When Someone Dies

Clear steps. Compassionate care. Local guidance you can trust.

You Don’t Have to Have the Answers. That’s Why We’re Here.

At Dancy Funeral Home, we’ve helped Caldwell and Essex County families through some of life’s most difficult moments for generations. When a death occurs—whether expected or sudden—it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by questions and uncertainty.

Who do I call first? What paperwork do I need? Can I take time to decide? What if I’m out of state? What are the funeral regulations in New Jersey?

This page is here to answer those questions and more, offering practical, compassionate guidance on what to do right now and how we can help.

As a family-owned and locally rooted funeral home, we offer more than just services—we offer stability, reassurance, and deeply personal support when you need it most.

If the Death Occurs at Home Under Hospice Care

• Call the Hospice Nurse: Hospice professionals will pronounce the death and notify the appropriate authorities. DO NOT call 911.
• Then Call Dancy Funeral Home: Once the nurse gives you the go-ahead, we’ll arrange transportation and begin guiding you through the next steps
  

 If the Death Occurs at Home Without Hospice

• Call 911: Emergency responders will arrive to assess and, if necessary, contact the local Medical Examiner.
  
• Then Call Us: Once your loved one has been legally pronounced, we will coordinate the transfer and begin caring for them.
  

If the Death Occurs at a Hospital or Nursing Home

• Let the staff know you're working with Dancy Funeral Home
  
• It is always a good idea to follow-up with us directly to ensure arrangements are made promptly.
  

If You Were Notified by Local Authorities or the Medical Examiner

Sometimes the police, hospital, or Medical Examiner's Office may notify you directly—especially if the death was sudden or occurred away from home.

• Call Dancy Funeral Home as soon as you are able. We’ll communicate with the authorities and guide you through the next steps, including identification, paperwork, and transfer.
  

Your First Call (Available 24/7)

Whether it’s 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning, your first call will be answered by a licensed funeral director or a trusted member of our team. During that call, we will:

• Gather a few essential details: (your name, your loved one’s name, location of death, any special circumstances)
• Confirm the pronouncement has occurred or advise if one is still needed
• Advise you if written authorization is required: In some situations—particularly if the death occurs at a hospital or under the care of the Medical Examiner—we will need a signed release authorization from the next of kin before we can proceed with the transfer. This can be completed quickly through our secure [Online Planning Portal] via DocuSign.
• Arrange transportation to bring your loved one into our care
  
• Schedule a follow-up conversation or meeting, either later that day or when you're ready
  

Who Has the Right to Control Funeral Arrangements in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, state law defines who has the legal authority to make funeral, burial, or cremation decisions:

Legal Order of Priority:

1. Surviving spouse or civil union/domestic partner
   
   
2. Majority of surviving adult children (18+)
   
   
3. Surviving parent(s) (equal authority)
   
   
4. Majority of surviving siblings
   
   
5. Other next of kin by bloodline
   

 If the Medical Examiner Is Involved

If your loved one’s passing was unexpected, accidental, or occurred outside of medical supervision, the county medical examiner may take jurisdiction. In these cases:

• The medical examiner must conduct an identification and investigation before releasing your loved one
  
  
• A Release Authorization Form must be signed by the person with legal control of the funeral
  
  
• The transfer will not happen immediately—but we will stay in constant contact and guide you through the process
  

What Happens After the Transfer?

After your loved one is brought into our care, we prepare for your arrangement conference. This is a time for you to ask questions, explore options, and make decisions at your own pace.

• In-Person Meeting – at our funeral home in Caldwell
  
  
• Virtual Option – Zoom or phone call from the comfort of your home
  
  
• Flexible Scheduling – same day or whenever you feel ready
  
  

In some situations—such as medical examiner involvement or out-of-town cases—this meeting may happen before the transfer takes place. That’s perfectly fine. We’ll adapt to your needs and timeline.

What Type of Service Will Best Honor Your Loved One?

• Will there be a viewing or visitation? This can be public or private, with or without an open casket.
  
  
• Would you like a funeral or memorial service? This can take place at our funeral home, your place of worship, graveside, or another meaningful location.
  
  
• Would a celebration of life or gathering be appropriate? Some families prefer informal services with storytelling, music, or food.
  
  
• What final disposition feels right for your loved one and your family?
  
  
• Burial
  
  
• Cremation
  
  
• Entombment in a mausoleum
  
  
• Green or natural burial
  
  
• Scattering ashes (privately or with a group)
  
  
• Are there religious or cultural traditions to honor? We can help incorporate them with respect and care.
  

What Kind of Timeline Are You Considering?

• Will out-of-town family need time to travel?
  
  
• Are there faith-based guidelines for when a service should occur?
  
  
• Do you want something immediate, or are you considering a delayed memorial?
  
  

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” timeline. We’re here to work with you, whether that means a traditional service this week or a celebration in a few months.

Where and How We Meet

We offer several ways to meet, based on what feels most comfortable:

• In person at our funeral home in Caldwell
  
  
• By phone or video from the comfort of your home
  
  
• Before or after the transfer, depending on the situation (especially if the Medical Examiner is involved or you're out of state)
  
  

We’re flexible—and ready when you are.

What to Expect in the Arrangement Meeting

We’ll gently walk you through the following:

• Service Options
  
  
• Burial, cremation, or alternative disposition
  
  
• Visitation, viewing, funeral, memorial, celebration of life
  
  
• Location, date, and time
  
  
• Clergy, celebrant, musicians, speakers
  
  
• Details & Documentation
  
  
• Information for the New Jersey death certificate
  
  
• State-required authorizations and permits (especially for cremation or entombment)
  
  
• Merchandise selection (caskets, urns, keepsakes, printed materials)
  
  
• Military honors or religious considerations
  
  
• Cemetery coordination or crematory scheduling
  
  
• Personal Touches
  
  
• Obituary assistance
  
  
• Photos, music, readings, memory displays
  
  
• Memorial folders or keepsake items
  
  

This is also a good time to share stories, special requests, or even uncertainties—we’re here to listen and help shape something meaningful.

Forms You’ll Review or Sign

We’ll explain each document clearly and give you time to review. Most paperwork can be signed in person or securely via our online family planning portal.



You may be asked to complete or review:

• Authorization for cremation or burial
  
  
• Authorization for release from a hospital or Medical Examiner
  
  
• Death certificate worksheet
  
  
• Goods & Services Statement (required by NJ law)
  
  
• Funeral trust paperwork (if prepaid or funding arrangements are involved)
  
  
• Obituary draft (if desired)

After the Conference

Once the arrangement conference is complete, we’ll take care of everything behind the scenes:

• File the death certificate with the State of NJ
  
  
• Secure permits and authorizations
  
  
• Coordinate clergy, cemetery, or crematory scheduling
  
  
• Finalize service details, tribute materials, and obituary notices
  
  
• Prepare our facility and staff for your family and guests