As a consumer, you should ask a Funeral Bureau to give you an itemized bill for all services rendered. Beware of fees and charges for caskets and protective clothing. Funeral establishments should not charge for these costs, unless they are required to by law. Also, be wary of fees for cemetery or burial company services or contagious diseases. The funeral establishment should have an itemized bill for all services rendered, including any fees that you do not understand.
You can also check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to find out what the funeral establishment charges consumers for goods and services. The website also contains disciplinary actions against funeral homes and cemeteries. Ask for a copy of the cemetery and funeral director’s license number, and verify that the establishment is a licensed business in your state. When comparing prices, ask for the General Price List, which should include the prices for outer burial containers. If a funeral establishment offers a General Price List, check to see if they have a separate Casket Price List.
Funeral bureaus are regulated by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, which has 13 licensing categories and investigates complaints against funeral directors and cemeteries. Funeral directors and embalmers must obtain a certificate of registration from the funeral bureau, as well as a copy of the death certificate from the registrar. Crematories and cemetery brokers are also regulated by the Funeral Bureau. In California, there are approximately 226 licensed private cemeteries.
The funeral establishment must dispose of the body before the person can be buried. When the deceased had sufficient assets, a public administrator would be appointed. However, a person may also specify the goods and services that they wanted to be provided. Those instructions must be in writing and signed, and they cannot be changed materially except by the law. You must also consider the cemetery’s fees before deciding on a burial plot. The funeral bureau should make sure that they charge reasonable fees for their services.
When choosing a cemetery, you should also consider the type of burial. A cemetery can be private or public. Private cemeteries must adhere to certain guidelines to maintain their property. These standards may include minimum amounts for grave liners, vaults, and markers. A cemetery can also have a columbarium, which is a structure with niches in the ground for cremated remains. A columbarium may be outdoor or part of a mausoleum.
The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization that provides information to the public about funeral services and helps consumers plan for a meaningful funeral. The nonprofit organization also advocates for the consumer’s right to a dignified and affordable burial. If you need help, you can contact the FCA or other government agencies. They can help you choose a funeral service that is right for you. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations. If you cannot find any, check the Yellow Pages or search online for funeral services.
ABFSE is the national accreditation agency for funeral service education programs. Founded in the 1940s, the organization became a standalone agency in 1962. Its accrediting function is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. The board’s 2021-22 meetings will be held in Nashville and Dallas, respectively. The Board is also responsible for the accreditation of funeral homes. You will need a license to practice funeral services in your state.
You can also get a preneed trust contract for cemetery services and funeral products. This contract can cover the entire funeral, including cemetery services such as opening a grave. Certain costs cannot be pre-paid, however, such as an obituary and unallocated overhead. Regardless of the type of funeral service you choose, a preneed contract is worth checking out. The funeral establishment should provide an itemized statement of choices and costs that you can expect to pay.
The Funeral Rule is a law that regulates the profession of funeral directing. The Bureau issues licenses to qualified practitioners who meet certain standards for continuing competency and professional conduct. If a licensee violates these standards, the Board will take disciplinary action. The board also inspects funeral homes and issues certificates to crematoria authorities. However, if you do not receive this certificate within 60 days, you have the right to file a complaint.