What is cremation? Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes and bone fragments through the use of intense heat. The process usually takes from two to four hours. The cremated remains are then pulverized to break up larger bone fragments to a granular texture. How popular is cremation? The number of cremations … Read more
Many Funeral Consumers Alliance affiliates conduct annual or biennial surveys of prices that funeral homes in their area charge for various type of services. Prices are obtained from the funeral homes’ General Price Lists (GPLs). FTC regulations require that a funeral home give you a GPL upon request. If your location is not covered in … Read more
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Funeral poverty is real: what happens to the unclaimed dead?
If we treated feeding ourselves the way most of us approach getting active board members, it would look like this… Camera dollies in to a man with a panicked expression, clutching the phone. . John: The cupboard is bare, and I’ve tried everything, but all the grocery stores are closed. . .what will we do!? … Read more
Reduce the workload of collecting General Price Lists If there are too many funeral homes to survey in your area, try collecting only a few price lists (perfectionists may struggle) using one of these methods: You might explain why you post only low priced businesses, for example: “The most expensive mortuaries are typically less flexible. … Read more
Even if there is no statutory obligation in your state for survivors to honor specific written after deathcare instructions, it is better to have your wishes in writing than not at all. Courts routinely support all but the most outrageous wishes. The power to name a designated agent for body disposition is honored in all … Read more
States Where Families Must Hire a Funeral Director Most states do not impose a legal requirement that compels citizens to patronize a commercial funeral home, but nine do. The ways in which state laws and regulations entangle families in forced commercial transactions are varied and inconsistent. The effect of these laws goes unnoticed until a … Read more
This free document from the Federal Trade Commission provides guidelines to funeral providers on complying with the Funeral Rule. The Rule requires that consumers be given accurate, itemized price information and various other disclosures about funeral goods and services. In addition, the Rule prohibits Funeral Homes from: If a Funeral Home violates the Funeral Rule, … Read more