Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page

A. The Covenant Cremation and Monuments is notified immediately at the time of death. The member’s body is transported to the Society’s holding facility until the death certificate can be signed by the attending physician or medical examiner. After a cremation permit and a state disposition permit is secured the body is cremated. This usually occurs in 48 hours.

Q. Does the body have to be embalmed?

A.  No, as long as cremation takes place within 48 hours of death.

Q. What happens to the ashes after cremation?

A. Your cremains (ashes) will be handled according to your written instructions.

A. The cremated remains are placed in a plastic temporary container at no charge to you.

A. The cost of the cremation is presently $995 for members. This can be pre-paid or paid at the time services are rendered. The charge to non-members, whom we also serve, is more.

Q. Is your price of $995 for cremation service good for the entire state of Michigan?

A. Yes.  The Covenant Cremation and Monuments offers services to the entire state. However, there is an additional transportation charge outside Monroe County. This charge is $2.00 per mile one way.

Q. May I pre-pay the cremation cost of $995?

A. Yes and this is all you will ever pay. Your funds are placed in an escrow account in a federally insured institution or into insurance. The account is between the society and you. At the time of death the society retains the principle plus interest in consideration for your lifetime guarantee.

Q. Is the escrow/insurance fund refundable?

A. Yes. In accordance with Michigan State Law, funds are placed in federal trust/insurance accounts. Your escrow/insurance is refundable at anytime.

Q. Do social security and veteran’s benefits apply to the Covenant Cremation and Monuments services?

A. Yes.  There are certain descendants whose heirs may be eligible for social security benefits or for veteran’s benefits. Our family care specialists are available to explain the regulations pertaining to eligibility for these death benefits.

Q. What other services do you offer my survivors after death?

A. A Covenant Cremation and Monuments Family Care Specialist will assist your survivors in arranging a memorial service, filing obituaries, obtaining certified copies of death certificates, applying for all death benefits and selecting a cremation container (required by the State of Michigan). Charges for permits, certified copies, newspaper notices, etc. are cash advances, payable at the time of arrangements.

Q. What happens if the death occurs while on vacation out of state?

A. The Covenant Cremation and Monuments wants you to be protected no matter when or where you need it. For an additional one-time charge, the Covenant Cremation and Monuments will guarantee you the same quality service at no additional cost anywhere in the world.

Q. May I change my instructions in the future?

A. Yes. You may change any instruction you wish, just by contacting us.

Q. Is the modern trend toward cremation?

A. Most definitely. In some parts of the country, cremation occurs after more than half of all deaths. Of course, cremation is as old as man himself, having been practiced for centuries in other cultures. Our modern approach is simply a reflection on our growing concern for the environment, combined with appreciation of the simplicity of the cremation rite.

Q. Is the Covenant Cremation and Monuments licensed by the state of Michigan?

A. Yes.  All directors at Covenant Cremation and Monuments are licensed by the state of Michigan.

Q. How do I join the Covenant Cremation and Monuments?

A. Fill out the authorization and mail it to our office with a one-time registration fee of $30.00 for a single membership or $50.00 for married couples. This fee defrays the cost of setting up and maintaining your records. It is not refundable, nor an offset to final services costs.

We will register you and send you wallet-sized membership cards and a certificate of registration. Members may call or write us regarding any related questions.

If you want to pre-pay the $995.00 contact our office for an appointment.  Once pre-paid, your survivors will never be charged for your arrangements-even if our services are needed years from now.

Q. If this is not the type of service I want, can the Covenant Cremation and Monuments be of any assistance?

A. Yes. Our family care specialists have information regarding traditional funeral services with a rental casket followed by cremation, traditional funeral services followed by an earth burial or mausoleum and information on caskets and burial vaults. If you are concerned about funeral costs, in some cases we could save you thousands of dollars.