Usually, the first call after a death is to a funeral home. Must it be? No. Most states have legislation in place that allows the family or friends of the deceased to file the required paperwork, take control of the body and arrange for the burial or cremation as well as conduct the funeral service. Not only can this save money (typically thousands of dollars) it can also be one of the greatest gifts the family will ever give to the loved one.
Let me be clear, this site is designed to provide information and encouragement to someone considering a family-directed funeral. Still, most people chose to use a funeral home to oversee funeral plan, and for good reason. The unexpected nature of a death can be an extreme stress which an experienced and reputable funeral home can help minimize. The convenience can be more than worth the expense. We encourage everyone to be weigh the options and make an informed decision.
