The death of a loved one can be difficult for families. Making funeral arrangements ahead of time can relieve them of the burden of deciding at a stressful time. It can also help prevent financial surprises for survivors.
To become a licensed funeral director, you must complete a high school diploma and mortuary science program and undergo an apprenticeship. You must also pass both the state law and national board exams.
Preneed contracts
Using a preneed contract allows individuals to pay for their funeral plans before they pass away. This helps families avoid having to make decisions at an emotional time. It also ensures that the funeral home will provide the services promised.
Preneed contracts are usually sold by both funeral homes and cemeterians, but third party sellers are becoming increasingly common. These types of contracts typically include both funeral and cemetery merchandise and service items, and the prices are locked in advance.
Many states require that the seller of a preneed contract disclose certain information about its terms and conditions. However, there is no federal minimum standard for this disclosure. The rules differ between states, as do the procedures for cancelling the contract and how much money is refundable to the purchaser.
Life insurance
Preneed contracts can be a great way to plan for your funeral, but not everyone is up to the task of choosing a casket or urn, deciding on songs and food, or determining a final resting place. If you’re not up for this task, you can still make sure that your family isn’t left with the burden of your funeral costs by buying a burial insurance policy.
Burial and final expense insurance are different from preneed plans because they work like life insurance policies and do not lock you into a specific service provider or products. They also typically don’t require a medical exam and ask few health questions. Some even build cash value that you can borrow against. However, these types of policies come with many risks and are not subject to state or federal consumer protections.
Funeral trusts
Generally, a funeral trust allows you to pre-pay for essential services and burial expenses. It can also help you avoid unforeseen expenses later in life. Prepaying can ease the burden on loved ones during stressful times. It can also reduce the likelihood of family disagreements and misunderstandings about final arrangements. Funeral trusts can be revocable or irrevocable and are usually protected from creditors. They may even earn interest or investment returns.
However, a funeral trust isn’t without its drawbacks. There is a risk of mismanagement or business insolvency, which can lead to lost funds. Moreover, the fees and commissions charged by the funeral home may reduce the overall value of the trust. It’s also important to consider the potential tax implications of a funeral trust.
Home funerals
Home funerals are a growing trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they can be an effective way to mourn a loved one. The National Home Funeral Alliance and the book Final Rights offer more information on the subject. You may also wish to consider setting up a trust for your funeral expenses. These trusts allow you to pay for funeral services in advance, while retaining control of the funds until your death. Most states require these plans to be disclosed by funeral homes, although the Funeral Rule does not always apply.
Families who choose to hold a home funeral often prefer a more personalized service. In addition, they can spend more time preparing the body for transport and burial. They can even create memorials and establish their own rituals to honor the departed.
Burial on private property
Burial on private property is legal in most states, although local zoning laws may place restrictions. For example, some states require a certain distance between a burial plot and water sources and buildings. These rules are often called setbacks.
If you plan to bury someone on your land, be sure to inform the new owners of the property. This will ensure that they have access to the grave site in the future. It will also help to prevent contamination of the water supply.
You must give anyone who asks in person about funeral goods and services a General Price List (GPL). However, you do not have to send GPLs to people who inquire via telephone or by mail. Moreover, you cannot charge separate fees for overhead or other non-declinable expenses.