Some Commonly Asked Questions
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• I understand that more and more people are choosing cremation. Is this because the cost is lower?

While it is true that the cost of cremation is about 20% that of body burial, surveys indicate many people are choosing and planning cremation because of other factors. These include the simplicity and dignity of cremation services, environmental concerns, and the flexibility of cremation.

• If cremation is chosen, must a funeral home be called at the time of death?

No. It is not necessary in most states to engage the services of a separate funeral home.

• Does a body have to be embalmed before cremation?

Embalming is a practical necessity only if there is a public viewing or a funeral with the body present. Most states do not require embalming.

• What do cremated remains that are returned to the family look like?

The quantity of cremated remains of an adult is comparable to the size of a 6 inch x 6 inch x 6 inch box or a large dictionary. The appearance resembles crushed seashells. Unless otherwise specified by the family the remains are returned in a plain temporary container. This container should not be used for permanent disposition of the cremated remains.

• If my family knows I want cremation, is that all I need to do in advance?

No. Just stating your wishes will not necessarily assure their being honored. To assure your wishes will be honored and to prevent your survivors from having to make decisions and arrangements at the time of your death, you can choose a cremation provider and prearrange your cremation. The cremation provider can also keep the personal data and authorizations which will be required for your death certificate, so that your survivors will not have to be asked for this information during an emotional time. You may also prepay the expenses of your cremation if allowed by state law.

• What advantage would there be in prepaying my cremation cost?

There are two major advantages of prepayment. First, you may be offered a discounted price and an inflation proof contract. This means that no further money will be due at any time. This financial advantage also will prevent your survivors from having to pay for your last expenses at a time when circumstances, such as a catastrophic illness, might have reduced their ability to pay without hardship. The second advantage is not related to cost. It has to do with the desire that many people feel the necessity to be independent and to take care of their own needs without placing the burden on others who will be grieving the loss of a loved one. This consideration also applies to people who feel it is likely that at the time of death, they will have no family members to take care of their final arrangements.

• Does Neptune Society accept out-of-state membership?

No, Neptune Society offices are presently established in California and on the East Coast.

• What kind of people become members of the Neptune Society?

People who choose to avoid ostentatious funerals and the flagrant display of wealth, real or imaginary. They find the Neptune Society concept to be the new answer to the old problems associated with death and pre-need planning.

• Is Neptune Society a non-profit organization?

No.

• What happens if I die out of state?

It is our experience that it is more advantageous to the family to make local arrangements for cremation. The ashes may then be forwarded to the Neptune Society by registered mail for scattering at sea or returned to the family as stated on the authorization form.

• How is Neptune Society licensed?

Each Neptune Society office is licensed by the Funeral Director’s Board as well as the Cemetery Board as required by Consumer Affairs in the State of California.

• Are you affiliated with any other entity trading under the name of Neptune Society?

No. Neptune Society-Riverside and San Bernardino and Neptune Society-San Jose are independently owned and operated by Leneda, Inc., a California corporation. There is no relationship between these two offices and any other entity trading under the name of Neptune Society.

• How do the Neptune Society's charges compare with conventional funeral and burial pricing?

Costs are significantly lower when compared to conventional funerals and burials. Typical funeral and burial, including embalming, casket, viewing, formal services and cemetery costs, can easily amount to thousands of dollars. The national average funeral costs over $5,000 which doesn’t include cemetery costs such as a plot or niche, marker, engraving, and a liner or vault.

• Aside from cremation, do you offer other services?

Yes. Most of the Neptune Society offices can provide additional services such as arranging private memorial services, chapel and graveside services and formal at-sea services at an additional cost. Memorial services may also be arranged at other locations suitable to the family's needs.

• Can Neptune Society assist me in securing Social Security benefits?

Yes, at no additional cost the Neptune Society will complete and submit the required form to the Social Security Administration.

• I am a Veteran, what kind of benefits do I have?

Many veteran cemeteries offer beautiful plots in the ground or in a mausoleum. United States Veterans and their spouses are allowed to be buried or have their ashes interred in any veteran cemetery with available space. The government runs these programs and benefits can change anytime. Upon a Veteran’s death, the Neptune Society can check on benefits and help the surviving family apply.

• If I choose to purchase the Neptune plan, does that mean my loved ones can’t have a memorial service?

Your family can still have a memorial, it is important for survivors to have closure by celebrating your life. Having our plan allows us to step in to care for the necessary cremation arrangements. This gives your loved ones the opportunity to prepare the celebration of your life at their home, community center, place of worship, or a meaningful spot to them...with no pressure!

• How can I be sure that my expressed instructions concerning disposition will be followed?

In most locations, your signature on the Neptune Society application, which is permanently filed in our office, serves as an assurance that your specific instructions will be followed. We also recommend that you advise your immediate family of your arrangements and include the arrangements in a will.

• If I have a will that states I want cremation, won't that tell my family my wishes?

In many instances a will is not read until the process of final arrangements have already taken place. Paying for your cremation in advance, advising your immediate family of these arrangements, and carrying the Neptune Society card in your wallet will give you peace of mind that your specific instructions will be followed.

• What choices do I have for the disposition of my ashes?

There are many options. You may choose to have the Neptune Society scatter them at sea for no extra charge or have them returned to your family, be interred in a cemetery, scattered by your survivors in a place special to you, and the list goes on.

• How long will it take to get the death certificate and what will it cost?

The Neptune Society has little, if any, control over the length of time necessary to obtain the death certificate. The Neptune Society will complete the form needed for a death certificate with information provided by the family. We will then deliver the certificate to the physician and medical examiner for the official cause of death and the required legal signatures. Sometimes autopsies and medical records may delay these signatures. The cost of a death certificate is a charge regulated by the state and can vary from each state and county.

• How popular is cremation?

The national average of cremation has risen from 6% in 1973 to over 28% in 2002, and is predicted to reach close to 35% by 2010, and close to 43% by 2025*. This change is reflected in all aspects of the news media, popular books, ecology seminars, legislative enactments, sermons, and other expressions of growing interest in simple and dignified disposition at an economical cost. Indeed, the Neptune Society’s solid growth is the ultimate reflection of this trend.
*Source: “Cremation Association of North America, 2002 Annual Report.”

• Can I purchase a plan for someone other than myself?

Yes, in most states a Durable Power of Attorney may allow you to purchase for someone other than yourself and may allow one spouse to purchase for the other.

• What happens to the funds I pay in advance for the simple cremation plan?

The Neptune Society maintains state-regulated trust funds on an individual state basis. These trusts are used to provide funds for the actual service that is done in the future. The investments are extremely conservative in nature and include whole life insurance guarantees wherever possible. All sales provide for a 30-day free look. This is 10 times the days mandated by the Federal Truth in Lending Act! Our goal is simple: provide the best services to families at a reasonable price.*

*In the state of New York only, funds are held in a New York bank or trust company in a trust account in the name of the Purchaser, payable to the Neptune Society upon the death of the Beneficiary.