What Families Should Know About Funeral & Burial Costs

The loss of a loved one is never easy, no matter what the circumstances are surrounding the cause of the death. It is unfortunate that for most families in the first few hours after the death, they have to begin the process of arranging for a funeral.

Typically, this responsibility falls on the surviving spouse or adult children. This process is made even more complex due to the numerous decisions to be made and the associated costs. Because of the often-exorbitant costs of a funeral, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established the Funeral Rule, which is designed to protect consumers from unfair practices in their time of need.

The rule allows families to get prices over the phone without a meeting. When a meeting occurs, families must be given an itemized list of all expenses.

These rights provide options that families may not be aware of. Attorneys who handle civil claims for wrongful death and related claims like those at Folkman Law will make sure that you are fully aware of your rights throughout the process.

What Are the Basics of Funeral Costs?

Every family should be aware of funeral and burial costs. These costs will vary due to several factors, including where you live and how you choose to honor your loved one. Here’s what you need to consider:  

Funeral Director Services

A funeral director is someone who works for a particular funeral home, arranging all the details of the funeral and acting as the family’s liaison. Here are some of the duties you can expect a funeral director to perform:

•     Filing the death certificate
•     Procuring any necessary permits and licenses for a funeral procession
•     Arranging all aspects of the funeral service
•     Ensuring safe handling of remains

Removal of Remains

When you contract with a funeral home and director, they will arrange for the transportation of the decedent from the place of death to your chosen funeral home or crematorium.

Embalming

Embalming is the process of preparing the body for a viewing or visitation. If you intend to have the body buried immediately (within 24 hours) or cremated, embalming is not necessary.

If the body is being transported from out of state or there will be an extended time before the funeral, it’s recommended that you go ahead with the embalming.

Body Preparation

This process involves washing the body, applying appropriate makeup, and grooming the hair. You can provide clothing and other mementos to place in the casket.

Again, this is recommended mainly for viewing and visitation services.

Viewing and Funeral Service

A traditional viewing service typically lasts one or two days. Upon completion, a funeral service can be held at the funeral home, a designated venue such as a church, or at the selected burial site.

The service might require parking assistance, audio-visual equipment, and other expenses.

Transportation

Funeral transportation will cover the rental of a hearse to transport the body from the funeral home to the burial sites and for limousine rental for the family, if necessary.

Memorial Print Package

Many families opt to print funeral programs or memorial cards. These are entirely optional but make a lovely keepsake.

Casket

If you are considering purchasing a casket, you have the option to buy it from the funeral home or an outside source, such as an online seller. Caskets are a personal choice and can be customized to suit your family’s wishes.

Burial Plot

A burial plot can be in a single space or double space for spouses and partners. There are also options for above-ground internment. There could also be a grave marker or headstone. The cost of these choices depends on your wishes. 

Options for Families

When all these costs are added up, the average funeral can range from $8,000 to $20,000 or higher, depending on the choices made.

Those can be overwhelming, especially when the family is dealing with a situation that could involve a wrongful death claim. When those actions are pursued, the cost for the funeral is covered in the settlement request.

Of course, this won’t be something that can be resolved before the funeral. However, it can bring some measure of comfort and relief for a family knowing they won’t have to take on that burden without compensation at some point. A supportive wrongful death attorney can provide you with the guidance you need to understand all your options for moving forward with that type of claim.

That kind of support in your hour of need can prove to be invaluable.