What to Ask a Funeral Home Before Signing a Contract

The General Price List Question

Before discussing arrangements or prices, ask: "May I have your General Price List?" Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral provider must give you an itemized written price list when an in-person conversation begins to cover the types or prices of funeral goods and services. They must also give accurate price information over the phone without requiring your name or address.

If a funeral director steers you toward packages without offering the itemized list when the arrangement discussion begins, that's a federal rule violation. You have the right to select individual services à la carte. The basic services fee is the only non-declinable provider fee under the Funeral Rule, though state or local law or a cemetery or crematory may require other items.

Walk out of any meeting where the GPL isn't offered when the discussion turns to arrangements, goods, services, or prices. That single question tells you everything about how the rest of the relationship will go.

Questions About Pricing and Hidden Fees

"What is your non-declinable basic services fee, and what exactly does it cover?" The amount and included services differ by provider and location. The fee covers the provider's basic services; ask what they include so you're not paying twice for the same service.

"Will there be any additional charges if I bring my own casket or urn?" The FTC Funeral Rule explicitly prohibits handling fees for third-party merchandise. If a funeral home says they charge extra for an outside casket, they're breaking federal law.

"Can you give me an itemized written statement of everything I've selected before I pay?" This is another FTC requirement. The statement must list each service and product with its individual price. Compare it against the GPL before signing.

"Are there storage fees, and when do they start?" If you're planning a delayed memorial, the crematory or funeral home may charge daily or weekly holding fees. Get the timeline and per-day rate in writing.

"What's the total if I only want direct cremation with no ceremony at your facility?" The answer separates the bare-minimum service price from everything they're hoping to sell you. Direct cremation prices vary by provider and location; ask for the itemized total and what's included.

Questions About the Process

"How many certified death certificates will I need, and what do they cost through you?" Many families order 5–12 copies, but the number depends on the estate and the institutions that need them. Ask the funeral home and local vital statistics office about the current per-copy fee and whether you can order additional copies directly.

"What's the timeline for receiving the cremation certificate and ashes?" Ask the provider for its current expected turnaround and whether local requirements affect the schedule.

"If I'm planning a delayed memorial at another venue, what services do I still need from you?" Clarify exactly which pieces you're buying from them versus handling yourself. Ask for the itemized total and whether any local, cemetery, or crematory requirements add costs.

Questions That Protect the Family

"Who in my family has the legal authority to make these decisions?" A good funeral director can help identify your state's next-of-kin hierarchy. If there's no designated agent and multiple adult children may share authority, confirm the state's consent rule before signing; do not assume that a majority vote or the executor's approval is enough. Sorting this out early can help prevent delays and storage charges.

"What's your cancellation and refund policy?" If you're pre-planning a delayed service, you may need to change vendors. Get the cancellation terms — especially non-refundable deposits — in writing before signing anything.

"Can I take your GPL home and compare prices?" You can. There's no obligation to decide during the meeting. Take the list, call two other funeral homes for their GPLs over the phone, and compare line by line.

Comparing Multiple Funeral Homes

Call at least three funeral homes. Ask the same itemized questions to each. The FTC requires providers to give accurate price information over the phone; if you don't get a clear answer, ask again or compare written price lists.

Focus your comparison on three numbers: the basic services fee, the direct cremation fee, and any per-day storage or holding charges. These are useful starting points for comparing providers.

The Planning a Memorial Service toolkit includes a funeral home comparison worksheet with every question pre-listed — bring it to meetings so you don't forget to ask while you're grieving and under pressure.