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Contact Funeral Home or Begin Funeral Planning
Immediate Actions
Contact funeral home & begin arrangements. Funeral homes typically coordinate immediate next steps, including body disposition, transportation, and initiating the death certificate process. They can also help guide timing, required authorizations, and what decisions can wait versus what must be handled right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs
How much does a funeral typically cost?
The national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is approximately $7,848 (2023 NFDA survey). Cremation with a memorial service averages around $6,971. Costs vary significantly by region and the services selected. By law (FTC Funeral Rule), funeral homes must provide an itemized General Price List so you can compare costs and choose only the services you want.
Planning
What if the deceased pre-arranged their funeral?
Check for any pre-need funeral contracts, which may be stored with important documents, at a bank, or with an attorney. Contact the funeral home listed in the contract—they are legally obligated to honor prepaid arrangements. If the pre-arranged funeral home is in a different area, they can often coordinate with a local funeral home for transportation.
International
What if the death occurred in another country?
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. They can help with local death registration, obtaining a foreign death certificate, and arranging repatriation of remains. International transportation of remains requires embalming, a sealed casket or container, and multiple permits. Costs for repatriation typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the country.
Options
What are our options besides traditional burial?
Common alternatives include cremation (chosen by over 60% of Americans), green/natural burial (biodegradable casket, no embalming), alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation, available in some states), body donation to medical science, and home funeral (legal in most states with varying requirements). Your funeral home can explain which options are available in your area.
Legal
Do we need to use a funeral home?
In most states, you are not legally required to use a funeral home. Families can handle arrangements themselves, including transporting the body, filing paperwork, and conducting services. However, requirements vary by state—some states require a funeral director for certain steps. A funeral home simplifies the process significantly during a difficult time.