Many of our parents and grandparents paid for their burial spaces and put away monies to pay for their funerals via cash, savings accounts, and insurance policies.  Most funeral providers will work with your insurance company for direct payment called an “assignment”.  The beneficiary will sign paperwork directing the payment for the amount of the funeral to the funeral provider.  Any additional monies will be paid to the beneficiary.

The “Funeral Rule” established by the Federal Trade Commission states that a funeral home cannot refuse to service a family who chooses to purchase a caster (or any item) from another vendor.  There are options to purchase caskets, outer burial containers, urs, and other memorial merchandise online or in specialized stores.  The Peaceful Decisions team is available to answer your individual questions about funeral merchandise.

The decision to have a religious or non-religious officiant is based on the traditions, culture, and comfort level of the surviving family and friends.  If you or your family do not feel the “pull” to have a religious service, utilizing a Celebrant may be the best answer for you.  The Celebrant will interview family and friends and create a eulogy and service that is befitting of the deceased.

The Peaceful Decisions advisors are available for guidance on choosing a Celebrant.

Depending on the state regulations; a pre-paid funeral contract may be altered by the legal next of kin.  In many cases, a family is able to change the type of service and merchandise at the time of death.  The monies paid can be applied to the new arrangements.

Connect with a Peaceful Decisions Advisor for an Advance Planning contract review.

You do not.  However, the FTC states that a funeral provider must offer an “alternative container” for direct cremation.  the “alternative container” is typically constructed with fiber-board or pressed-wood and is necessary to protect the deceased’s body in the handling and transport to the crematory.  It is not decorative.

Yes.  There are times when this decision is made in haste, and when engaging the funeral home staff, there might be some dissatisfaction.  If extreme, making a change to another funeral home is an option.  Please note that the costs for services provided by the first funeral home must be satisfied.

The Peaceful Decisions team suggests that you begin the conversation about end-of-life planning and funeral home selection before the need arises.  We are here to help guide you on your path to education, enlightenment, and empowerment.  

The first question of creating a personalized service is who was this person?  Answering the question of what were their accomplishments, their hobbies, their joys can provide a foundation for a memorable tribute.  Today, there are so many options to ‘personalizing’ service that it can be overwhelming when making funeral arrangements.

The Peaceful Decisions team can help you create a one of a kind final tribute for your loved one or yourself.  Our clients gain a sense of relief by starting this conversation prior to the need.

The answer is up to you!  A memorial service, without the deceased’s body present, can be held at any time and at any place.  Scheduling a funeral service traditionally can fall into a set time-frame depending on where you live and your culture.  Choosing a traditional funeral with the deceased ‘s body present for burial or cremation with a viewing/visitation may limit your options.  To extend the date and time of service you might consider embalming.

You are the client and have every right to share your concerns with the funeral provider as you experience challenges.  Contacting the regulating board that oversees funeral service in each state is the last resort for recourse.  A handy downloadable pdf guide to available resources is provided here.

We cannot act as a funeral provider to complete the final arrangements.  Neither can we create legal documents, such as death certificates, wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, nor pre-paid funeral plans.

The Peaceful Decisions team consists of many subject matter experts on end-of-life issues.  Once death occurs, it may appear that the process moves at lightning speed.  It is important to understand that you have the power to slow the process.  You can reach out to the Peaceful Decisions team for guidance and information during your time of need.  We will respond within 12 hours of your initial contact.