Each year, Americans grapple with many questions as they spend billions of dollars arranging funerals for family members and friends. Don’t be discouraged in what you hear from your funeral home.

Your Rights

Each year, Americans grapple with many questions as they spend billions of dollars arranging funerals for family members and friends. The increasing trend toward pre-need planning – when people make funeral arrangements in advance – suggests that many consumers want to compare prices and services so that ultimately, the funeral reflects a wise and well-informed purchasing decision, as well as a meaningful one.

Many funeral providers offer various “packages” of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy individual goods and services. That is, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want.

According to the Federal Trade Commission:

• You have the right to choose only the funeral goods and services you want.
• The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.
• The funeral provider must provide you with a general price list.
• If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
• A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.