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Where to Begin

Where to Begin

The death of a loved one can be overwhelming, but you are not alone in this. We are here to help support you throughout this journey and make this process as easy on you as possible. Below is some information to help you get started, but please don’t hesitate to contact us at anytime for assistance, (503) 771-1171.


Within Hours


When a loved passes away your family will need to select a funeral home. Let the hospital, facility, or first responder know you have chosen Mt. Scott Funeral Home to care for your loved one. The facility, first responder, or a family member can contact the funeral home directly, (503) 771-1171. We will ask for some basic information, and then we will send staff members to the location of your loved one, and bring them into our care when you are ready. We have staff available in our building 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, to assist your family during this time. This part of the process is often the most emotional, and we are here to help and support you. If you are not sure what to do, please don’t hesitate to call us.



When Death Occurs Away From Home


When death occurs away from home, call Mt. Scott Funeral Home immediately. It may not be necessary to contact an out of state or out of country funeral home directly. We can often contract with one of our preferred partners who can assist in getting your loved one back to the Portland area and into our care. This can often times be a financial savings and make the entire process easier for your family.



Within the First Few Days


This is the time to review your loved one’s pre-arranged funeral plan and meet with a funeral director to begin putting together the details of their arrangements. We have staff available 7-days a week, however, it is important that you make an appointment so that we can be sure someone is available to meet with you. If your loved one did not preplan their funeral wishes, you will want to start thinking about a few of the bigger decisions you will need to make, such as:

  • Burial or cremation
  • The location of their final resting place
  • What type of service you would like to have such as a viewing, funeral or memorial service, graveside service, etc.

 

These questions are just a starting point, and you don't need to know the answers right away. Our funeral directors will sit down with you and guide you through all of your options and help you put together arrangements that will be meaningful for your family and reflective of the wishes of your loved one.




What to Expect When We Meet

When you meet with one of our funeral directors, we will begin by gathering information about your loved one to complete the necessary paperwork. Our staff will discuss service options with you and help you to put together arrangements that will honor your loved one as well as provide you with a meaningful way to say goodbye. This process may include:

  • Preparing and filing the death certificate
  • Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)
  • Selecting a casket, urn, or other products you may need
  • Drafting and taking care of the necessary paperwork


We would like this process to be as smooth and stress-free for you as we can, so please bring the following information about your loved one with you when you come:

  • Full legal name and home address
  • Date and place of birth
  • Social security number
  • Fathers full name
  • Mothers full name including maiden name
  • Veterans discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
  • Highest degree of education
  • Most notable occupation & industry for which they were employed
  • Information about the burial location, if applicable

 

For your assistance we have provided a Memorial Preparation Guide that you can use to begin answering some of these questions.


Memorial Preparation Guide


Please also consider bringing a recent photograph and any clothing you would like your loved one to wear. We recommend a full compliment of clothing including undergarments.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I find my loved one deceased at home?

What do I do if I find my loved one deceased at home?

First, was your loved under the care of hospice? If yes, call the hospice organization. If no, call 911 or non-emergency and they will dispatch the proper authorities out to the home. If you are unsure, please call us directly and we will guide you (503) 771-1171. 

What do I do if my loved one dies in a hospital or facility?

What do I do if my loved one dies in a hospital or facility?

Let the staff at the facility know that you have selected Mt. Scott Funeral Home. That will allow them to release your loved one into our care when they are ready for us to come.

Can I call Mt. Scott Funeral Home when death occurs even if we don’t have any arrangements made in advance?

Can I call Mt. Scott Funeral Home when death occurs even if we don’t have any arrangements made in advance?

Yes. Although pre-planning makes the process much easier for the family, it is not necessary for us to help you. We have staff available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to assist you when a death occurs.

How soon do I need an appointment?

How soon do I need an appointment?

The death of a loved one can be an overwhelming experience and we don’t want you to feel rushed. We are here to go at your pace and it is perfectly acceptable to take a day or two to gather yourself before making an appointment.

How soon do we have to have the services?

How soon do we have to have the services?

There is not a specific time frame that you have to follow regarding when to have the services for your loved one. We can help you plan a time that will work best for you and your family.

Who do I call if my loved one dies out of state or out of the country?

Who do I call if my loved one dies out of state or out of the country?

Call Mt. Scott Funeral Home first. It may not be necessary to contact an out of state or out of country funeral home directly. By calling us first, we can contract with one of our preferred partners who can assist in getting your loved one back to the Portland area and into our care. Calling Mt. Scott Funeral Home first can also be a cost savings and an easier process for your family.

Do I have to pay a deposit before the funeral home will come and pick up my loved one?

Do I have to pay a deposit before the funeral home will come and pick up my loved one?

No. We do not require that any payment or deposit be made in advance.

How long does an arrangement conference typically last with a funeral director?

How long does an arrangement conference typically last with a funeral director?

The arrangement conference usually lasts around an hour. It may be a little longer or shorter depending on how many questions a family has and if any decisions were made in advance.

What if I don’t have all of the information I need at the time of the arrangement conference?

What if I don’t have all of the information I need at the time of the arrangement conference?

That's perfectly okay. You can always call us later with any missing information.

How do I get a death certificate?

How do I get a death certificate?

The funeral home initiates the death certificate by gathering and completing the biographical portion. We then send it to the medical certifier to complete the medical portion including the cause of passing. Once the medical certifier completes and signs the medical portion, the death certificate is filed with the county where death occurs for registration. Once the county registers the record, it is then permanently filed with the State of Oregon. When this whole process is complete, the funeral home can then order the determined number of certified copies. The initial process can take up to 3 weeks to complete. If you have any questions, or need more certified copies in the future, you can contact us and we will assist you in getting them.

Who determines the cause of death?

The doctor providing medical care to the person, or the medical examiner.

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4205 SE. 59th Ave. Portland, OR 97206

 

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