Pre-Planning FAQs

Everything you need to know and want to ask about pre-planning.

You've taken an important step by choosing to pre-plan. Congrats. By taking steps to arrange these important plans now, you've taken a large burden off of your beloved family, providing them with greater peace of mind. You're relieving your family of the cost that can be associated with planning a funeral, allowing them to celebrate and honor your life. And finally, you're ensuring that every last detail is planned according to your own wishes and needs.

You might have some questions as you begin the path towards pre-planning. We're here to help answer them.

Here are some questions that often come up from others at the same stage:


Pre-planning versus pre-funding? I've heard both terms, what is the difference?

Pre-planning is making all of your arrangements ahead of time so that everything can be conducted according to your wishes, for peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Pre-funding is taking care of all costs for your pre-planning, so that everything is taken care of for you and your family.


Can I move a previously planned arrangement?

Yes. If you choose to move your arrangement to another cemetery, we can help transfer your plans to any cemetery in the United States that accepts the contract. You should never have to feel stuck in your decisions.


Can I take care of the costs now?

Yes. You are welcome to take care of all costs now, so that later on, all your family has to do is to focus on and celebrate your life. When you choose to pre-fund your final arrangements, your money is put in a state-approved funding option until needed. After your funeral is paid for in full, you will never have to pay more for the guaranteed items you listed on your contract.


If I pre-plan with Robertaccio Funeral Home, what are my options if I change my mind later on?

When you pre-plan with Robertaccio Funeral Home, your plan will go where you go. No matter where you reside at the time of your passing, no matter what funeral home you choose to work with, your plan will be transferable to any funeral home in the United States that accepts the contract. Your peace of mind is of the utmost importance to us.


I want to approach my family and talk to them about my plans. Do you have suggestions for doing this in the best way possible?

You are truly helping your family and doing a great deed by taking care of planning something that is so personal and important to you. Remember to respect their feelings and emotions, as this can possibly be a difficult subject to broach with them. Assure them that you are making these plans because you love them and want them to feel free to celebrate life and heal together when the time comes. Find additional resources here.


What do I do when I have completed all my pre-planning? Is there anything else I should be aware of or need to do?

Relax and rest assured knowing that your wishes will be met, your needs have been taken care of and there's a capable team at Robertaccio Funeral Home that is always available to answer your questions or thoughts.


Do I have to pre-pay?

No.  There is no obligation to pre-fund any of your arrangements.  Further, there is no cost at all for any pre-arrangement conferences with our staff.


Does the person I am planning for need to be present?

No, it is common for individuals to pre-arrange without the family member present.  If possible, we would encourage them to be part of the process, but we understand that many people may like to avoid this conversation, are elderly, or otherwise not able to attend.


I am planning for myself and I don't have any family. What should I do?

Preplanning for yourself is a smart choice.  In doing so, residents of New York State can appoint another individual to execute their wishes after they pass.  This would have to be done with a specific document and you can appoint anyone you feel comfortable with (they do not have to be related).  This is an easy, but important step that we can help you with.


What are Irrevocable Funeral Trusts?

New York State allows for individuals to pre-pay their funeral expenses without have the funds count towards their Medicaid Resource Limit.  This is often done as a spend-down when the topic of Long Term Care comes up. We have another section devoted to this topic.  Please visit our Medicaid-Irrevocable Trusts Page.


What should I bring to the appointment?

We would like to gather as much information as possible.  The following information should be handy, but no proof is necessary: date and place of birth, parent's names, social security number, and education level. Please bring in the following documents if applicable: cemetery information/deed, Discharge from the Military (such as DD-214), power of attorney documentation.

We know that you may have other questions, so feel free to call us at any time at (631) 475-7000 so that we can walk you through your options and help you create the best possible plan for you.

(631) 475-7000

More Resources

Funeral FAQs
Funeral FAQs

Everything you need to know about funerals.

Read More

Grief Support
Grief Support

How to truly support yourself and others at a time of grief.

Read More

Funeral Etiquette
Funeral Etiquette

Let us guide you through the ins and outs of your funeral experience.

Read More

Local Resources
Local Resources

Local resources for all your support and planning needs.

Read More