Planning ahead enables difficult decisions to be made before a time of emotional stress.  Coordinated by Suzanne Seitz Behan, a licensed funeral director and certified funeral planner, we offer complete assistance and comprehensive pre-arrangement services. Contact Suzanne or make an appointment by calling 248-362-2500.

Who preplans a funeral?
Anyone can preplan their own funeral. If possible, it is also beneficial if family or close friends participate. 

What are the benefits of preplanning a funeral?
Preplanning a funeral is a secure and informed way to prepare for the eventuality of death. By making arrangements ahead of time, you will not leave complicated decisions to your family on a most difficult day. Planning and paying ahead can prevent an untimely financial obligation to your family. 

What is my first step?
Contact A.J. Desmond & Sons.  We will talk with you and then assist in selecting the services and merchandise to meet both your budget and wishes. Remember, you always control the costs. 

Should I also prepay?
Prepayment allows you to guarantee the costs and avoid the inevitable price increases. It insures that your funeral costs will be covered. Several payment options exist, including single payment or installment plans. Prepayment is not required to preplan.

Are my funds safe?
With us, YES! Know that not all sellers of prepaid funerals are regulated equally and not all prepaid plans are equal. Be sure that the plan you choose is controlled by state law and the cost is guaranteed. The money should also be invested prudently and securely. Our plans meet all these criteria.

What happens to the pre-arrangement funds?
At A.J. Desmond & Sons, escrow funds are invested in safe, secure and properly managed programs that are audited annually. All plans are strictly regulated by Michigan law, assuring that your money will be there when needed. We do not obtain any funds until death. Once paid, we are obligated to provide the guaranteed services and merchandise regardless of fund balances, so all responsibility rests with us.

Who pays taxes on the income?
In most cases, this will be a tax free process for you. In an escrow account, under recent changes in the tax code either the contract owner (normally the purchaser) or the trust itself can assume the tax liability. If the account owner has an income tax responsibility, the funds will be invested so that the trust pays any taxes due. Insurance policies have no tax liability.

What is the procedure when death occurs?
The family should immediately call us. A.J. Desmond & Sons is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if the death occurs outside our area, the family should still call us first and we will make all the necessary contacts for you, including a funeral home in the location of death. While we keep a complete record of all transactions, please remind us that there is a preplanned funeral agreement.

Will more money have to be paid at the time of the funeral?
All prepaid items with a guaranteed price are always considered to be fully paid. Of course, there may be additional costs for anything not prepaid or added at the time of death, as well as for price increases in non-guaranteed accommodation items.

How does a prepaid funeral contract affect Medicaid or S.S.I. eligibility?
While we do not control Medicaid eligibility or regulations, it is usually possible to pay for a funeral and have those funds considered a non-asset for Medicaid evaluation. Medicaid situations and laws may change, but our documentation will always comply with current requirements.

What if I move away or change my mind?
Most contracts can be cancelled or changed at any time. If you move, our colleagues in your new location should honor the contract and a transfer of funds may be all that is necessary. If you move but want your funeral plans to remain here, there are some options. Ask Suzanne to discuss these with you. 

If you change your mind, we will adjust accordingly. Just let us know.

Most escrow accounts can readily be cancelled and, by law, you are entitled to receive at least a 90% refund of both your original payment and the accumulated interest. It may not be financially practical to cancel insurance, but a change in the designated funeral director can always be made.  Notify us of any changes, and we will make the appropriate modifications or give you a refund within 30 days.

What if I travel a lot and something may happen when I am away from my home base?
We do have a travel protection insurance plan available. Ask Suzanne to learn more about it.

PLEASE NOTE: Prior to death, a contract may be certified "irrevocable" by the Michigan Department of Human Services to qualify the recipient for Medicaid. Irrevocable contracts cannot be LEGALLY cancelled for any reason. Once the death occurs, all contracts become binding and cannot be cancelled or substantially changed. In any case, it is normally possible to transfer performance of the contract to another funeral home. 

Click Here if you would like to begin to preplan on-line. Call Suzanne at 248-362-2500 for more information or to make an appointment.