Questions To Ask a Funeral Home Before You Sign Anything
The arrangement meeting usually happens within a day or two of a death, when families are exhausted. Bringing a written list of questions keeps the meeting focused and helps you avoid paying for things you didn't choose.
On the phone (before you visit)
Funeral homes must give price information over the phone under the FTC Funeral Rule. Ask:
- What is your basic services fee, and what does it include?
- What does direct cremation cost? Immediate burial? A funeral with viewing?
- Can you email me your General Price List?
- Are there extra charges for weekends, holidays or evening services?
Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date.
At the arrangement meeting
- Is this price a package? What would it cost item by item?
- Which charges are cash advance items paid to others (cemetery, clergy, newspaper, death certificates)? Do you add a service fee to them?
- Do we need embalming for what we've chosen? If not, what are the alternatives?
- How many certified death certificates will you order, and what does each copy cost?
- Do you file the death certificate and notify Social Security?
- Can we bring our own casket, urn, clothing, music, photos or video?
- Do you offer livestreaming? Is there a charge?
- For cremation: when will the remains be returned, and in what container?
- Can you help with veteran burial benefits and military honors?
- What deposit is required, and when is the balance due?
- Can I have the itemized statement in writing before I sign?
Tips
- Bring a calm friend who isn't as close to the person who died. They can take notes and ask "can we think about it?"
- It's okay to say no to things you don't want, and to take an hour before signing.
- Compare like with like. Use the same list of items for each provider (see how much does a funeral cost).
The Funeral Planning & Obituary Pack includes these questions as a printable page, a comparison sheet for three funeral homes and a budget planner.
Funeral Planning & Obituary Pack — $12
17-page workbook with your FTC Funeral Rule rights, funeral home comparison, budget planner, 6 obituary templates, eulogy outline and program template. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Funeral Planning & Obituary PackAll 10 kits — $59More guides
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- Obituary Examples: Short, Traditional and Celebration-of-Life Wording
- What Not To Put in an Obituary (Protect Your Family From Scams)
- How To Write a Eulogy: A Simple 4-Part Outline (With Prompts)
- Funeral Planning Checklist: Every Decision, in Order
- The FTC Funeral Rule: Your Rights When Arranging a Funeral
- How Much Does a Funeral Cost? 2023 Median Prices and How To Budget
- Funeral Program Template: A Simple Order of Service
- Funeral Thank-You Note Wording: Short Examples for Every Situation