Compliance with the FTC Funeral Rule is Commonplace with Elizabethtown, NC Funeral Homes
As a consumer planning a funeral for a loved one, it is important that you understand that funeral homes in Elizabethtown, NC closely follow the Funeral Rule. This rule is one created and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and basically protects consumers regarding their choices. In essence, you only pay for those services and goods you want or need for your loved one. The Funeral Rule makes it possible for you to shop around and compare pricing amongst Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes as well as those in all other states. Third-party sellers are the only entities in which the rule does not apply.
The General Price List Presented by Funeral Homes in Elizabethtown, NC
When you make your first telephone call or in-person visit to a funeral establishment, the funeral director must provide a general price list is you request it. There is no need to even give your name or contact information either. Some Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes post their general price list on their website or even email or fax it. This price list must be presented before any products and services are even discussed. The general price list includes itemized pricing for every funeral product and service that funeral homes in Elizabethtown, NC offers. Price lists may differ slightly from establishment to establishment.
Burial Container Price Lists
When burial is the preferred option for your deceased loved one, Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes must present to you a casket and outer burial container price list. Sometimes, casket pricing is included in the general price list you received upon your first inquiry. More than likely however is that caskets and other containers are presented on a different price list. It is important to obtain and review the casket and outer burial container price list before presentation of these funeral products. That way, you can request to see any lower priced items not on display at the funeral homes in Elizabethtown, NC.
Caskets, liners and vaults are not legally required within the state. However, a number of cemeteries might require one or more of them to prevent a burial plot from caving in. Basically, a vault or liner is made from durable materials such as metal, stone or concrete. Caskets, vaults and liners do nothing to prevent decomposition; they are simply a means of maintenance at cemeteries. Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes will work with the cemetery of your choice to determine exact requirements for burial.
Funeral Homes in Elizabethtown, NC Presents Statement of Goods and Services
Once you choose all the services and funeral products required to arrange a loving tribute to your deceased loved one, Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes must submit to you a statement of funeral goods and services fully outlining all the costs before arrangements are carried out. It is important that you fully read and comprehend this statement before signing it in agreement.
Keep in mind that you only need to purchase the funeral arrangements you desire. You have the right to purchase goods and services a la carte or separately. Funeral homes in Elizabethtown, NC cannot force you into package deals, especially if there are certain elements of the packages that you do not need or want.
Check to ensure that there is a written explanation that describes all required legal compliance when dealing with a cemetery or crematory. In addition, if cremation is the final disposition of choice over burial, an alternative container can be used instead of a casket. The deceased will be exposed to extreme heat but must be housed within a sturdy, leak-proof container for transportation and public health reasons. Therefore, if cremation is chosen, Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes must inform you of alternative containers and make them available to you. Why spend a lot of money on a casket if it must be burned with the deceased? A rental casket could be arranged if you wanted a public viewing before cremation commences.
Other Items of Note When Dealing with Funeral Homes in Elizabethtown, NC
The Funeral Rule also gives consumers a few more rights. For instance, if you choose to do so, you can purchase a casket or urn from another entity. Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes cannot refuse to handle a funeral products that you purchased from another entity. They also cannot charge a fee to do so. In addition, you cannot be required to be present when the funeral products purchased elsewhere are delivered to them.
Did you know that there are no state laws requiring embalming? However, it is well within the rights of funeral homes in Elizabethtown, NC to require embalming if refrigeration is not available or services are held a few days past death. In addition, some Elizabethtown, NC funeral homes have policies in place that require embalming if a public viewing is requested. This preservative process is not for public health but rather to slow decomposition so that the deceased's appearance is maintained until final disposition.
Planning a funeral means that you have experienced death and it can be an especially emotional, trying time. However, the Funeral Rule helps protect your interests so you can feel confident in the services that funeral homes in Elizabethtown, NC provides.
I found Heritage Cremation when I was calling funeral homes in the area to make cremation arrangements for my brother. The cremation cost was a big concern for me and compared to the other funeral homes I found Heritage Cremations had the best price and the most compassionate staff. I was a bit worried because the cremation services price at Heritage Cremation was so much less than the other cremation services I was quoted, but I have to say the cremation service was beautiful. Visitors actually complimented me on the cremation service, and the kindness of the staff at Heritage Cremation. 
