Funeral Pre-Planning
for Tustin and Orange County Families
Most people do not enjoy thinking about their own funeral. But pre-planning is one of the most considerate and practical steps you can take for the people you love. It ensures that your wishes are clearly documented, your family is not burdened with difficult decisions during an already emotional time, and the details are handled according to your preferences, not left to guesswork.
At Saddleback Chapel Mortuary in Tustin, CA, we offer free pre-planning consultations with no obligation and no pressure. Whether you want to document your wishes, explore your options, or secure your arrangements financially, our funeral directors will walk you through the process at your own pace.
Benefits of Pre-Planning
Your wishes are honored.
Pre-planning allows you to make your own decisions about the type of service, the music, the venue, and every other detail. Your family will know exactly what you wanted, which removes uncertainty and potential disagreements.
Your family is protected.
When a death occurs unexpectedly, the surviving family members must make dozens of decisions under emotional stress, often within 24 to 48 hours. Pre-planning removes that burden and gives your family the gift of knowing that everything has already been taken care of.
You control the cost.
Pre-planning gives you the opportunity to understand pricing, compare options, and make financial arrangements on your terms. You can lock in today’s prices through pre-funded plans, or simply document your preferences and leave the funding to a later date.
There is no time pressure.
Unlike at-need planning, which often happens in a matter of days, pre-planning gives you weeks, months, or years to consider your choices. You can revisit and revise your plan at any time.
It is easier than you think.
Most families tell us the pre-planning process took less time than they expected and brought more peace of mind than they anticipated. A typical consultation takes about an hour.
What Pre-Planning Involves
Pre-planning does not require you to make every decision at once. The process can be as simple or as thorough as you choose. Here is a general overview of what a pre-planning consultation covers:
- An initial conversation about your general preferences (burial or cremation, type of service, location).
- A review of the options available, including service types, merchandise, personalization, and venue choices.
- Discussion of financial options, including pre-funded plans that lock in current pricing, insurance assignment, and payment plans.
- Documentation of your wishes in a written plan that your family and our staff can reference when the time comes.
- A follow-up to answer any questions or make changes.
You are welcome to bring a spouse, adult child, or anyone you would like to be part of the conversation. Consultations can be held in person at our Tustin facility or by phone.
Pre-Planning Options
Record Your Wishes (No Cost)
If you simply want to put your preferences in writing, we can help you document your wishes at no charge. This includes your preferred type of service, any specific requests, and instructions for your family. The plan is kept on file at Saddleback Chapel Mortuary and can be updated at any time.
Pre-Funded Arrangements
A pre-funded plan allows you to pay for your funeral or cremation services in advance, locking in current prices and protecting your family from future cost increases. Pre-funded plans are held in an insurance policy and are typically transferable if you relocate. Our Family Service Advisor can explain the financial options in detail during your consultation.
Why Pre-Plan With This Firm
- Free pre-planning consultation with no obligation.
- Insurance funded prearrangements, a funding type some families prefer over a trust.
- Transfers of existing prearrangements from other firms considered individually, including out-of-state plans.
- Preneed funding applies directly to the firm’s current service package pricing.
- A follow-up contact after the service through Federated Fiducial, so families are not left without support once arrangements are complete.
Service Area and Pricing
Pre-planning consultations are available to families throughout Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Orange County generally.
Because pre-planning locks in today’s service selections, review the current General Price List so the family understands what a prearrangement would include at today’s pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Planning
Can I transfer my existing funeral plan from another firm?
Is pre-planning free?
How is a prearrangement funded?
Do you help with paperwork after a death occurs?
What happens after the service is complete?
Take the First Step Today
Pre-planning is a gift to the people you love most. Call Saddleback Chapel Mortuary at (714) 544-1450 to schedule a free consultation, or request our planning information guide to review at your own pace.