FAQs

Why should I choose Frank J Siebert?

Frank J Siebert is one of Adelaide’s longest running family owned funeral businesses. We are centrally located in Adelaide CBD and operate all over Adelaide metropolitan and country areas. We pride ourselves on guiding our families through the funeral process with respect, dignity and personal care. Our experience and expertise, combined with individualised funeral services ensures that you are receiving the best possible care at all times.


What is the first thing I need to do when someone dies?

Please see our ‘What to do when someone dies’ page here.


Who needs to come to the Arrangement meeting? What should they bring?

Usually the Arrangement meeting is attended by the Next of Kin and/or Executor and other family members or friends. This meeting may be conducted in your home or at our offices. Covid-19 Restrictions may effect this meeting place, you will be advised at the time of making this meeting.

You will find more information in the Planning Now section on our Planning A Funeral page.


Can I get a quote before I proceed?

Absolutely. If you are unsure where to start and simply need an answer to the question – “How much does a funeral cost?”, please call us on our 24 hour telephone line or email us and we will provide you with an estimate on the essential elements of a funeral. We offer additional products and services and our funeral directors can provide you with more information on all items upon request.

We can provide you with an itemised quote. Call us on 08 8223 5879 or fill in our contact form and we’ll contact you.


Which is more popular – cremation or burial?

Neither is more popular and your choice will depend on many factors. You may be influenced by religious beliefs, personal preferences, wishes of the deceased and whether or not you already hold a lease with a cemetery for a burial. Generally cremation services are less expensive than burial services. We can give you all the information and guidance you need to make this important choice.


Should we have a viewing?

The decision to have a viewing or a “visitation” with the deceased is a very personal one. Having an opportunity to say a final and very intimate goodbye often assists the grieving process and is a great comfort to families. It is important to note that a formal identification must always occur, however, this can often be completed at the point of transferring someone into our care. Your funeral director will discuss this with you.


What is the difference between a casket and a coffin?

Caskets are rectangular in shape and have a hinged lid. Lids can either be full length or half length ie: with half length, the casket can remain closed from the waist down. Coffins are wider around the shoulders, taper in toward the feet and head, and have a completely removable lid.


What is a Pre-Paid funeral? What are the benefits? Where does my money go?

Please refer to our Pre-Paid information.


How long will it take to organise a funeral? Do we need to have it straight away?

There are many factors that can affect the planning of a funeral, from the circumstances of the death, family needing to travel interstate to the availability of the required venue and so on. Generally most funerals can take place within 3-5 days and we work very closely with families to accommodate specific needs.


How much does a funeral cost?

When looking at the cost of a funeral, there are two types of costs – funeral directors’ charges and disbursements.

Generally, the funeral director’s charges consist of their service charge, after hours services (if applicable) and your coffin or casket selection. The biggest difference between one funeral director and another is what is included, or excluded from the service charge.

The other costs are disbursements – items and services sourced from third parties, such as venue hire, celebrant feed, flowers, press notices, printing and so on. Your funeral director will advise you of all options available to you. At Frank J Siebert, all disbursements are provided at cost.

Generally cremation services are less expensive than burial services.

Ultimately, the cost of a funeral will depend on the choices that you make.


Testimonials

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you did for me and my family in helping us say goodbye to Dad. We have a big crazy Italian family and managing all our emotions is not always an easy task. You have an empathy and a sense of compassion that is truly comforting during a very difficult time.

Diane. June 2023.

Thank you for yesterday, it was a beautiful service. We have just looked at the Memorial Book and its absolutely beautiful - we love it. Memories we will never forget.

Toni. June 2023.

I just wanted to send you an email to say thank you so very much for everything you did for my family over the last couple of weeks. I'm so very glad that we decided to go with your firm. From the very first phone call with you, I felt cared for, and I know my Nanny felt the same way when she met you. Everything was perfect. Granddad would have been so proud of us and how we were able to still find laughter on the day, which is a testament to how comfortable we felt in the space.

Sarah. May 2023

Thank you so much for yesterday's lovely service to farewell Barb. I think that it went off really well and it was so nice to see her relatives there and old friends. The setting was beautiful - it could not have been better as Partridge House is directly across from where Barb spent all her school years at Woodlands Girls Grammar - now St Peter's. I am sure that Barb would heartily have approved everything we were able to do for her. Wendy, Marlene, Andrea and I met afterwards in the Holdfast Hotel for one glass of prosecco to toast happy memories of our fun times we had with Barb over many years. Again thanks to you (Fiona Talbot-Leigh - Celebrant), Peter, his mother and the other staff for a fitting farewell to a dear friend.

Priscilla. June 2021.

I would like you to know how very grateful we are for the very professional and caring assistance given to us by all your staff as we prepared for and entered into our last journey with and for our mum. Be very proud that you are maintaining a very fine family tradition on the highest order. We will not hesitate in recommending your company and staff very highly indeed. With very good wishes and sincere thanks.

Trish. May 2018.

Thank you very much for your exceptional services carried out in such a caring and sensitive manner for the funeral of our Mum. We were very appreciated of your help and guidance. Thank you again.

Naomi. April 2018.