General Funeral FAQ

  • What do funeral directors do?

    Primarily they care and safeguard the deceased person until final disposition, including embalming and restorative work. A growing number of funeral directors are trained as grief counselors to help families through the bereavement process. They also arrange and provide an orderly series of events that finalize the funeral, the final disposition, and legal paperwork so the family can proceed forward.

  • What purpose does a funeral serve?

    For those who are left behind, a funeral provides a place for family and friends to gather for support and to reminisce; an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one; a chance to say goodbye; and the focal point from which the healing process can begin.

  • Are the services of a funeral director necessary to bury the dead?

    The requirements vary from state to state. Although the State of Texas does make allowances for the family to handle certain functions when caring for the death of a loved one, most hospitals, nursing homes, care centers and cemeteries require the relationship of a Licensed Funeral Director when caring for the dead.

  • Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?

    A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist with arranging a meaningful service.

  • Does the price I receive from the funeral home include everything?

    The Funeral Director is responsible for explaining all the charges that specifically pertain to the funeral home's services and merchandise sold stated on its general price list. Any additional charges may fall under the category of cash advances. These additional charges might be for opening and closing the grave, clergy honorarium, newspaper notices, flowers, organist, and fees, to name a few...

  • Why are funerals so expensive?

    There is a great range in prices for services and merchandise from your local funeral directors, depending on the type of funeral you purchase and each company's price structure. The perception that funerals are too expensive usually can be attributed to a lack of familiarity with the normal price range. If you find that the price for certain services and merchandise seems too high, you should check into different types of funerals and different companies until you find the price that fits your budget.

  • Will life insurance pay for funerals?

    Yes, as a convenient method of payment, our funeral home will allow for an insurance assignment. The insurance assignment is an effective, convenient means in which to cover funeral expenses, although cash advanced items would be paid directly from the family.

  • How can I personalize a funeral service?

    One way is to bring personal items into the funeral home to be displayed in or near the casket. Many caskets and urns can be personalized as well. At the memorial service or funeral itself, you could display items that help significance for the the deceased. An avid hunter or fisherman might have some of their personal effects or trophies displayed on a memory table. A person who quilted could have the casket draped with a quilt they made.

  • How much does a funeral cost?

    A funeral, like any other service, can have a range of prices depending on the provider. It is similar to asking "How much does a wedding cost?" Funeral costs are divided into three categories: services, as provided by the funeral director and funeral home staff; and merchandise, such as caskets, outer burial containers, urns, etc. and cash advanced items the family wishes the funeral home to purchase on their behalf.


    It is a Federal Trade Commission regulation that all funeral-related charges be itemized, printed on a general price list and made available to the public by phone, mail or in person. Therefore it is easy to comparison shop and prearrange your own funeral, taking advantage of competitive pricing by providers.

  • What if I do not wish to use all the services a funeral home has to offer?

    The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule requires that all funeral homes itemize their charges for professional services, facilities and motorized vehicles and that they provide a General Price List to all clients. You have the right to select and pay for only those services you choose to utilize.

  • What are burial vaults and graveliners?

    These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are made of a variety or combination of materials including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, cooper, bronze, plastic or fiberglass. A graveliner is a lightweight version of a vault which simply keeps the grave surface from sinking in.

  • Must I purchase a burial vault?

    In most areas of the country, state, or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the ground will not sink. Either a graveliner or a burial vault will satisfy these requirements.

  • Will the funeral home help with Social Security and Veterans death benefits?

    Quality service firms will not only assist with securing these death benefits, they will most likely complete all the paperwork for you when possible.

  • Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?

    The publication of an obituary notice is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you have the right to limit the amount of information, if any provided to them.

  • Why would I need to purchase Certified Copies of a death certificate?

    Certified copies are used as proof of death for the transfer of stocks and bonds, banking transactions and life insurance. Your funeral provider can help you determine how many you may need to settle an estate and also secure them for you.

  • What recourse does a consumer have for poor service or overcharging?

    The complaint should first be given to the funeral director that served the family. If the situation is not resolved to your satisfaction, then a complaint should be filed with your state's board of funeral service, or with a consumer complaint department of the state attorney general's office. In most instances, the complaint will be resolved by the funeral director. If you are unable to resolve your differences, you may contact the Texas Funeral Service Commission.

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