Frequent Questions

Though we have knowledgeable counselors who will guide you through the funeral arrangement process, only you can truly determine such an answer. The type of service conducted for the deceased, if not noted in a pre-plan, will be decided by the next of kin. When deciding on the service needed it is best to consider the desires of the deceased and combine those wishes with a realistic budget. The service may vary in ritual according to religious denomination of your family. The presence of friends at this time is an acknowledgment of friendship and support. A private service is by invitation only where selected relatives and a few close friends attend the funeral service. A memorial service is usually a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to the family's community and religious affiliations.

Our Funeral Directors are both caregivers and administrators. Their role is a broad service, encompassing practical organization, support, and most importantly guidance to the family. Our Funeral Directors act as a liaison to a wide range of outside organizations and services to ensure the funeral is properly arranged to your satisfaction. In addition, our Funeral Directors are experienced in managing your needs at this most sensitive time and will guide you with compassion.

California Cremation and Burial is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist in the passing of a loved one. A call can be placed to us at (619) 234-3272 to receive immediate assistance. One of our on staff professionals will be there within 90 minutes in most instances. Later during normal business hours you will receive a call from a family services counselor who will guide you through the next important steps in making final arrangements

We can assist you if a death occurs almost anywhere around the globe. Contact us immediately and we will assume responsibility by coordinating the logistics of getting your loved one back to the location you desire. Please note that we may engage the the services of funeral homes near your loved one and/or national transit companies. Additional time constraints and cost will apply.

No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body's final disposition and often follows a traditional funeral service. We can assist you with the necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial service.

Funerals with us can cost as little as $876 for a direct cremation. For an adult, full-service traditional funeral, consumers choose to spend on average $15,000. At California Cremation and Burial we understand the importance of a high quality and affordable funeral. We are thus able to do a traditional service for under $4000 in most cases. This cost includes all professional services, including transfer-of remains, embalming, and other preparation; use of viewing facilities and the facilities for the ceremony; coach, and limousine. Cost can vary depending on the style of casket, flowers, and whether or not a burial plot has already been purchased.

With all the other mandatory cost that come into play when making funeral arrangements we don’t recommend that you stock up on death certificates that may not be needed. San Diego County charges $21.00 per death certificates and most families seem to do fine by ordering three original death certificates. There are instances where you may need more but again you can always order them as needed. If there are life insurance policies involved they may require an original death certificate to process payments to beneficiaries. Banks on the other hand will usually only require a copy of a death certificate to transfer funds or close accounts.

Yes, for a nominal fee we can arrange a witness cremation for the up to 12 people at the crematory. You will be directed to a special private area within the crematory that is set-up to allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber.We respect diversity at California Cremation and Burial and understand that witness cremations are an important part of certain cultures and religious ceremonies.

The only time we recommend the embalming of a loved one in conjunction with cremation is if their is going to be a public viewing service with the body present in a casket. If you are sending your loved ones directly to the crematory embalming is not needed nor required.

Yes, we can sell urns and caskets direct to families that can be purchased separately from funeral services. You can have access to our great selection at excellent prices. Urns and caskets will be shipped directly to your desired location in the United States.