End of life

According to the Children's Act, if a child is left without anyone having custody of the child because of the death of a parent, the relevant child welfare committee assumes the custody of the child. This only applies if both custodial parents have died and there are no stepparents.

Funeral arrangements should be made in accordance with the wishes of the departed, if known, and the necessary decisions should be made in view of those wishes. Funeral services can be held in churches, chapels, private chapels, places of worship for religious associations, private homes and in various other meeting places.

Cemeteries and burial plots are sacrosanct under the law. No constructions may be built near a cemetary if they produce noise or hustle. The same applies to the operation of institutions or companies.

When someone dies, a great many things change in the lives of their family and friends. Sorrow and other responses to death vary and are highly personal. Such responses frequently relate to the manner of the death, which might be sudden or over an extended period of time.

When death occurs the estate of the deceased must be settled pursuant to law. The estate of a deceased person is a legal entity, which assumes any financial obligations and rights that are attached to the person of the deceased.

A funeral is the community's farewell ceremony. During funerals people demonstrate their gratitude and respect for the departed and give their condolences to the relatives.