Pre-Planning Checklist

Our checklist incorporates a five-step process, involving a tour of the cemetery grounds, and the selection of your memorial property. Then the creativity begins with the customization of your memorial. As cemetery properties are at a premium, it’s imperative to make these decisions now – and not later.

• Laying the foundation of a well-thought out plan for you or a loved one takes a bit of time, but it's worth every moment spent. After all, you’re setting the stage for a more relaxed and enjoyable life.

  • Step 1.
    Make the decision about whether you wish to have an inside memorial, within a mausoleum; or outside, in our beautiful grounds. This simple decision will guide you during step two.
  • Step 2.
    Tour our grounds. We suggest you make an appointment for a guided tour, although you’re always welcome to stop in for a casual visit. The benefit of a guided tour is that we are aware of areas within the grounds that are no longer available, and can provide you with other additional information that may affect your decision. Call Los Gatos Memorial Park to speak with a staff member.
  • Step 3.
    Speak with members of your family about your plans. They may wish to purchase properties in the same area of the cemetery as you, so you may all remain together.
  • Step 4.
    Purchase the appropriate property, or properties. While we endeavor to accommodate every family, we are unable to reserve property which is sold on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Step 5.
    Make decisions about the customization of your memorial. There’s plenty of inspiration within our cemetery, but should you need suggestions, we would be pleased to share our ideas with you. Possibilities are nearly endless, but as each cemetery has its own guidelines, we consider these only suggestions to start you thinking about a customized memorial:
    • • Engraved stonework
    • • Keepsakes
    • • Stained Glass
    • • Statues
    • • Benches
    • • Unique stone monuments
    • • Landscaping

• Arrange and Delegate

  The people who know and care about you will be there when you need them. You only need to provide them with instructions, important financial details, and then relax. You’re in good hands.

  • Designate a power of attorney to ensure that proper information can be accessed in the event of your illness or death. Make sure a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will are in place so that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to do so.
  • Give your executor a copy of your will. If the will is kept in a safe-deposit box, it may not be accessible since safe-deposit boxes are often not opened until after the funeral during the Estate Settlement process.
  • Make sure your representative has a list of important account information or telephone numbers for retirement plans, insurance policies, investments, bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes, properties, preferred law and accountant firms and mortuaries. Remind your personal representative that the Social Security Administration will need to be called and, if you're receiving benefits such as those from the Veteran's Administration, they should be contacted as well.
  • Make arrangements for telephone and utilities services, and newspaper and magazine deliveries, to be canceled.
  • Pay for:
    • • Cemetery and memorialization services
    • • Funeral arrangements, including clergy, florist and transportation
  • Make arrangements for pets to find a new home. You certainly don’t want them to go to the local animal shelter, so making those arrangements now will spare them such sorrow and discomfort.

• You can also contact us for additional information. We're pleased to answer any questions you may have, without obligation.