However, some types of graves are renewable.
How do I contact the ombudsman’s office?
Ombudsman’s Office for German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino:
Berto Biaggi
Unterdorf 21
5073 Gipf-Oberfrick
Tel. 062 865 70 70
ombudsstelle@bestatter.ch
For French-speaking Switzerland:
ASSF Romandie
Jérôme Voisard
Rue du 23-juin 24
2800 Delémont
Tél. 079 542 15 63
assf-romandie@bluewin.ch
A simple question about a funeral can usually be answered in a phone call or email.
In case of disagreement, committed errors or price complaints, a written submission with all supporting documents must be made. If there is any ambiguity, the ombudsman’s office may request the other party to make a statement.
The ombudsman’s office compares what actually happened with what should have happened correctly. The discrepancy between what really happened and the possible correct course forms the verdict, which is made known to the parties involved in the form of an expert opinion.
In the event of price complaints, the price charged shall be compared with the service provided. If the requested price, taking into account the local conditions, differs from the service provided, the Ombudsman’s Office shall set a correct price.
If a complaint is made about the price of an item, the Ombudsman’s Office will check the price and correct or confirm it.
Problem – what next?
Mediation by the ombudsman’s office is largely free of charge. It provides the substantiated expertise to the parties. After that, their work is completed. If no agreement is reached, legal action may be taken.
Corona/COVID 19
In people who have died from or with Covid 19, the viruses can be transmitted for a limited time after death. Touching the open coffin should therefore be avoided.
Just as hospital or nursing home staff must protect themselves when dealing with infected people, funeral directors must also take protective measures.
The funeral home and cremation and cemetery personnel must be informed if Covid 19 infection is present in deceased persons.
Open laying out is possible in compliance with the protection concepts.
The farewell ceremony and burial can be carried out if the requirements of a canton and the federal office are met. These rules are adapted on an ongoing basis.
Who bears the costs for palliative care?
According to the KVG, the costs of palliative treatment for patients with basic health insurance in a palliative care unit must be covered by the health insurance company if there is a need for hospitalization. However, supplemental insurance policies (VVG) often vary widely, and many health insurers do not cover palliative care at home or in a hospice.
Is there palliative care for children?
Yes, this form of palliative care is called pediatric palliative care (PPC). It involves the holistic treatment and care of children, adolescents and their families when children suffer from terminal illnesses with a limited lifespan.
What areas does palliative care cover?
Palliative care includes medical treatments and nursing care as well as psychological, social and spiritual support. Likewise, family members and caregivers are adequately supported and appropriately integrated into the process at the request of the caregiver.
Is palliative care for the terminally ill?
Yes, palliative care is for people with terminal illnesses who have no chance of a cure and a limited lifespan. The aim is to adapt the remaining time of life to the needs, symptoms and problems of the patients with the involvement of their families and/or caregivers.
What is the cost of a funeral printing, grief circulars, funeral cards, thank you note, thank you cards?
Sorrow circulars personally convey the information of a death.
The thank you cards address your personal thanks to the mourners for their sympathy. The funeral director provides the printed materials, labels the envelopes according to your address list and handles the mailing. The cost is a few hundred francs, depending on the amount.
What is the cost of a funeral director, a funeral service, a funeral home?
Professional funeral homes operate in Switzerland, also known as funeral homes.
In addition, there are carpentry shops that additionally operate a funeral service.
For funeral items, transfers, services and organization, please refer to the section above: What is the cost of a funeral?
How much is a funeral bill?
The funeral homes of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services SVB provide you with detailed and transparent information about the costs incurred for a funeral. The great regional differences in funeral culture and the wide variety of regulations do not allow for general guideline prices. The section above will give you an approximate idea: What does a funeral cost?
What is the cost of a grave, niche, urn grave, burial plot, communal grave?
Right of burial in municipality of residence, otherwise request with justification
There are no uniform prices, these are defined in the respective cemetery regulations and vary from municipality to municipality. It may make a difference in terms of cost whether or not someone was a resident of the cemetery community. Tariffs for locals or non-locals are then applied. Depending on the canton, cemeteries are usually administered by the municipalities or the churches.
The grave costs are made up of the following components: Grave site fees, burial, grave field maintenance, grave bordering and inscription. In addition, there is the planting, which you can do yourself or commission the cemetery.
Burial in a communal grave is often the most cost effective burial option as there are no maintenance or third party costs such as grave care and headstone. The duration of the grave is also decisive for the costs. For example, the family grave is the most expensive type of grave, as the term is often 40 years or longer. In addition, several people can find their final resting place here. You can find more information on Grave
Contribution to costs in the event of an accident or suicide?
In case of an occupational or non-occupational accident, we recommend to inform the accident insurance, especially SUVA, or health insurance for a cost sharing request. If someone has died abroad, SUVA will additionally contribute to the transfer costs, with other insurances it has to be clarified.
What is the cost of a funeral?
See WHAT COSTS A BURIAL
How much does a burial in the ground cost?
Costs at the cemetery vary widely. The rates for burial, grave plot maintenance and the grave plot fee can be found in the respective cemetery regulations, inquired at the municipality or the cemetery association. In addition to cemetery costs, there are the listed costs for a burial.
Body donation briefly explained
Anatomical dissection and surgery courses on human bodies are a component of medical student education.
The bodies are preserved for this purpose and future doctors can familiarize themselves with the three-dimensional structure of the human body.
Applications to subsequent patients must be practiced and learned. This includes surgical techniques, as well as surgical procedures that need to be developed and tested on deceased individuals.
Organ donation explained
Up to six organs can be donated in Switzerland. These include: Heart, lungs, liver, kidney, pancreas (pancreas) and small intestine.
Transplanting tissues and cells include: Cornea, skin, heart valves and large blood vessels, bones, cartilage and tendons and ligaments.
Consent is required for organ or tissue donation and the brain death of the donor must be established beyond doubt
After the removal of organs, a surgical scar remains so that relatives can say goodbye to the deceased person with dignity and peace.
Grief counseling
Grief is the echo of love. We have to accept the feeling, give space to the pain and give time to the grief. Conversations and rituals are helpful when saying goodbye. Accompanying people, being together and sharing helps enormously.
People who work as grief counselors are a great and strong support for dying people and also for their relatives.
There are many individual grief counselors, as well as organizations. In some places there are grief groups, grief cafes and other forms where you can get help.
What is a loop?
A bow is one ribbon, but most often two ribbons, attached to the floral decorations. A farewell text is printed on it, as well as the names of the people who are saying goodbye with it.
Where do I order flowers?
Very often funeral services will help you. Also, you can order the flowers directly in a flower store. It makes sense to seek advice and also know whether the flowers should be for a coffin, for an urn, as a room decoration or as a grave decoration.
Depending on this, there are different floral decorations that are more suitable for the farewell and the circumstances.
What does “in lieu of flowers commemorate…” mean?
In obituaries or on grief circulars, relatives sometimes write that no flower arrangements are desired and that donations can be made to an organization instead.
Left the church – may we hold the funeral service in a church?
This question cannot be answered unambiguously and universally for the whole of Switzerland. Some churches allow it but require payment for it and other church would rather not. Here the corresponding church, resp. their representatives are addressed.
In some churches it is also possible for another religion to conduct a funeral service in it. Here, too, it is important to ask and to inquire about the possibilities and possible costs.
Does a pastor cost?
If someone is a member of a national church, then, as a rule, the accompaniment of a pastor is free of charge.
Pastor
Often the assistance and accompaniment of a pastor is desired. A pastor is there for a family and for relatives and accompanies them. During a funeral service and/or during a burial or interment, the minister will offer a prayer service.
Depending on the church affiliation, the pastor of the place of residence is responsible and happy to discuss and conduct the farewell with the relatives. A non-religious send-off may be conducted with a neutral funeral speaker.
Can a family member also give a devotion?
Of course, everyone is allowed to speak and lead through the farewell. Very often, a funeral service includes speeches given by relatives, by colleagues at work, by members of associations, etc.
It is also conceivable that a family member will arrange the entire funeral service and deliver the prayer service.
It should be remembered that relatives are struggling with emotions and therefore are not able to give a devotion. However, experience has shown that individuals are aware of this and can make a conscious decision whether or not to take on these tasks.
Funeral speaker or funeral orator: what is it?
If someone has left the church or if someone does not want a pastor for the funeral or memorial service for a specific reason, then other people may be called in. There are funeral orators and funeral speakers. These individuals perform a funeral and/or memorial service on behalf of the next of kin.
The usual procedure is for the relatives to sit down with the funeral or eulogist. The procedure is discussed in the interview. It is discussed whether musical accompaniment, rituals, photos or a picture presentation are desired.
What to think about in case of death?
When a death occurs, many questions arise and it may be unclear what to think about or how to proceed.
What are the first steps? What do I have to do? Who can help me?
Depending on the place of death, the procedure varies. There are differences by municipality, region and especially by canton. In some cantons, authority representatives share responsibility and in others they do not.
In some cantons, therefore, one seeks to talk to a funeral service and in other cantons the municipality/funeral office is a point of contact.
Find your information here by larger towns and by cantons.
What are the first steps in the event of death?
A brief overview of the first steps for those cantons where the municipality is not the first point of contact:
Death at home: call doctor
Death as a result of an accident, suicide, or when a deceased person is found: Notify the police
For the rest of the funeral process, the family can hire a funeral director of their choice.
A brief overview of the first steps for the cantons where the municipality is the first point of contact:
Death at home: call doctor
Death as a result of an accident, suicide, or when a deceased person is found: Notify the police
If someone has died at home, the burial and transfer to the mortuary/cemetery is usually arranged by the municipality at the last place of residence (funeral or civil registry office), in all other cases by the hospital, nursing home management or investigating authority. For the burial, the relatives must in any case present themselves at the municipal office at the last place of residence of the deceased.
A brief overview of the first steps for the cantons where the municipality and a funeral service is responsible:
Initial telephone contact with a funeral service. This person will arrange the next steps and answer any questions. Within 48 hours, the death should be reported to the municipal office of the place of residence.
How many deceased persons are there in Switzerland?
All deaths of persons residing in Switzerland, including those that occurred abroad, are reported to the civil registration offices and reported to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) as part of the statistics on natural population movements (BEVNAT).
Deaths in recent years:
Year 2018: 67 088
Year 2019: 67 780
Year 2020: 76 001
Current data on deaths in Switzerland:
Find HERE at the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) all weekly updated data on deaths by age group, gender and region in Switzerland.
Is there an apprenticeship, vocational training for morticians?
In Switzerland, there is no professional apprenticeship EFZ for morticians. You can pursue this profession only on the second educational path. However, if you meet the following criteria, you can apply for the training and professional examination “Funeral director with SVB certificate” and “Funeral director with federal certificate”. Professional certificate” register.
Prerequisites:
– Federal certificate of proficiency or an equivalent qualification and at least three years of full-time work in the funeral trade
– Federal certificate of proficiency or equivalent qualification and at least five years of full-time work in a company with affiliated funeral services
Training and professional examination:
Learn everything about the training and professional examination of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB) HERE.
HERE you will find the current course and examination dates of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB).
I would like to get to know the profession of funeral director – can I “sniff around” in a company or do an internship?
If you are seriously interested in the profession of funeral director and have the necessary qualifications for the job, many funeral services will be happy to offer you an insight into their day-to-day work, whether in the form of a personal interview, taster days or an internship. There are also funeral homes which unfortunately cannot offer this – often due to a lack of free capacity.
Information and documents on the profession of funeral director:
Do you have the prerequisites for the profession of funeral director and would like to get a taste of a funeral home? Find funeral homes in your area HERE.
HERE you will find documents and information brochures of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB).
In the event of death, do we even need a funeral home, funeral service, funeral home?
Depending on the region, a funeral home or the burial office of the respective municipality of residence will take care of all matters arising in the event of death. Sometimes relatives want to organize things themselves, either for financial reasons or because this is an important part of the mourning process for some. In such cases, a funeral home or the respective funeral office will be there to help and advise you.
However, a funeral home with an appropriate hearse must ALWAYS be called for a coffin and body transport. Depending on the region, this is contacted directly by the relatives or by the respective burial office of the municipality of residence. If circumstances permit, relatives may usually accompany the burial and transfer if they wish.
Morticians, funeral homes in your area will be happy to provide you with information:
Ask a funeral home near you about local conditions HERE.
HERE you can find a funeral home in your area.
You were dissatisfied with the services provided by the funeral service you hired? Contact the ombudsman office of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services (SVB) HERE.
How much does a tombstone cost?
A tombstone can cost different amounts depending on the design. From a simple gravestone of several hundred francs to an elaborately designed monument for many thousands of francs. Additional work such as the setting of the stone and the inscriptions will be charged separately. You can request a consultation from the regional stonemason or sculptor in your area.
How long will the coffin stay in the ground?
There is a so-called rest for the dead. This is guaranteed by a cemetery in any case, before that the grave will not be lifted. The prescribed resting period for new graves is 20 years. The resting period is always calculated from the time of the first burial. The subsequent interment of an urn on an existing urn or burial grave does not normally extend the period of rest.
As a rule, entire grave fields are cancelled. The grave rest is calculated when the last free place of a grave field is occupied. In practice, this means that graves remain in place for at least 20 to 24 years or longer.However, a grave raising does not mean that the coffin is taken out. The remains remain in the ground unless there is an exhumation. That is, the mortal remains usually remain in the ground. If a new grave is later established in the same location, remains may be interred in the general grave.
Who decides which urn may be placed in a grave?
When it comes to what type of urns may be interred, it is the cemetery that dictates what features an urn may have.
When it comes to burial in an existing grave, the grave maintainer, or in the case of death, their heirs, can decide who may be buried in the grave.
What does “right of use” mean in relation to a grave site?
This is a contract that comes into being between a person and the cemetery, to be compared with a lease. This gives rise to rights and obligations. For example, the graveside caretaker has the right to determine who is buried. However, it also has the obligation to pay the costs, such as maintenance. This right of use can be transferred from one person to another. In the event of the death of the grave keeper, this often happens automatically.
How long does a grave exist?
Swiss legislation prescribes a grave rest period of 20 years.
The grave term is regulated differently from cemetery to cemetery. As a rule, the term is 20-25 years for row, niche and grove graves and 40 years for family graves.
A row grave is usually not renewable and the grave term refers to the first interment. On the other hand, a family grave and, in some cases, grove graves are often renewable.
Are there regulations of the cemetery for an urn, a coffin?
As a rule, a coffin must be made of light wood, have certain dimensions and be reverent.
The type of grave has an influence on the choice of urn. For example, in the case of burial in a communal grave lawn, it must be a perishable, so-called bio-urn. Each cemetery has its own regulations, where you can read which urns can be buried and which not. Some cemeteries require perishable urns for all graves.
How many urns are allowed in one grave?
It depends on the cemetery and the type of grave. This can be read in the burial regulations of the corresponding cemetery. Usually this is 2-4 urns for an urn row grave, coffin row grave 1 coffin and up to 8 urns, in a niche 1-4 urns, in a family grave 2 coffins and up to 8 urns.
What emergency call systems are available for the elderly?
Systems range from emergency wristbands to stationary and mobile devices. There are several providers of emergency call systems for seniors. Here is a small excerpt:
SmartLife Care offers a wide range of mobile and/or stationary equipment that can be either rented or purchased. With the emergency call system it is possible to call the emergency call center directly with a paid subscription. There is no minimum term and the contract can be terminated monthly. For more information on SmartLife Care, visit: www.smartlife-care.ch
Vitatel offers a stationary, rentable variant. The emergency call system includes a subscription with the emergency call center, which is chargeable. In addition, a one-time fee and a deposit fee are due upon conclusion. Calls are unlimited. Learn more about the rentable emergency call system: www.vitatel.ch
Seniors can buy or rent the Digital SmartWatch from Limmex. With this system, too, the emergency call center can be dialed directly with a subscription. The call duration is limited to 60 minutes per quarter. The minimum term is 1 year. For all information on the digital smartwatch: www.limmex.com
The Swiss Red Cross offers stationary and mobile emergency call systems for rent, depending on the canton. With the subscription, the emergency call center is radioed directly as soon as the emergency button is pressed for a longer period of time. A one-time fee is due and the minimum term is 3 months. The cancellation period is 20 days. You would like to know more about the products of the Swiss Red Cross?: www.notruf.redcross.ch
aidwatch is one of the emergency systems that work with a smartwatch. The emergency contact is called at the push of a button. In addition, an automatic fall alarm is integrated in this emergency system. Learn more about aidwatch’s emergency smartwatch system: www.aidwatch.ch
Also providing security at the touch of a button is Sawires emergency call. Around the clock, the emergency call center and immediate assistance are available.Find all information about Sawire’s emergency call: www.senioren-notruf.chMehrInformation about emergency call systems can be found here: www.seniorenportal-schweiz.ch
What is a guardian or adult protective services?
The purpose of a guardianship is to ensure the welfare and protection of a person in need of assistance. However, it should only restrict a person’s right to self-determination to the extent that this is really necessary from the point of view of protection.
As a general rule, a guardianship should only ever be ordered if the protection of a person cannot be achieved in any other way. If, for example, the care provided by the environment of the person concerned (e.g. relatives or friends) is sufficient or if the support provided by non-governmental charitable organizations (such as Pro Infirmis) or by institutions of state social welfare is assured, a guardianship can and should be dispensed with.
The adult protection authority orders a guardianship either ex officio or at the request of the person concerned or a close person. The prerequisite is a state of weakness described in the law (mental disability, mental disorder or similar personal state of weakness; temporary incapacity to judge or local absence).
The guardian is appointed by the adult protection authority. This may be a private counsel or a professional or official counsel employed by the community. The authority must ensure that the guardians – and in particular the private guardians – receive the necessary instruction, advice and support (including training and further education, if necessary). If circumstances so require, more than one person may be appointed as counsel. In such a case, it shall be determined whether these persons shall hold office jointly in all areas, or whether they shall have different responsibilities. When choosing the person to act as an advisor, the authority shall primarily take into account the wishes and concerns of the person concerned, his or her relatives and persons close to him or her.
The guardianship expires in the event of death. There is a loophole in the law in this regard. The guardianship is not actually allowed to make any more decisions. If there are no relatives or if they are not in contact with the deceased person, the decision-making authority is not regulated in the short term.
What do I have to do in case of death at the road traffic office?
As relatives, you must notify the Road Traffic Office within 14 days by means of a circular form (indicate: name, date of birth and date of death of the deceased person). In addition, the name and address of a responsible contact person must be provided.
Any control tag numbers redeemed to the deceased person must be returned within 30 days to either.
- be returned.
or
- be transferred to the current owner or holder. The following documents are required for this purpose:
- the application form completely filled in and signed;
- a new insurance certificate in the name of the current owner (this document is available from the insurer upon request);
- the previous vehicle registration document for transcription.
- If no new owner is known, the number must be transferred to the community of heirs within the same period. The procedure is identical.
Will the employer give me days off in the event of a death?
If a family member dies, the employer grants 1 to 3 days (depending on the degree of relationship).
How long am I entitled to the AHV pension after a death?
The current month’s pension belongs to the bereaved family, but the next month’s pension payment would have to be repaid.
Deregistration AHV and/or supplementary benefits in the event of death and deregistration with the pension fund – who does this?
A regulated notification procedure ensures that the death is reported to the competent civil registry office. The Civil Status Code stipulates that the notification is also sent to the AHV.
This takes a certain amount of time. Therefore, the bereaved family is advised to contact the AHV office themselves. Often, this can prevent a pension from being paid out, which then has to be transferred back again. A quick phone call may suffice. But there is no obligation for the bereaved family to inform the AHV office.
Likewise, the civil registry office reports a death of foreign nationals to the representation in Switzerland of the home country.
For deregistration with the pension fund, it is the bereaved family that must take action. Unlike the AHV, the authorities do not know the pension fund responsible.
As a rule, a death certificate is required for deregistration (this is not the medical death certificate, but the death certificate is issued by the civil registry office).
It takes a few days for the bereaved family to receive a death certificate, because the registry office has to check the registers and the data in order to issue it. must match.
Deregistrations and terminations – what do I need to think about?
Many current contracts, such as a lease, must be explicitly terminated by relatives. For this, the relatives need the death certificate (note: the death certificate is not the medical death certificate).
A death certificate is required to cancel some contracts. We recommend that you call the contractors in advance and ask whether or not a copy of the death certificate is required. Some agencies are very accommodating, which is why a report without a death certificate is often sufficient.
We recommend that you contact the following offices:
- AHV / the residents’ registration office informs the AHV /
Tip: if death occurs towards the end of the month, then call and have pension payment stopped - Social welfare office, IV, supplementary benefits
- Pension Fund
- Health insurance
- Insurance: accident, life, liability, household, vehicle, building, legal protection
- Lease agreement apartment, garage, parking, workshop
- Motor Vehicle Inspection / Road Traffic Office
- Phone: mobile, landline, internet, phone book entry
- Newspaper and magazines
- SBB, Libero (GA, Half-Fare, etc.)
- Serafe (formerBillag) / the residents’ registration office informs Serafe monthly
- Electricity/Gas
- Family doctor and possibly other doctors, dentist
- Associations, membership homeowners association, Pro Senectute, TCS, REGA
- Coop, Migros, mail order, eggs, beverages
- Spitex, meal service
- Employer
How do I formulate a condolence?
A letter of condolence is usually structured according to the following content:
- Salutation
- Introductory words (…that you have learned of the person’s death and are deeply saddened).
- Condolence (expression of sympathy in the narrower sense)
- Personal reference to the situation and to the deceased person (…how you experienced the person and what relation you have to it)
- Offer support (…only sincere support!)
- Convey confidence (….after the time of mourning, the memory remains)
- Greeting formula
- Finally, a quote or appropriate saying, if a saying is not already printed on the sympathy card
Basically, you do not have to follow the outline described above. However, most condolence letters and expressions of sympathy are structured according to the above list. Depending on how well you knew the deceased person, the personal connection may be a little longer or a little shorter.
In many cases, it is the case that one did not know the deceased person at all. Then you condole because you know the bereaved personally (e.g. work colleagues, friends, acquaintances). In such a case, in no case should you pretend and pretend that you knew the deceased person. This is immediately noticeable and embarrassing at best.
How can I delete a profile on Facebook, on Instagram or elsewhere in case of death?
To have a FB profile deleted, family members must report the death to Facebook and submit a special Submit a request . In it, they provide their own name as well as an active email address, the name, URL as well as the email address of the profile to be closed and the date of death. Additionally, Facebook requires a copy or photo of the official death certificate or other proof of death, as well as proof of eligibility.
Possible documents confirming the death:
- Death notice
- Funeral card
Possible credentials:
- Power of attorney
- Birth certificate
- Will
- Estate letter
Only family members or a person administering the estate of the deceased may submit the “Special Request for an Account of a Medically Fragile or Deceased Person” application. If an estate contact is stored on Facebook, the removal of the account is the sole responsibility of this person.
Applicants can black out sensitive data on submitted documents if it is irrelevant to the deletion of the profile – for example, the social security number.
How do I get access to passwords, computers, internet services in case of death?
To obtain passwords to Internet services it is necessary to contact the service provider. A death certificate and a certificate of inheritance are often required to be filed.
It is recommended that you make provisions for the event of your death and create a list of all your user accounts including access data (logins, passwords) and keep it up to date. This can also be the executor of the will or a so-called digital executor. However, caution is advised here. After all, you are entrusting your data to strangers here.
What is a family booklet?
The family booklet was issued for every marriage until 31.12.2004. Any subsequent civil status event (birth of a child, divorce, naturalization or death) was recorded in the family record book.
Since 2005, family booklets are no longer issued – the family card replaces the old family booklet. Existing family record books are still valid, provided that all civil status events (birth of a child, divorce, naturalization or death) have been recorded in the family record book.
Family Booklet Questions:
Find HERE the competent civil registry office of the place of event.
Are you looking for a funeral home that takes care of the official matters and supports you in all questions concerning the formalities? Find a funeral home in your area HERE.
What is a family certificate?
The family certificate is used by Swiss nationals to prove relationships under inheritance law. The Registered Marital Status Certificate provides information about a person’s current marital status, as well as any legitimate and illegitimate children.
For foreign nationals:
Foreigners or naturalized persons can use it to prove the marital status registered in Switzerland. It can only be issued if the foreign national had a civil status event in Switzerland after 31.12.2004 (e.g. marriage or birth of a child). The document contains the personal data as of the date of the first civil status event in Switzerland and is complete only on condition that all foreign civil status events have been reported.
Family Ticket Questions:
Find HERE the competent civil registry office of the place of event.
Are you looking for a funeral home that takes care of the official matters and supports you in all questions concerning the formalities? Find a funeral home in your area HERE.
What does the civil registry office do in the event of death?
Every death must be reported within 48 hours to the civil registry office of the place of the event, i.e. the municipality in which the death occurred and was medically certified. The following are required to register: Hospitals, old people’s and nursing homes, residential homes, the police or, in the case of a natural death at home, the relatives or the appointed funeral home, by means of a power of attorney signed by the relatives or their legal representative. After the death is registered, the civil registry office does the following:
Duties of the Civil Registry Office:
– Entry in the Swiss central database Infostar “Informatisiertes Standesregister”.
– Addendum in the Swiss family register (if available)
– Replacing the family ID card (if available)
– Death notification to the municipality of residence
– Issuance of a national or international death certificate (by order)
Which civil registry office is responsible?
Find HERE the competent civil registry office of the place of event.
Are you looking for a funeral home that takes care of the official matters and supports you in all questions concerning the formalities? Find a funeral home in your area HERE.
How can I protect the estate?
Contact the inheritance office of the relevant municipality so that an appointment can be made.
A sealing protocol must be drawn up. This measure is prescribed by cantonal law (Art. 13 et seq. of the Decree on the taking of inventory) and is part of the inheritance security measures. The content is information about the financial circumstances and about the legal succession.
If assets in excess of sFr. 100,000, the competent government governor shall order the establishment of a tax inventory and appoint a notary public of the Canton of Berne to be in charge of the establishment (the heirs may propose a notary public).
Depending on the circumstances, other measures to safeguard the estate may be requested and/or ordered ex officio by the guardianship authority (e.g. inheritance inventory, inheritance administration).
- Personal data of the legal heirs First name, surname (in the case of women also married name), address,
Marital status (spouse, children, parents, siblings - Family booklet exists only if married
- Will / inheritance contract / prenuptial agreement if it exists and where it is deposited
- last tax return with list of debts and securities
- Bank / postal account / securities Accounts, savings book, bonds, shares, loans, mortgages
of both spouses - Financial statements Assets and liabilities as of date of death
- Information on shareholdings in companies, patents,
- Inheritances, business assets
- Land, real estate, rental income
- Cash, precious metals, collections (stamps, coins, pictures)
- Aligned pre-receivers
What is a bank or postal account freeze in the event of death?
Ownership (including assets on all accounts) passes to heirs at the time of death. From then on, the bank must protect the interests of its new contractual partners – i.e. the heirs – as the Federal Supreme Court has ruled several times. The bank may not allow authorized persons to dispose of the estate before the heirs can obtain a certificate of inheritance to legitimize themselves.
Account blocking: what now?
A bank may only permit cash withdrawals if the heirs have been determined (to be proven with the certificate of inheritance).
However, many banks behave in an accommodating manner. They settle outstanding bills of deceased persons within the previous framework – for example, for apartment rent, electricity, telephone or health insurance. Banks also usually pay bills for doctor, hospital, and Spitex, as well as for the funeral, from the deceased’s account if an authorized representative or an individual heir submits them.
Depending on the situation, banks also allow smaller cash withdrawals for the family’s living expenses.
Nevertheless, the following points should be noted
After the death of a customer is usually blocked:
- Bank account, bank cards, access via e-banking
- Payments are often only made within the previous framework (e.g. standing orders)
- As a general rule: Invoices must be submitted to the bank as originals
Power of attorney becomes invalid, expires or is only valid to a limited extent:
- the power of attorney usually expires upon death in accordance with the Code of Obligations
- there are bank powers of attorney that are valid beyond death. However, these are not valid in every case without limitation
- Most banks only accept powers of attorney on the bank’s own form. Self-drafted general powers of attorney are not sufficient for these institutions even if they are notarized. General powers of attorney are legally valid, but the banks themselves can determine which forms of powers of attorney they accept.
- Powers of attorney that do not take effect until the death of the account holder are generally not accepted by banks because of the risk of circumventing inheritance law provisions.
- Upon the death of a bank customer, his rights and obligations pass to his heirs. Until the inheritance is divided, they may only jointly dispose of the estate and, for example, balance the account. An executor appointed by the testator, a representative of the heirs authorized by all heirs or an administrator of the estate appointed by the competent authority are also entitled to do so.
- No joint action of the community of heirs is required to revoke a power of attorney granted by the deceased. Each heir has this right for himself alone.
- Each heir can also request information from the bank individually, for example about past account movements. However, he must identify himself with a certificate of inheritance. Legatees have no right to information.
- accounts not in the name of the deceased person are not affected
Explanation of background:
Ownership passes to the heirs at the time of death. From then on, the bank must protect the interests of its new contractual partners – i.e. the heirs – as the Federal Supreme Court has ruled several times. The bank may not allow authorized persons to dispose of the estate before the heirs can obtain a certificate of inheritance to legitimize themselves.
A certificate of inheritance provides information about who is the heir. It is issued by the district court at the last residence of the deceased person, which can sometimes take several months. During this time, authorized representatives generally do not have access to the account. If a bank pays out money to an authorized person without waiting for the certificate of inheritance, it risks being liable for damages to the (remaining) heirs.
However, even a certificate of inheritance does not guarantee access to the account. The bank may refuse the surviving spouse larger withdrawals or to balance the account if there are other heirs. Or it may require that all heirs consent to the transaction in writing or confirm the power of attorney generally.
Can I create an advance directive myself?
Yes. See for further discussion, “Who Draws Up the Health Care Proxy?”
What is the role of the child and adult protection authority?
Without the Kesb, there would be no advance directives – and vice versa. Authority and advance directives are two cornerstones of adult protection law. Before an advance directive comes into force, the Kesb must check that everything has been correctly and completely recorded. Consideration is also given to whether the person making the provision is capable of caring for the other person.
If everything is in order, the appointed person receives a document stating what the now incapacitated person has determined. Homes, banks and insurance companies and other partners must accept this certificate issued by Kesb.
How long is the advance directive valid?
On the one hand, the advance directive is valid as long as the principal is incapacitated. If she regains judgment, the contract is suspended.
On the other hand, the appointed person may terminate the advance directive at any time by giving two months’ notice in writing to the adult protection authority. It may terminate the contract without notice for good cause.
What is the difference between a health care proxy and a (health care) power of attorney?
The advance directive only becomes valid if the person making the directive becomes incapacitated.
The health care proxy in its form no longer exists. On the other hand, powers of attorney can be issued in the form of general or special powers of attorney. In this context, the representation of the person granting the power of attorney may last beyond the incapacity to judge, or even occur earlier. The power of attorney can, for example. also provide that business shall be conducted by the authorized person with immediate effect, and shall continue to apply during the period of any incapacity for judgment. This makes sense especially if the person granting the power of attorney, for example. had an accident and is therefore absent from home for a longer period of time.
Can an advance directive be revoked?
Yes. However, this requires compliance with the formal requirements that also apply to the establishment. This means that the advance directive must either be revoked in full by hand or the revocation must be publicly certified.
Alternatively, the old advance directive can also be destroyed.
If a person draws up a new advance directive without expressly revoking the old one, the new one is presumed to replace the old one if the new one is not merely an addition to the old one.
Does an advance directive make sense for married couples?
Yes. For example the simplest day-to-day correspondence is handled by the appointee / appointee. This is because the commissioner is not simply authorized to do so.
Who can be designated as an agent?
A natural person or legal entity may be entrusted with the execution of the pension order.
Who creates an advance directive?
The advance directive is drawn up by the person who may become incapacitated at a later date. It must be drawn up by hand or publicly notarized.
Is a registered partnership treated the same as a marriage?
Yes (Art. 462 CC).
Inherits also a life partner / cohabitant
Only those who were in a marriage or registered partnership with the deceased also inherit. Merely being a “partner” is not enough for him or her to automatically inherit by operation of law. Of course, the later testator can provide for a different arrangement by will or inheritance contract and favor the partner therein.
Do the assets from the 3rd pillar belong to the estate?
Basically yes.
In Pillar 3a, the persons who are taken into account are fixed. The law provides that the spouse comes first. In the second place, you can name your cohabiting partner as beneficiary, even if there are children.
Moreover, you can assign them different quotas. You can determine the order in which parents, siblings and other heirs are to be beneficiaries. Those who wish can assign different quotas to these heirs.
If the 3a payout violates compulsory portions, the beneficiary must make compensatory payments to the other beneficiaries of the compulsory portion. This happens especially when the deceased person leaves few assets other than the 3a assets.
What is a contract of inheritance?
An inheritance contract is a different way of disposing of property than a will (testamentary disposition). In the case of an inheritance contract, the testator undertakes to another person to leave that other person or a third party a portion of the assets. The contract of inheritance cannot be unilaterally amended again, as is the case with a will.
What are the legal rights of inheritance?
The statutory inheritance rights apply if no disposition upon death (will or contract of inheritance) has been made. They indicate which surviving descendant receives how much of the deceased testator’s estate. They also regulate what happens if a legal descendant (e.g. the child of the testator) has already predeceased the deceased.
The statutory inheritance rights amount to the following fraction according to Art. 457 ff. ZGB, the following fraction of the assets:
Art. 457 CC
Para. 1: The next heirs of a decedent are his descendants.
Para. 2: The children inherit in equal shares.
Para. 3: Predeceased children are replaced by their descendants, in all degrees by tribe.
Art. 458 CC
Para. 1: If the testator leaves no descendants, the inheritance goes to the parent’s tribe.
Para. 2: Father and mother inherit by halves.
Para. 3: The predeceased father or mother is replaced by their descendants, in all degrees by tribe.
Para. 4: If there is a lack of descendants on one side, the entire inheritance falls to the heirs of the other side.
Art. 459 CC
Para. 1: If the deceased leaves neither descendants nor heirs of the parental tribe, the inheritance passes to the tribe of the grandparents.
Para. 2: If the grandparents of the paternal side and those of the maternal side survive the testator, they inherit on each side in equal shares.
Para. 3: A predeceased grandfather or grandmother shall be replaced by their descendants, in all degrees by tribe.
Para. 4: If the grandfather or grandmother on the paternal or maternal side is predeceased, and there are also no descendants of the predeceased, the whole half shall go to the existing heirs on the same side.
Para. 5: If there are no heirs on the paternal or maternal side, the entire inheritance shall go to the heirs on the other side.
Art. 460 CC
With the trunk of the grandparents, the right of inheritance of the relatives ceases.
However, Art. 462 of the Civil Code must always be observed:
Surviving spouses and surviving registered partners receive:
Digit. 1: if they have to share with descendants, half of the inheritance;
Digit. 2: if they have to share with heirs of the parental tribe, three-fourths of the inheritance;
Digit. 3: if there are also no heirs of the parental tribe, the whole inheritance.
May I change an existing will?
Yes. However, anyone who wants to do this must take good care to ensure that the old injunction is destroyed.
What is an emergency will?
A nottestamten is an oral will. This is only possible in exceptional circumstances and only in very exceptional cases. It also happens rarely. Extraordinary circumstances are listed in the law, for example (Art. 506 CC):
- Near danger of death
- Traffic block
- Epidemics
- War events
Furthermore, it must not be possible for the testator to use another form of the will.
What should be considered when making a handwritten will?
The handwritten will must be written by hand in its entirety and must also be signed by hand. It must also be dated.
What is a will?
A will is a unilateral legal transaction to which only the testator / testatrix is party. It can be amended, annulled and revoked at any time during his lifetime.
With a will, the estate can be provided for in deviation from the law – as long as no compulsory portions are violated and the legal minimum standards are observed.
In principle, only the options of the handwritten and the public will come into question, only exceptionally the oral will as an extraordinary variant.
What is an estate plan?
The concept of estate settlement includes all the ways of regulating the fate of the inherited property.
Either the will or the contract of inheritance come into question for this purpose.
What is an execution of will?
An execution of a will (better: execution of a will) is executed by an executor (see for the term: “Who is an executor?”).
In doing so, he/she is instructed to administer the estate, the inheritance assets and to comply with and enforce the provisions made in the disposition of death (e.g. will).
The purpose is basically to ensure the quick and reliable execution of the ordered measures, legacies and division regulations. The execution of the will is intended to provide assistance to descendants.
What do survivors need to do?
Depending on the place of residence of the deceased person, the next of kin must report a death within 2 days to the following authorities, although very often and depending on the locality this is done by the mortician:
– the civil registry office of the place of death or
– the burial office at the place of residence of the deceased person. These subsequently inform the civil registry office.
Provide the following documentation (if available):
- Medical death certificate
- Notification of the death
- Writ receipt / family booklet
- Identity card / passport
- Settlement permit / residence permit (for foreigners).
The death of foreign persons without residence in Switzerland must also be reported to the civil registry office at the place of death. The civil registry office will provide information about the required documents.
After the funeral/burial:
- Dissolve marital property: before the inheritance is divided, the assets brought into the marriage or purchased during the marriage (furniture, real estate, money, securities) and debts are divided between the two spouses.
- Settle the inheritance (Depending on the last place of residence of the deceased person, the procedure for distributing the inheritance and the authority responsible for this varies. The authorities of the canton of residence in which the deceased person was registered will inform you about the procedures):
- Dissolve budget
- Distribute household goods among heirs, unless there are provisions in the will.
- Prepare inventory of real estate, collections, jewelry and vehicles for distribution of inheritance.
- Cancel apartment, clear and clean.
- Social and insurance benefits for surviving dependents
- Clarify claims to widow’s, widower’s or orphan’s pensions (AHV/IV),
- Clarify claims to supplementary benefits to AHV/IV and cantonal aid,
- Clarify entitlements to welfare benefits,
- Clarify claims to survivors’ pensions with the employer (BVG),
- Clarify insurance policy/life insurance claims.
- Secure personal documents of the deceased person from the residence,
- Revoke powers of attorney with banks,
- Cancellation and claiming of any benefits from insurance companies (health insurance, household contents, accident and life insurance, etc.),
- Inform bank and post office, order statements by date of death,
- Contact employer regarding clarification of claims for continued pay, death benefits, severance pay,
- Cancellations of subscriptions and memberships to clubs and associations,
- Prepare tax return per date of death,
- Deregistration with the AHV/IV compensation fund,
- Inform road traffic office.
What should be considered when making a gift?
In the case of a gift, the donor must be capable of acting.
On the other hand, the donee does not necessarily have to be capable of acting, but at least capable of judgment.
The donation can be made “hand to hand” and thus informally. It takes place through the physical handover of the object by the donor to the donee.
In contrast, a promise to make a gift must be agreed in writing in order to be valid.
Marital property law and inheritance law in particular set the legal framework and thus also the limits for a gift: In connection with an inheritance, the explanations on the subject of “advance inheritance” must be observed.
What is an advance inheritance?
Under Swiss inheritance law, an advance withdrawal from an inheritance is a type of gift (see on gifts below). An advance inheritance is a gratuitous transfer of assets during the lifetime of the testator.
In this context, it is particularly important to note that an advance inheritance is generally subject to “equalization”. In concrete terms, this means that an heir who has received an advance withdrawal during his or her lifetime must have this deducted from his or her share of the inheritance in the event of death. Accordingly, he or she then receives less of the inherited assets at the time of death.
What is the meaning of disclaiming an inheritance?
A disclaimer means that the person disclaiming the inheritance does not wish to participate in the assets of the deceased. It does not receive any assets, but in return it does not pay any debts / liabilities.
The declaration of rash must be unequivocal, unambiguous and unconditional. In principle, it is also irrevocable.
It is important that the disclaimer is made within a period of three months from the date of knowledge of the death (for the legal heirs) and three months from the date of knowledge of the appointment of the heir (for the appointed heirs).
A disclaimer makes sense in particular if the inheritance is overindebted, i.e. has more debts than assets.
What are sealing officers?
Sealing officers are those persons who perform a sealing.
The president or a member of the municipal council is responsible for sealing. However, it may also be that these tasks have been handed over to another management body.
When is sealing performed?
A sealing must be made in every case of death (few exceptions).
What are inventory clerks?
The inheritance inventory (see, “What is an inventory”) is drawn up by a notary public entered in the register of notaries public of the Canton of Bern and should contain as accurate a list as possible of the objects of the inheritance with valuation and the obligations encumbering the inheritance (Art. 61 EG ZGB of the Canton of Bern).
What is an inventory?
An inventory in connection with an inheritance is a kind of “security device”. It is a means of security in order to be able to ensure the legally correct inheritance (Art. 551 para. 2 CC).
“Inventory” means the inventory of the property belonging to the estate of the deceased.
The inventory is usually done as a preliminary step to sealing (see, “What is sealing”).
How do I formulate a condolence?
The content of a letter of condolence is usually structured as follows:
- Salutation
- Introductory words (…that you have learned of the person’s death and are deeply saddened).
- Condolence (expression of sympathy in the narrower sense)
- Personal reference to the situation and to the deceased person (…how you experienced the person and what relation you have to it)
- Offer support (…only sincere support!)
- Convey confidence (….after the time of mourning, the memory remains)
- Greeting formula
- Finally, a quote or appropriate saying, if a saying is not already printed on the sympathy card
Basically, you do not have to follow the outline described above. However, most condolence letters and expressions of sympathy are structured according to the above list. Depending on how well you knew the deceased person, the personal connection may be a little longer or a little shorter.
In many cases, it is the case that one did not know the deceased person at all. Then you condole because you know the bereaved personally (e.g. work colleagues, friends, acquaintances). In such a case, in no case should you pretend and pretend that you knew the deceased person. This is immediately noticeable and embarrassing at best.
How to deal with the death of a child?
Experiencing the death of your own child is one of the most painful things you can imagine. Each person deals with it differently, what can certainly be said is that exchange with other parents who have met the same fate can help. Those affected who get involved with help in the form of exchange, self-help groups or conversations with friends and family can often process the loss better and learn to live with the new situation.
Can a child see a deceased person?
This depends very much on the stage of development of the children and this can probably best estimate the parents whether their child is ready for it or not. After a certain age, they can leave this decision to the children and prepare them well for how, for example, the body will look in the coffin. It can also be beneficial to the child’s grieving process if the child wishes to see Grandpa or Grandma one more time to say goodbye.
How do children deal with death?
Every child is different and therefore deals with death and grief differently. Most children don’t understand until about age 9-10 that people who have died don’t come back. The most helpful thing for children is to explain to them honestly what happened, so that they can properly assess the situation. If the death (of a relative or parent) is not talked about, children will make up their own minds about it and these can lead to misinterpretations of what happened, which can ultimately be more traumatizing for the child.
Can a diamond be made from ashes of a deceased person?
As opposed to traditional burial methods, you can carry a remembrance diamond made from the ashes of a loved one with you at all times. Especially in times of increasing mobility and distance from home, taking care of a grave can be a difficult undertaking, and the idea of a “diamond burial” is gaining in importance.
…pacemaker…insulin pump…gold tooth…
After cremation, the ashes are triaged. Scrap metal (e.g. coffin nails or metal from operations in the body) is sorted from the ashes by magnet. Precious metal (e.g. gold tooth, wedding ring) is emptied into the urn with the ashes. Artificial joints (e.g. hip, knee, stiffened back) are sorted out and disposed of.
May a cremation be performed if the deceased person has an artificial hip joint?
People who have artificial joints, hip joint, knee joint, stiffened back can be cremated.
Does a pacemaker have to be removed for burial in the ground?
In the case of burial in the ground, the pacemaker does not have to be removed. In terms of ecology, however, it makes sense to remove the pacemaker even in the case of burial in the ground.
When may deceased person, a corpse, a body be cremated?
As a rule, cremation may not be performed before 48 hours from the determined time of death. There are cantons where cremation is allowed after 24 hours. In some cantons there is also an upper limit of 96 hours.
Who decides what to do with a deceased person, the body, the corpse?
The basic principle is to fulfill the wishes of the deceased. The person concerned has deposited this either verbally or in writing, or it is implemented to the best of his or her knowledge and belief by the persons close to him or her. If no relatives can be contacted, the municipality will decide on the method of burial. This is regulated in the burial regulations of the respective municipality.
Who owns the deceased person, the body, the corpse?
Man does not belong to anyone. The deceased person is subject to the responsibility of the relatives or persons close to him. A neighbor can also be a contact person for a funeral director. In this case, the costs are borne by the municipality, see also UNEMPLOYMENT. In the case of an unnatural death, the prosecutor has the power to decide in the first instance and only after the body is released does the family have the power to decide.
What are the benefits of a funeral plan, death care?
With the funeral provision contract, the signatory receives the certainty that his funeral will be arranged as he has wished and relieves his relatives.
Perhaps it is also the case that there are no relatives and one does not want to leave the decision regarding the burial to offices or uninvolved persons.
Who creates a funeral plan, death plan?
A funeral / death plan for one’s own burial can be made at any time by the Association through a contract with a funeral home.
In addition, there is also the possibility of making a funeral provision with a member of the association, which is understood as an expression of will and is therefore binding, but without a contract being drawn up for this purpose.
How do I create a funeral plan, death plan?
Find a member on our homepage and contact the funeral home with confidence. There are many regional peculiarities, traditions and procedures. There are different persons and institutions to contact and it is not possible to proceed in the same way everywhere in Switzerland.
A funeral home in their area can advise and provide valuable counsel. Your concerns are the focus, but it is important that you contact a local representative or contact person. Members of the Swiss. Association of Funeral Services are experienced and trustworthy.
What is a sealing of a coffin?
Any coffin to be transferred abroad must be sealed. Sealing means the airtight closing of the coffin (zinc insert) in the presence of an official. This ensures that apart from the deceased and his personal belongings, there is nothing else in the coffin. Likewise, odor emissions from the coffin are prevented.
Can a coffin be transported on an airplane?
Coffins may be transported by air. Ask a funeral director in your area. He will find out about the possible destinations that are close to the destination.
What is the procedure for a foreign transfer?
Contact a funeral service near you. This person will help you with the organization of the foreign transfer or, if you wish, organize the whole transfer. If possible, bring the death certificate, passport, alien’s identity card and the family record book of the deceased. Likewise, the exact destination abroad should be known.
Can a coffin be taken abroad?
A coffin can be taken abroad. This is also referred to as a foreign transfer.
A coffin can be transferred or transported by hearse or by air.
For this purpose, the coffin must meet certain specifications, regarding condition (e.g. wood thickness, zinc inlay, etc.).
The coffin must be hermetically sealed for the official transfer.
Various countries of destination additionally require the preservation resp. Embalming of the deceased person.
Likewise, various documents and formalities (death certificate, extract from the death register, confirmation of soldering, mortuary passport, translation, etc.) are required for the transfer of a deceased person.
For the certification of the death of a foreign national, documents from the country of origin are usually necessary.
Find a funeral service near you HERE that can help you arrange the documents and transfer.
Does a photo belong in an obituary?
A photo does not have to be in an obituary. However, it is always nice to have a good photo of the deceased person and to be able to print it on the obituary.
How does the newspaper publish an obituary?
Newspapers usually publish obituaries in a separate obituary section. Depending on the newspaper, the closing date for obituaries varies, but it is usually sufficient if the obituary is placed the day before the issue. Your funeral home or regional newspaper can help.
Does the funeral director help with the obituary?
Yes, in most cases the funeral director can help you with the death notice. Your funeral home can quickly help you with the design of obituary notices for the newspaper, grief circulars or thank you cards, or even offer to do so themselves.
Who do you send a suffering circular to?
Sorrow circulars are usually sent to those people who are expected to be at the funeral service to say goodbye. It can also be whole associations or in some communities it is common to make a mailing to all households.
How to write an obituary?
In an obituary, there are some important points that should not be forgotten.
- First and last name (and maiden name) of the deceased person, occasionally nickname or sometimes the academic title
- Date of birth and death
- The names of the closest survivors (family, relatives, friends, colleagues), usually the names that were closest in the family are mentioned first, spouse, children, siblings, etc.
- If the funeral service is public, details of the funeral service, place, date, time.
- Often, a funeral slogan or religious symbol is also printed on the obituary.
How to Write a Suffering Circular?
In a suffering circular, there are some important points that should not be forgotten. Otherwise, however, the suffering circular can be completely free and personal, even dialect language is possible and increasingly common.
- First and last name (and maiden name) of the deceased person, occasionally nickname or sometimes the academic title
- Date of birth and death
- The names of the closest survivors (family, relatives, friends, colleagues), usually the names that were closest in the family are mentioned first, spouse, children, siblings, etc.
- details of the funeral service, place, date, time, the address for letters of condolence (bereaved family)
Other items may be written on the obituary such as:
- Remarks on the personality, profession, career and characteristics of the deceased person(s)
- Thanks to nurses and doctors
- a funeral dir ge ( mourning circulars are often introduced in this way)
- possibly remarks on the period of suffering and/or the cause of death
Your funeral home can help you with this and usually has templates or sample text
What is a thank you note?
A thank you note is written to thank the people who expressed their condolences on the death in some way. This may have been done verbally, with a letter of condolence, or in some other form. Acknowledgements are used to express gratitude for the sympathy and condolences expressed at the time of death.
How do I create a living will?
Creating a living will takes time. It is worthwhile to think about it, to become aware of one’s own will and to include one’s own environment in the process.
The living will must be made in writing, dated and signed. It must be established by the disposing person himself, and cannot be established by a third party. Subsequently, it can also be deposited.
Electronic forms, which are freely available on the Internet, are recommended for their establishment.
It is important to note that the will of the person making the order must be clearly expressed, so that there is no room for maneuver regarding medical measures to be carried out or not.
In an advance directive, a person expresses his or her personal wishes to doctors and caregivers in the event that he or she is no longer able to express an opinion on treatment.
He records how he would like to be cared for and accompanied in his final phase of life and how he would like the farewell to be.
In terms of content, the living will primarily regulates two issues: On the one hand, the use of life-prolonging measures. This includes water and food administration, ventilation and resuscitation. Depending on the situation, decisions must also be made about oxygen supply, medication, transfusion, dialysis and surgical interventions
Where do you have a consultation?
Many funeral services have their own premises. Sometimes a place in an institution offers itself or with the relatives at home. Rarely, relatives may also enjoy gathering in the deceased person’s home.
What is a grief interview?
The consultation with a funeral director is called a bereavement consultation. As a rule, this conversation takes place promptly after a death.
What mourning items are available in the event of death?
The selection of mourning items has multiplied in recent years.
Commemorative jewelry
Whether commemorative jewelry such as lockets or necklaces and rings or other preservation methods for hair, nails, ashes are possible. For example, the ashes of the deceased person can be pressed into a diamond using special machines. In the commemorative jewelry, a small amount of the ashes is placed in the container of the necklace.
Personalize
The possibilities are almost limitless. A wide variety of items can be used to personalize them, such as engraving or laser inscription. Ask the funeral home in your area about their particular services.
What words other than suffering meal are there?
Funeral feast
Grebt/Diggs
Food after the funeral
Funeral meal
Funeral dinner
Apéro
Feast for the Dead
Do you make a suffering meal?
It is optional to host a suffering meal. It can be helpful after the funeral and memorial service, the farewell to the deceased person, to host a meal of sorrow. There is space and time to share, tell stories and reminisce.
How to find singers, musicians for the funeral service?
If you celebrate in a church setting, they ask the responsible pastor. If they prefer a “free ceremony,” ask the funeral speaker(s). It can also be someone from your personal circle or from the circle of the deceased person. Yodel club, church choir, men’s choir, gospel choir, ACapella choir or musicians that are hired.
On online platforms you can find musicians* who provide an offer for funeral services.
Is it permissible to place personal items in the casket of a deceased person?
Coffin gifts are something very individual and personal. It can be things like flowers, a favorite book, a photo of loved ones or a walking stick. There are no limits to creativity. Only in the case of cremation, care must be taken to ensure that it is combustible. A smaller hand carving is not a problem, a larger stone will not work.
What is done to a deceased person before they are placed in the coffin?
If you wish, ask your funeral service if you may be present during all of these acts and/or assist yourself.
As a rule, the deceased are newly dressed. These can be favorite or everyday clothes, or even clothes with a special meaning. If someone does not want personal garments or none are available, a burial gown will be dressed for the deceased. Before this can be done, it is usually necessary to release the muscle rigidity in the arms by stretching. Depending on the body is still washed with a wet cloth beforehand. Intimate washing is also done when necessary. The face and hands can be rubbed with a moisturizing cream. The hair is trimmed and the hands are clasped on the belly.
May a deceased person be laid out at home?
Yes. As long as the hygienic condition of the body allows it and the people living at home go along with it. Depending on the season, it is enough to open the window and close the windows from penetrating sunlight and animals. The heating should also be turned off. At high temperatures, the installation of cooling is recommended. The upper body should be bedded elevated. If you feel unsure, it is best to have a funeral director come to your home to assist you.
Is it allowed to photograph a corpse?
In principle, there is nothing wrong with this, as long as the relatives agree and no abuse is committed. It may be that you want to capture one last image of a loved one and that feels natural to you. However, you may wish to keep the deceased alive in your memory. Both are fine and must ultimately be right for the person(s) involved.
Is there corpse poison?
No, there is no corpse poison. There may be unpleasant odors and bacteria from decomposition in the body; however, skin contact or inhalation is harmless.
Am I not allowed to lay out?
Some cantons have regulations according to which a place of burial must be hygienically impeccable. Otherwise, there are no specifications in this regard and should take place within this framework, as it is right for you. See laying out.
What is a funeral?
The burial is part of the funeral. A funeral, burial is when a coffin, urn, ashes are given to the earth and buried in a cemetery in the appropriate grave. In the wording funeral, burial are also included the funeral service or a solemn farewell, as well as the meal of sorrow.
The word funeral is often colloquially equated with the term burial.
What is a burial in the ground?
In a burial in the ground, full body burial, the deceased person, who has been pre-interred in the coffin, is buried in the ground.
What is a farewell party?
A farewell service provides an opportunity to say goodbye to the deceased person with honor and dignity. A farewell celebration can help you feel carried and provides an opportunity to look back and also refocus on life without the person who has died. A funeral service may be held in a church and/or secular setting.
What does “quietly taken place” mean?
“Quietly” means that the deceased person was said goodbye to in the closest family circle. Close friends and relatives can also be invited.
Is the coffin, the urn present at the funeral service?
At the funeral service, you can decide for yourself how you want to arrange it. Whether you want to have the urn or the coffin with you, you can decide individually. The urn interment may also take place at a later date than the funeral service. The funeral service can also be combined directly with the urn or coffin burial. Ask the local funeral home what options can be realized.
Can I bury an urn in the forest, nature, in the lake?
Yes, in principle, burial in the forest, nature and in the lake is allowed in Switzerland.
Forest
It is not forbidden to bury the urn in a forest in Switzerland. It is recommended to inform the local municipality. In special forest cemeteries, tree burial can be performed by a company specializing in natural burials or by the funeral director. On private property, you must obtain the owner’s consent.
Burial at sea
You can have a burial at sea with a funeral director, they will follow local laws and may even work with a shipping company that offers such burials at sea.
If a burial at sea is carried out by the burial service itself, the cantonal burial law as well as the local law must be observed.
Nature
You can scatter the ashes in nature. Be careful not to disturb other people and that the ashes can be carried away by the wind. For burial in the ground, the consent of the owner of the land must be obtained.
Can I take an urn home?
Yes, you may. In Switzerland there is no obligation to bury urns. You can place the urn in your home or even in the garden. Burial in the garden is also allowed. Make sure the urn is made of suitable materials, depending on its intended use. The funeral home you trust will be happy to advise you.
Are there cardboard coffins?
Yes, there are cardboard coffins. In Switzerland, these are hardly used at all. Crematoria in Switzerland refuse to deliver a deceased person in a cardboard coffin. During cremation, the cardboard coffin provides little calorific value and is therefore unsuitable. Many people additionally feel that the cardboard coffin is undignified.
What are the coffin factories?
In Switzerland there are the following coffin factories:
Adrian Willimann AG Sargfabriakton – Rickenbach
AF Funeris Sàrl in Chénens
Egli Sargproduktion AG – Beromünster
Hager coffin production – Kriens
Hans Gerber AG – Lindau
How is a coffin made?
Coffin production in Switzerland is usually a serial production. The basic materials are solid wood or wood-based panels. The individual parts consist of the bottom board, the lid board, the side boards and the head and foot board. The basic steps are cutting wooden boards, sanding and fine sanding, surface treatment and final assembly.
What urns are allowed?
If the urn is interred in the cemetery, the cemetery regulations must be observed. Since every cemetery regulation is drafted differently, this question cannot be answered in a blanket manner. However, the trend towards biodegradable urns has led to many cemeteries allowing mainly organic urns to be buried. It is best to inquire with the funeral home nearest you.
Can I use anything as an urn?
In principle, one can answer this question with “yes”. As long as the container is stable and can be closed well and does not interfere with the funeral director’s work. It is best to ask the funeral home you trust.
Cemetery
In the event of burial in the cemetery, the cemetery regulations must be observed. Many cemeteries have explicit rules about what materials and urns can and cannot be interred. Each cemetery has its own regulations, it is best to consult with the funeral director.
Home
In Switzerland there is no compulsory burial, so an urn can be taken home.
Capacity
Make sure that the container for an adult person has a capacity of at least 3 liters, so that the ash can completely fit in it.
Is it true that private transport of urns is prohibited in many German states?
Yes, that’s right. In Germany, there is a cemetery obligation. The ash capsule or the urn with the ashes may not be taken home or buried outside of a cemetery. Accordingly, only the funeral home may transport urns.
Who makes urns?
In many cases, these are large companies that specialize in the production of urns and distribute them internationally. In recent years, countless individual businesses have emerged in Switzerland, mostly potteries or woodturners who have built up a small range of urns that are distributed regionally.
Forms
Straight shape
The plain form is mostly taken for cremations.
Body shape
This shape is often taken for burial caskets, but can vary greatly from region to region.
Curved shape
This coffin has a curved edge and is practically made only for the Swiss market.
Chest coffin
There is the chest form as well as the American chest coffin, where the top half of the lid can be opened when saying goodbye.
Cardboard coffins
Cardboard coffins are made of cardboard, paper and cellulose and coated with a waterproof layer. In Switzerland, this coffin is a niche product and is hardly used. They are also hard to obtain because they bring too many disadvantages.
Zinc coffin
For a foreign transport a zinc coffin is used, which is soldered before the transport. In countries that do not have crematoria, a zinc coffin is used for burials in the ground in order not to contaminate the soil.
Child coffin
Children’s coffins come in different lengths. In many cases they are white or painted with bright colors.
Urn, Sea Urn, Biological Urn, Burial Coffin, Casket
After a cremation, the ashes of a deceased person are placed in an urn. There are a variety of urns. The urns differ in shape, color, materials, etc.
The urns are different because they are meaningful to the bereaved. It is often a personal taste that decides which urn is chosen. In addition, sometimes the person of the deceased is taken into account. For example, the affinity with the wood of the deceased person is expressed by choosing a wooden urn.
But there are also very practical reasons to choose an urn. When an urn is buried in water, it must of course have certain characteristics, such as being sinkable and perishable. Or if an urn is taken home, relatives may not want the urn to be recognizable as an urn. Perhaps the urn should also be imperishable in the ground so that it can be removed from the ground after a few years, or perhaps the opposite should be true and the urn should dissolve in the ground.
In addition, there are also small urns (reliquary urns). In them is filled only a small part of the ash. Perhaps the main urn is buried in a cemetery and as a memento, a small portion of the ashes are taken home and placed in a reliquary urn.
Does it need a coffin?
A coffin is necessary to ensure a dignified burial. A wooden coffin is a prerequisite for transport, burial and cremation or burial in the ground. Cremations are made of easily combustible wood, while burials are made of more noble woods and more elegant shapes, even with ornaments or carvings.
Is cremation, cremation or burial more common in Switzerland?
In 2020, about 90% of all deceased persons in Switzerland were cremated. In 2000, the figure was only about 70%, and in 1950 it was still just under 20%. In the canton of Ticino, burial is even more common than in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
How much ash remains after cremation?
From an adult human usually remains (depending on weight and size) between 2.5 to 3.5 kg of bone ash. For the amount of ash, it is crucial how much lime was stored in the bones.
How long does a cremation take?
The cremation process itself takes between 70 to 90 minutes. The size of the corpse and the oxygen content in the body determine how long the cremation takes. Since a heavier corpse contains more water, the cremation process takes longer. Similarly, strong medications can prolong the cremation process.
What temperature is used for cremation?
The incinerator is first preheated to 900 degrees Celsius and later the temperature is increased to 1200-1300 degrees Celsius. After preheating, the coffin with the body is placed (usually automatically to avoid temperature loss) in the cremation oven.
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