Is it permissible to offer condolences to the deceased's family before his burial?

A Muslim is permitted to offer condolences to his Muslim brother for the loss of a deceased person, both before and after the burial. However, offering condolences after the burial is preferable, because the family of the deceased are preoccupied with preparing the body before the burial. Furthermore, offering condolences to them after the burial has a greater impact on their souls in terms of comforting and consoling them in their affliction.