You have rights & protections when arranging a funeral. Last Rights accompanies you as you explore and exercise them with your funeral director. Experience more values-aligned, eco-friendly, and meaningful farewells.
The 'Funeral Rule' is the most essential document every family should be familiar with before setting foot in a funeral home. It is a comprehensive set of rights & protections we all have. Knowing what is obligatory vs. optional at a funeral home can save you money, time, and generic experiences.
You are entitled to an itemized price list the moment you walk in. No purchase required.
Funeral homes must provide price information over the phone upon request.
You can choose only the goods and services you want. No forced packages.
You can supply your own casket or urn. Funeral homes must accept it.
Before you pay, you must receive a written statement of all charges.
Embalming is usually not legally required. You can decline it.
If a cemetery requires a vault, the funeral home must tell you and provide pricing.
Funeral homes cannot make false claims about legal requirements or preservation needs.
Navigate every stage of the funeral home experience with clarity and confidence. You have the right to take your time exploring your options, as you design a values-aligned farewell with your funeral director.
Become thoroughly acquainted with the 'Funeral Rule' and how it relates to your wishes, before you call or visit a funeral home.
Use your right to telephone price disclosure. Call at least 2-3 homes and compare prices freely.
Decide whether a green burial, eco-casket, Recompose, etc, aligns with your values before you sit down with a funeral director.
Grief can impact decision-making. Bring a support human to accompany you as you navigate the deathspace.
What matters most to you? Cultural customs? Environmental options? Write it down and take it with you to stay values-aligned.
As soon as you sit down, ask for the GPL if it hasn't been provided. You are legally entitled to it.
You do not have to decide anything during the first meeting. A solid funeral director will understand a family needs time to process.
If pressured toward a service or product, ask directly. If the answer is vague, it probably is not required.
You can decline any service that isn't legally required. Politely but firmly state your wishes.
Before agreeing to anything, ask for the written itemized statement and review each item carefully.
After the service, review your final statement line by line. Compare it to what was agreed upon.
If you believe the FTC Funeral Rule was violated, you can file a complaint at FTC.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
Sharing, positive or negative, helps families make better-informed choices.
Document your own wishes, eco preferences, cultural customs, etc. Include a reference to the FTC 'Funeral Rule' to ensure your family is aware of it.
Here are some collaborative conversation suggestions you can use to help keep your meeting centered on clarity and your values.
"Thank you for seeing us. Before we begin, could you provide your General Price List? We want to make fully informed decisions."
Best used: at the very start of any arrangement meeting.
"We'd prefer to decline embalming. We understand it isn't legally required, and we'd like to explore alternatives that align with our family's values."
Best used: when embalming is presented as standard or assumed.
"We've already chosen a casket through a third-party provider 'x', as allowed by the FTC's 'Funeral Rule'. We'd like to confirm the delivery process."
Best used: when you've sourced a casket independently.
"We'd prefer to select services individually. Could you walk us through your itemized options so we can choose what fits our needs?"
Best used: when a package is the default starting point.
"Is this legally required by state law, or is it something you recommend? We want to make the right choice for our family."
Best used: anytime a "requirement" claim feels unclear.
"Environmental impact is important to us. Could you help us understand which options you offer for a greener farewell?"
Best used: to open a values-aligned conversation with your director.
You have the right to the greenest possible options in the deathspace. There are many meaningful ways to align your death with your values in life. Consult with your funeral director, friends, or online to determine what's available in your area.
No embalming, vault, or non-biodegradable casket. The body returns naturally to the earth in a biodegradable shroud or casket. Green burial is typically at 3 ft vs. 6 ft.
Explore Here →Handwoven caskets from sustainable materials like willow or wicker. They are lightweight, biodegradable, and durably crafted.
Explore Here →Biodegradable, affordable, and dignified. Cardboard caskets are simple in their craftsmanship, but durable.
Explore Here →Untreated solid wood that biodegrades naturally with the body. Wooden caskets are crafted from Mama Earth friendly materials that break down gently over time.
Explore Here →Water-based cremation that uses 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no emissions. It is legal in many states.
Explore Here →Recompose is the process of transforming human remains into nutrient rich soil. It is gentle on the body, and is legal in many states.
Explore Here →