What recourse does a consumer have for a poor service or overcharging?
The complaint should first be given to the funeral director that served the family. If the situation is not resolved to ...
Is it possible to have a traditional burial if someone with AIDS dies?
Yes. Death because of AIDS is no different than any other cause of death.
After my death, how can my funeral home send me to my cemetery which is out of state?
In many cemeteries today, there is a funeral home on the grounds. If not, then arrangements would have to be made ...
How long can you wait to have a funeral without embalming?
Most states require that a deceased person either be embalmed or placed in refrigeration after a period of 24 hours from ...
Does the VA pay for Veterans’ funerals?
Although the Veterans Administration does not pay for complete funerals, it does provide certain merchandise, services and reimbursements. Your local VA ...
What happens if someone close to me dies away from home?
After the death has occurred, the most prudent decision would be to call your funeral service provider in your home town. ...
How many pallbearers will be needed?
The traditional format regarding the number of pallbearers is 6, primarily due to the length of the standard casket, so that ...
If I donate my remains to medical science, can there still be a service?
In addition to coordinating the donation, your funeral service provider can arrange for either a Memorial Service or a Gathering of ...
Do Clergy always officiate at a funeral service?
In conjunction with or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or friends may share personal thoughts, memories and feelings ...
What is a Memory Table and/or a Memory Board
At the funeral home, a memory table may be used to display personal items of the deceased. A memory board would ...
How can I personalize a funeral service?
One way is to bring personal items into the funeral home to be displayed in or near the casket. Example: An ...
Why would I need to purchase certified copies of a Death Certificate?
Certified copies are used as proof of death for the transfer of stocks and bonds, banking transactions and life insurance. You ...
Must a casket be transported to the cemetery in a hearse?
While a hearse or casket coach is most commonly used for this purpose, other options are often appropriate. Families might consider ...
Should a child attend a funeral?
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when ...
Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?
The publication of an obituary notice is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you ...
Will the funeral home help with Social Security and Veterans death benefits?
Quality service firms will not only assist with securing these death benefits, they will most likely complete all the paperwork for ...
Must I purchase a burial vault?
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the ...
What are burial vaults and grave liners?
These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket, and may ...
Can I build my own casket?
As a matter of fact, you can, although as a matter or practicality, it may present some storage challenges for you. ...
What about these independent discount casket companies? Can’t I buy my casket there and use it when needed?
Yes, It is certainly a financially sound decision to purchase anything at today’s prices which can then be used as a ...
Why are some casket prices more than others?
It depends upon the materials with which the casket is made. Obviously, a casket made of bronze would be priced higher ...
What are the different types of burial caskets?
Most caskets are made of either wood or metal. Metal caskets are made of either bronze, copper, steel or stainless steel. ...
How can I get an idea about the costs of caskets?
All funeral homes are required by the Federal Trade Commission to have casket price lists available to the public at all ...
Will life insurance pay for funerals?
Yes, as a convenient method of payment, most quality funeral homes will allow for an insurance assignment. This assignment transaction is ...
May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?
Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many ...
How can I best shop and compare funeral service providers?
Talking with friends who have used the services of a funeral home or your personal experience from attending funeral services of ...
What if I do not wish to use all the services a funeral home has to offer?
The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule requires that all funeral homes itemize their charges for professional services, facilities and motor equipment ...
Why are funerals so expensive?
There is a great range in prices for services and merchandise from your local funeral directors, depending on the type of ...
Does a price I receive from the funeral home include everything?
The Funeral Director is responsible for explaining all the charges that specifically pertain to the funeral home’s services offered and merchandise ...
How much does a funeral cost?
A funeral, like any other service, can have a range of prices depending on the provider. It is similar to asking ...
How soon after or long after a death must and individual be buried?
This may vary by state so check with your local funeral director. Considerations include the need to secure all permits and ...
What are the options concerning the time of a service?
While most services are held in the morning or afternoon, some families are now choosing to have services held in the ...
Is it okay to have a viewing and not a service?
Yes, if that is the wish of the family, the funeral director will arrange designated times for calling hours, have the ...
Can a function less formal than a funeral or memorial service be arranged?
A Gathering of Friends is a less formal event. It allows family and friends to share their loss and share treasured ...
Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?
A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral ...
Do funeral directors get to take advantage of the bereaved?
The most important quality that enables the funeral director to provide services in the community is his or her reputation for ...
Are the services of a funeral director necessary to bury the dead?
In most states, no. But each state does have different regulations. You should call the local department of health to find ...
What purpose does a funeral serve?
The funeral and the ceremony that accompanies it are indeed very important. For those who are left behind, a funeral provides ...
What do funeral directors do?
Primarily they care and safeguard the deceased person until final disposition, including embalming and restorative work. A growing number of funeral ...
