When honoring a loved one’s life, obituaries are a meaningful way to share their story and announce funeral arrangements. However, it’s not uncommon for families to realize, after publication, that they need to update or adjust the obituary. Whether it’s to correct an error, add more information, or update service details, many families ask, Can I change the obituary after it’s published?
In most cases, the answer is yes. While it’s essential to double-check all information before publishing, there are options for making edits if needed. Below, we’ll explore the process for updating an obituary, why changes might be necessary, and how to ensure everything is accurate.
Why Would You Need to Change an Obituary?
Several situations may arise that necessitate changes to an obituary after publication. Here are some common reasons why families seek to update an obituary:
Correcting Mistakes
Human errors such as spelling, incorrect dates, or typos can occur, especially during such an emotional time. For example, a family member’s name might have been misspelled, or the date of birth could be incorrect. In these cases, it’s essential to correct the errors as soon as possible so that the information is accurate.
Adding Additional Information
After the obituary is published, families may realize that critical details were left out, such as additional surviving family members, specific accomplishments of the deceased, or personal anecdotes that reflect their life and character.
Updating Funeral or Memorial Service Details
Plans for funeral or memorial services can sometimes change after the obituary is published. If the service’s time, date, or location has been altered, it’s crucial to update the obituary to reflect this. You want to ensure that friends and family have the correct information about when and where the service will occur.
Including Memorial Donations or Charitable Requests
Families may decide, after publication, to include a request for memorial donations in honor of their loved one. These are often directed toward a specific charity or cause that the deceased supported. Adding this information ensures that those wishing to make a donation can do so easily.
How to Make Changes to a Published Obituary
If you need to make changes to an obituary after it’s been published, the process is usually straightforward, though it may vary depending on where it was published. Here are the steps you should take:
Contact the Publication
To update an obituary, contact the organization where it was published, such as a newspaper, funeral home website, or online platform. Reach out to their customer service or obituary department and explain the changes you must make.
Prepare the Updated Information
“Before contacting the publication, ensure you have the corrected or additional information ready. Double-check all details for accuracy.”
Understand the Fees
Depending on the publication, changing a published obituary might incur a fee, particularly with print newspapers. Some online platforms may allow changes for free or with minimal costs, but it’s always best to check with the provider to understand any potential charges.
Submit the Updated Version
Once you’ve gathered the necessary information and confirmed the process with the publication, submit the updated obituary. Ensure you receive confirmation that the changes have been applied online or in print.
Check the Updates
After making changes, it’s essential to check that the updated version has been correctly published. It means reviewing the obituary online or in print to ensure that all the changes were made and the information is accurate.
Can All Obituaries Be Updated?
Not all obituaries are equally easy to update. The ease of making changes depends on where the obituary was published. Here are some typical scenarios:
Newspaper Obituaries
Changes might be more challenging if the obituary was published in a traditional newspaper. Most newspapers have specific deadlines for obituary submissions, and once the obituary is printed, it cannot be changed. However, some newspapers offer reprints or the option to publish a correction in the next edition.
Funeral Home Website Obituaries
Many funeral homes, such as South Canton Funeral Home, provide more flexible online obituary listings. Funeral home staff can quickly update the obituary on their website if requested, which is why many families choose to publish obituaries online instead of in print.
Online Obituary Platforms
Many families use online platforms, such as Legacy.com, which specializes in publishing obituaries. These platforms often allow for more accessible updates compared to print publications. Changes can typically be made by contacting the platform directly and submitting the revised version.
Tips for Avoiding Mistakes Before Publishing an Obituary
While making changes to an obituary after its publication is possible, avoiding errors is always best. Here are some tips to help ensure accuracy:
Take Your Time
Writing an obituary is a deeply emotional process, and it’s easy to overlook details when you’re grieving. Take the time to draft the obituary carefully, and don’t rush through it.
Involve Multiple Family Members
Having multiple sets of eyes on the obituary can help catch errors and ensure that all essential details are included. Family members might remember information or anecdotes that you might have yet to think to include.
Review and Proofread
Proofreading ensures that all names, dates, and service details are accurate. Read the obituary multiple times and ask a family member or close friend to review it.
Check the Publication’s Guidelines
Different publications have different formatting guidelines and word count limits. To avoid issues with printing or posting, ensure that the obituary complies with the publication’s requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How quickly can I make changes to an online obituary?
Most online platforms and funeral home websites can update within 24 to 48 hours of your request. However, this timeline may vary depending on the provider.
2. Will there be a fee to update a published obituary?
It depends on the publication. Online platforms and funeral homes may allow free updates, while print newspapers often charge a fee for reprinting or making corrections.
3. Can I add a photo to an obituary after publication?
Yes, most online platforms and funeral homes allow you to add or change photos after publishing the obituary. However, this may not be possible for print publications once they’ve been printed.
4. What if I need to change the funeral service details?
If the service’s time, date, or location changes, the obituary must be updated as soon as possible. Contact the publication or funeral home to ensure the information is corrected quickly.
5. Can I remove an obituary once it’s been published?
In most cases, you can request an obituary removed from online platforms. However, print obituaries cannot be retracted once published, though a correction can sometimes be printed in a subsequent issue.
conclusion
it’s always best to carefully review and proofread an obituary before publishing; it’s reassuring to know that most publications allow for changes if needed. Whether correcting an error or updating service details, understanding the process for making updates ensures that your loved one’s tribute is accurate and complete.
