There are federal laws governing the funeral industry. Learn the basics in this article about the care of the dead, and what is a scam.
My mother used to tell me, "The only things you can be sure of are death and taxes!" Going into life knowing this truth, it is a good idea be informed in these areas. Taxes, well, who knows what the IRS has cooked up for us on next year's income tax forms, but death -- well, that is something we can prepare for. Well, at least we can prepare for the death of our bodies, and what to do with them when it is all over here on earth. Arm yourself with knowledge so you won't get scammed about "death-care."
The most important thing to do is gather information -- know your rights! When you are faced with the death of a loved one, you are probably at your most vulnerable. Don't be fooled into thinking that everyone who is nice to you has your best interest in mind. An unscrupulous funeral director is as underhanded as a crook who would steal a wristwatch and wallet from a dead man's body. They are just dressed up in a suit and tie, and pretend to care about you. Most people in the "death-care" industry are good, honest people. But as with everything else, you need to be on-guard, and prepared with the facts.
Today there are laws created by the Federal Trade Commission, that govern the funeral industry, however, they are mostly ignored, and seldom enforced. The Funeral Rule, enforced by the FTC, requires funeral directors to give you itemized prices in person and, if you ask, over the phone. The Rule also requires funeral directors to give you other information about their goods and services. Here are some of the pertinent points of the Funeral Rule:
1.You have the right to choose the funeral goods and services you want (with some exceptions). The funeral provider must state this right in writing on the general price list.
2. 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.
3. The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere. A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.
Those are the basics. Next you will want to answer this question:
What type of funeral would you like?
Traditional funerals include a viewing or visitation and formal funeral service, use of a hearse to transport the body to the funeral site and cemetery, and burial, entombment or cremation of the remains. This is by far the most expensive. You must figure in the cost of the casket, the rental of the funeral home, use of vehicles, and truly, a host of other items.
Direct Burial funerals will provide for burial of the body shortly after death, in an inexpensive container. There can be a memorial service at the cemetery involved if the family chooses (probably a charge for this service). There is, however, no embalming. The funeral home's basic fee plus the fee for transportation and the care of the body, the purchase of the casket or other burial container and a plot or crypt would be part of a direct burial.
Direct cremation is where the body is cremated shortly after death. There is NO NEED for embalming, so please don't let anyone tell you differently. You will, of course, need an urn or other container for the cremated remains. There would be no visitation or viewing, however, you may want to hold a memorial service. It is up to the loved one's friends or family what is to be done with the remains. Of course you can buy a niche in a cemetery or a crypt, but you may choose to scatter the ashes in the deceased's favorite spot. Funeral providers are required to provide a container for the remains in lieu of a casket.
Remember - make sure the funeral director gives you a price list of services. It is required by law. When you do get your bill, check it carefully to make sure you are not getting billed for something you did not receive, or are getting double billed.
Remember, please don't operate under guilt. Your loved one probably would not want you going broke trying to provide a fancy funeral.
