Planning a funeral is a difficult and emotionally challenging time. Navigating the costs involved can add further stress. A clear and detailed Statement of Funeral Goods and Services is crucial for transparency and understanding between the funeral home and the bereaved family. This guide explains what constitutes a comprehensive statement and provides a template you can adapt. Remember, this is a sample and should not substitute legal advice; always consult with your chosen funeral home for specifics.
Understanding the Statement of Funeral Goods and Services
This document itemizes all goods and services provided by the funeral home. It’s legally required in many jurisdictions to provide a detailed breakdown of costs, ensuring families are not subjected to hidden fees or unexpected charges. A well-structured statement should include:
Key Components of a Comprehensive Statement:
- Identification: Clearly state the name of the deceased, the date of death, and the funeral home's name and contact information.
- Services: List all services rendered, including:
- Embalming: Specify if embalming was performed and the associated cost.
- Casket Selection: Detail the casket chosen, including its style, material, and cost. Pictures are often helpful.
- Outer Burial Container: If applicable, list the type and cost of the vault or liner.
- Viewing/Visitation: Note the cost associated with the visitation or viewing service.
- Funeral Service: Detail the type of service (traditional, memorial, etc.) and any associated fees.
- Transportation: Include charges for transporting the deceased from place of death to the funeral home, to the cemetery, and any other relevant transportation fees.
- Clergy/Officiant Fees: If applicable, specify the fees charged by the officiant or clergy member.
- Other Services: This might include things like cremation services, memorial printing (programs, cards), flowers, grief counseling, death certificates, and any other additional services provided.
- Cash Advances: This section lists any expenses paid directly to third parties by the funeral home on behalf of the family. This could include:
- Cemetery Costs: Plot purchase, opening and closing of the grave, etc.
- Grave Markers: Costs of grave markers or monuments.
- Newspaper Obituaries: Charges for publishing obituaries in newspapers.
- Floral Arrangements: Cost of any floral arrangements purchased through the funeral home.
- Total Costs: Clearly state the total cost of all goods and services, broken down into individual components.
- Payment Information: Outline payment options, due dates, and any applicable discounts or payment plans.
Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Template
[Funeral Home Name] [Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
Statement of Funeral Goods and Services for:
Deceased: [Deceased's Name] Date of Death: [Date] Date of Funeral: [Date]
I. Services:
| Service | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Embalming | [Description of embalming services, if applicable] | $[Amount] |
| Casket | [Casket name/model, material] | $[Amount] |
| Outer Burial Container | [Type and description of container] | $[Amount] |
| Viewing/Visitation | [Details of viewing/visitation] | $[Amount] |
| Funeral Service | [Type of service provided] | $[Amount] |
| Transportation | [Details of transportation provided] | $[Amount] |
| Clergy/Officiant Fees | [Details of clergy/officiant fees] | $[Amount] |
| [Other Service 1] | [Description] | $[Amount] |
| [Other Service 2] | [Description] | $[Amount] |
| Subtotal Services: | $[Amount] |
II. Cash Advances:
| Item | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cemetery Costs | [Specific details of cemetery costs] | $[Amount] |
| Grave Marker | [Description of grave marker] | $[Amount] |
| Newspaper Obituary | [Newspaper name and cost] | $[Amount] |
| Floral Arrangements | [Description of floral arrangements] | $[Amount] |
| [Other Cash Advance 1] | [Description] | $[Amount] |
| Subtotal Cash Advances: | $[Amount] |
III. Total Costs:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Subtotal Services | $[Amount] |
| Subtotal Cash Advances | $[Amount] |
| Total: | $[Amount] |
Payment Information: [Include payment options, due dates, and any applicable discounts or payment plans.]
Please Note: This is a sample statement. Your actual statement may vary depending on the services provided. Please review carefully and contact us with any questions.
This detailed template ensures families receive a clear and comprehensive understanding of all costs associated with their loved one's funeral arrangements. Remember to always verify this information with your chosen funeral home.
