UDATE March 21, 2005 — We're disappointed to report the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging monopolistic state laws that give funeral homes the sole right to sell caskets. To read the friend-of-the-court brief FCA filed in support of the case click here.

Why do Americans tend to spend so much on a casket? Well, you might want a grand display for a day or so. Some are even "more comfortable"—with an innerspring mattress and adjustable head-rest. More likely, however, low-cost caskets simply aren't on display. As one reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times found out when the funeral shopper she accompanied asked if there wasn't something less expensive than the $2,000+ casket on display: "They led us to a hall on the way to the boiler room." Another woman was taken to a basement full of cobwebs. And another was subjected to the icy sneer: "Oh . . . you want the welfare casket?" Click "read more" below for a state-by-state listing of local casket and urn artisans and retail casket discount stores.

NOTE: We're in the process of updating this page. More current information on changes to state law since Lisa Carlson's "Caring for the Dead" was published can be downloaded in .pdf format (see attachments below).

Those who have chosen to care for their own dead have found it therapeutic and loving. Having something physical to do takes away the sense of helplessness, and family involvement allows you to personalize the funeral experience.

Attachments:

caringupdates.pdf

[Caring for the Dead Updates]

159 Kb

12/7/2007

How to Start

No one is perfect, including funeral directors and cemeterians. We all make mistakes. If you are dissatisfied with your funeral or cemetery experience, try to settle your concerns with those involved first. That's how you would want to be treated, if it were your business.

Write down everything from the minute you feel you might have a complaint, to make sure you record details while they're fresh in your mind. If another person is with you and shares your concerns, ask that person to write down what happened, too. Sometimes that person will remember additional helpful information. Be sure to date all of your notes. Write down the names of everyone you deal with, even if it is just a first name or a description of what the person looked like. Keep a log of all phone conversations including who said what. If you are reading this some time after events occurred, stop and write down everything you remember right now.

Are You Wondering if the Funeral Home You Used Was an Ethical One?

It probably was — IF — you can answer "yes" to these ten questions:

• Did you receive a General Price List early in planning the funeral and before you made any decisions that would affect the price of the funeral?
• Did you receive a Casket Price List prior to picking out a casket?
• Was there a casket on display that cost less than $500?