What Questions Should I Ask a Funeral Director Before Signing?

Use the free tool — Funeral Cost Compare

Your Right to Ask Questions

Under federal law — the FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) — you have the right to an itemized price list before you agree to anything. You also have the right to buy only the items you want. Nothing is required except what the law says. Asking questions before you sign is not rude. It is your legal right.

Ask for the General Price List First

Before discussing any package, ask the funeral director for the General Price List (GPL). By law, the funeral home must give it to you on request.

"Can I see the General Price List before we talk about packages?"
"Can I have a copy of this list to take home and review?"
"Is this the full itemized list, or are there other charges not shown here?"

Questions About What's Required vs. Optional

The FTC Funeral Rule lets you decline items you don't want. But your state may add its own requirements — for example, some states require embalming or a certain type of container in certain situations. Ask directly:

"Which of these items are required by federal law, and which are required by state law?"
"If I decline this item, is there any situation where you would still charge me for it?"
"Am I required to buy a casket from you, or can I provide my own?"

Words to Use to Decline an Item

You do not need to argue or explain yourself. A simple, direct statement is enough:

"I don't want that item. Please remove it from the total."
"I understand this is optional. I'm declining it."
"Please show me the price without this item included."

What This Guide Does Not Cover

This page explains the FTC Funeral Rule and general questions to ask. It does not know your state's specific rules, or the exact prices in your area. State law may require items the federal rule does not. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm specifics with the funeral director, who must give you a General Price List on request, and check with a professional if you have legal concerns.

What to Do Next

The free tool at Funeral Cost Compare reads the actual price list or quote you paste in — your own numbers, not a generic example. Paste the General Price List or the quote you received, say whether it's burial or cremation and your county, and get a plain-English read of what's required, what's optional, what's typical, and the exact questions to ask before you sign. This is a free first check, not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with any funeral home, cemetery, or association.

Use the free tool

Funeral Cost Compare is an informational tool based on the FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) and published national price surveys. It is not legal advice; state law may add requirements (for example, when embalming or a container is required). Price ranges are typical and vary by region. It is not affiliated with any funeral home, cemetery or association.