Al Jannah Muslim Funeral Services

Al Jannah Muslim Funeral Services was established on March 7, 2011. This service operates as a funeral agency administered by Indonesian Muslim pilgrims in Melbourne, under the umbrella of the Indonesian Muslim Community of Victoria (IMCV). All people of Indonesia can be a member of Al Jannah.

Beyond the Funeral: Essential Guidelines for the Deceased's Family

Losing a loved one is a deeply challenging experience, and navigating estate matters and administrative responsibilities during a time of grief can feel overwhelming. This page provides a summary of the essential steps to guide you through the process, supported by comprehensive resources compiled by a dedicated member of our community. These resources outline the required documentation and important actions to take beyond the funeral, ensuring families are well-prepared and fully informed when the time comes. We strongly encourage you to read all attached documents for complete guidance and access to detailed support materials.

We express our sincere gratitude to Sister Nungky Bui for compiling these invaluable resources. As an Allied Health professional with experience at institutions such as the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Box Hill Hospital, and through her involvement in numerous janazah processes, she has drawn upon her expertise to gather practical, compassionate, and essential guidance for our community. May Allah reward her abundantly for her dedication and service.

Key Steps and Documentation After a Death

The administrative process begins immediately after a death, with some steps needing to be completed within a specific timeframe, such as registering the death within 28 days.

1. Initial Steps & Paperwork

As an initial measure, you will need to start gathering key documentation and contact important individuals:

• Liaise with the IMCV/Funeral Director.

• Notify immediate family, friends, the deceased's workplace, and education provider.

• Gather Essential Paperwork:

  • Wills. If there is no will, you will need to arrange for a Letter of Administration.

  • Marriage certificate (copy and certified, with approved NAATI translation if necessary).

  • Medicare card, IDs, and Birth certificate (if needed).

  • All information about banks, superannuation, utility providers, council, car registrations and insurances, shares, etc.

2. Applying for the Death Certificate

Once the death is registered, you must apply for the official Death Certificate. In Victoria, this process is managed by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

3. Notifying Key Organizations

Once the death certificate is ready, there is a comprehensive list of institutions you must notify. It is often recommended to contact each institution one by one to avoid having accounts frozen before all necessary paperwork is fully prepared.

• Financial and Government Institutions: You must notify the Banks (including credit cards), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Superannuation funds, Medicare, Centrelink, and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Banks, once notified, will freeze the deceased's accounts until all processes are completed to close or transfer the account.

• Utilities and Property: Contact providers for Utility Bills (gas, electricity, water, telco) to arrange a transfer of names or cancellation. Also notify the Local Council or Landlord/Housing.

• Insurance and Vehicle: Ensure you notify Car Registrations (VICROADS) , Car Insurances , and Private Health Insurance.

• Investments and Other: This includes dealing with Shares/Investments (for transfer or selling) and any other relevant institutions, such as My Aged Care or a Consulate/Institution in Indonesia.

Important Note on Centrelink: If the deceased was receiving payments or pensions, Centrelink must be notified within 28 days to stop payments and handle outstanding matters.

4. Dealing with Accounts and Bills

Bank Accounts

• Notify the bank to freeze the deceased's sole accounts and stop all direct debits and recurring payments.

• The executor or administrator must provide a certified copy of the death certificate and the Will (if one exists).

• For sole accounts, the bank will require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to fully access the funds.

• Banks will generally release funds to cover immediate funeral expenses upon receiving the necessary paperwork.

• For joint accounts, the surviving joint account holder generally retains continued access to the account and its funds.

Utility Bills

• Contact the utility provider directly to either transfer the account to a new name or cancel the service.

• You will need to provide proof of death (such as a death certificate) and verify your identity as an authorised representative.

• The final bill will be sent to the estate of the deceased and must be settled by the estate.

5. Legal Authority: Probate and Letter of Administration

These are court orders that grant legal authority to manage and distribute the deceased's assets.

• Probate: A court order for the executor named in a valid will to administer an estate.

• Letter of Administration: A court order issued to an appointed administrator when there is no valid will (intestacy).

You will likely need Probate if the estate is large or complex, or if institutions holding the assets require a court-approved grant to release them. If you are unsure whether you need Probate, it is always best to seek legal advice.

Downloadable Resources

Please find the detailed, step-by-step guides and resource links attached below. These documents contain all the necessary links and additional information to navigate the process effectively.

• STEPS: WHAT TO DO.pdf

• Beyond Funeral - Utility Bills Account After a Death.pdf

• Beyond Funeral - Bank Account After a Death.pdf

• Beyond Funeral - Probate and Letter of Administration.pdf

• Beyond Funeral Notifying Centrelink.pdf

• Beyond Funeral - Resources for Death Administration.pdf