Start with the decisions that affect everything else
Confirm who has authority to make disposition decisions, whether the deceased left written wishes, and whether burial, cremation, donation, or another disposition has been chosen before committing to irreversible services.
Ask for itemized pricing
The FTC Funeral Rule provides important pricing protections. Use written price information to compare the basic services fee, transfer, preparation, facilities, vehicles, casket or urn, cremation, outer burial container, cemetery costs, cash-advance items, and optional services.
Compare providers on the same basis
A low headline package price can be difficult to compare if another quote includes different merchandise or third-party charges. Record the same cost categories for each provider and note exactly what is included, optional, or paid to a third party.
Separate meaning from spending
A meaningful memorial can be simple or elaborate. Decide what matters most to the family before pressure, urgency, or bundled pricing makes the decision for you.
Primary resources
USAGov — certified death certificatesUSAGov — agencies to notify after a deathIRS — deceased person tax guidanceFTC — Funeral RuleSocial Security — what to do when someone diesTurn the guide into a working case
Use AfterLoss to personalize tasks, track contacts, documents, assets, debts, provider quotes and follow-ups, then generate a professional handoff report.
Open the AfterLoss workspace