Your Right to Know

In a time of need, the last thing most people want to think about is the cost of a funeral for a loved one. Yet, as prices increase for funeral services, the bottom line often must be considered. The good news is that you have a right to know what all of the funeral expenses will be. You have a right to ask questions. You should never be hesitant to ask and never stay with a provider who does not provide a printout of the funeral costs for you in advance. Reputable funeral providers will guide you through the process.

Death often follows a long and expensive illness.  As a result, little money may be available at the time funeral services are needed. The funeral home of your choice should always be willing to make arrangements that will fit the family's requirements. Families should be candid with the funeral home from the beginning about these types of needs so that appropriate arrangements may be made from the beginning.

What are the costs of today's funeral services?
The average adult funeral, including the casket, in the United States in 2005 costs $5,612 according to published sources. This price varies greatly dependent upon the services, equipment, and merchandise needed for the funeral. The price also varies based on geographic region. Cemetery costs and cash advance items must be added to the above amount.

The costs are generally determined by choices made by the family. These costs fall into three areas:

1. professional and personal services of the funeral director and staff,
2. use of facilities and equipment and automobiles and
3. all desired funeral merchandise.

Services may include embalming, other preparation of the body, and transfer of the remains from the place of death to the funeral home in town or to or from a location out of town. Facilities and equipment may include use of the funeral home for a viewing or visitation, funeral ceremony, and use of the hearse and flower car, limousine and other automobiles. Merchandise may include the casket, the vault, or the urn.

In the course of a funeral service, other costs such as payments for obituaries, flowers, certified death certificates, etc., are frequently made by the funeral director. These items, as the family requests them, appear on the final invoice as "cash advance" items.   Sales tax on merchandise is also added.

The funeral director of your choice should be able to answer your questions and be able to explain all prices fully and frankly. You have a right to know exactly what you are paying for, and you should not be charged for services and items that you do not use. The law is on your side. A Federal Trade Commission regulation ensures that all funeral home fees be itemized on a printed general price list and made available to the public by phone, or in person.