United States consumer guide
Before you agree to funeral costs, know what you can ask for.
Grief creates pressure to decide quickly. The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule gives consumers important pricing and choice protections when dealing with funeral providers.
General US information, not individual legal or tax advice. State and local requirements can vary. Use the official sources linked on the page and obtain professional advice where your situation needs it. How we handle high-stakes guidance.
Key point
Ask the funeral provider for its General Price List and make choices item by item. A funeral home can charge a basic services fee, but many other goods and services are optional. If a particular purchase is required by law, the provider must identify the requirement.
Four rights worth knowing
- You can get price information.
The FTC says funeral providers must give you a General Price List when you meet to discuss arrangements, and must provide certain price information by telephone. - You can choose the goods and services you want.
You do not have to buy a package that includes optional items you do not want, subject to the provider's basic services fee and any legal requirements. - You can buy a casket elsewhere.
A funeral provider cannot refuse to handle a casket bought from another seller or charge a handling fee simply because it came from somewhere else. - Cremation does not require an expensive casket.
A provider offering cremation must make alternative containers available.
Questions to ask before signing
- Can I have the General Price List?
- Which fees are unavoidable and which are optional?
- What does the basic services fee include?
- Are there third-party “cash advance” items, and is there a markup?
- What are the least expensive options for the disposition we have chosen?
- If we provide our own casket or urn, are there any restrictions that are actually required by law?
- What will the total be after all selected services, merchandise and third-party costs?
Do not choose purely from a web “starting price.” Ask for the actual itemized price information that applies to the arrangements you are considering.
Last reviewed: September 15, 2026 · Research & safety standards