What do funeral directors do?
Primarily they care and safeguard the deceased person until final
disposition, including embalming and restorative work. They also arrange and
provide an orderly series of events that finalize the funeral, the final
disposition, and legal paperwork so the family can proceed forward. They
also provide the physical establishment in which all of this can be
accomplished.
What purpose does a funeral serve?
The funeral and the ceremony that accompanies it are indeed very important.
For those who are left behind, a funeral provides a place for family and
friends to gather for support and to reminisce; an opportunity to celebrate
the life and accomplishments of a loved one; a chance to say goodbye; and
the focal point from which the healing process can begin. The funeral
identifies that a person's life has been lived, not that a death has
occurred. It is also important to notify the community that this person has
died. There are people beyond the immediate family who have the right to
grieve a death.
Are the services of a funeral director necessary to bury the dead?
In most states, no. But each state does have different regulations. You
should call the local department of health to find out exactly what your
state does require.
Do funeral directors get to take advantage of the bereaved?
The most important quality that enables the funeral director to provide
services in the community is his or her reputation for honesty and good
will. In fact, a good reputation is the key factor in being able to stay in
business. If a particular funeral director took advantage of the bereaved,
it would not be long before the community responded to those actions by
going to a different funeral director.
Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or
place of worship?
A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel
would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist with
arranging a meaningful service.
Is it ok to have a viewing and not a service?
Yes, if that is the wish of the family, the funeral director will arrange
designated times for calling hours, have the times published in the
newspaper and simply add to the obituary that services will be private or at
the convenience of the family. This information will make it clear to the
public as to arrangements, and fulfill the wishes of the family.
How soon
after or long after a death must an individual be buried?
This may vary by
state so check with your local funeral director. Considerations include the
need to secure all permits and authorizations, notification of family and
friends, preparation of cemetery site and religious considerations. For
example, Orthodox Judaism requires that the body be interred within 24 hours
of death. Some states have limitations on the maximum length of time allowed
to pass prior to final disposition. Oklahoma requires that the body be
buried, embalmed, or cremated within 24 hours. Refrigeration can be used to
delay the burial or cremation if needed.
How much does a funeral cost?
A funeral, like any other service, can have a range of prices depending on
the provider. It is similar to asking "How much does a wedding cost?"
Funeral costs are divided into two categories: services, as provided by the
funeral director and funeral home staff; and merchandise, such as caskets,
vaults, urns, etc. This price generally includes funeral home staff
services, professional care, use of the funeral home and equipment,
automotive equipment, visitors register, acknowledgement cards, and casket.
However, the price will vary greatly depending on your location, the company
that is serving you and the type of funeral you choose. It is a Federal
Trade Commission regulation that all funeral-related charges be itemized,
printed on a general price list and made available to the public by phone,
mail or in person. Therefore it is easy to comparison shop and prearrange
your own funeral, taking advantage of competitive pricing by providers. To
find out how much the funeral you want costs, contact the funeral home and a
funeral director will help you with any questions or concerns you have.
Does
a price I receive from the funeral home include everything?
The Funeral
Director is responsible for explaining all the charges that specifically
pertain to the funeral home's services offered and merchandise sold stated
on its general price list. Any additional charges may fall under the
category of cash advances. These additional charges might be for opening and
closing the grave, clergy honorarium, newspaper notices, flowers, or
organist.
Why are funerals so expensive?
There is a great range in prices for services and merchandise from your
local funeral directors, depending on the type of funeral you purchase and
each company's price structure. The perception that funerals are too
expensive usually can be attributed to a lack of familiarity with the normal
price range. If you find that the price for certain services and merchandise
seems to high, you should check into different types of funerals and
different companies until you find the price that fits your budget.
Obviously, it is difficult to comparison shop in an at-death situation.
Therefore, it is important speak with your local funeral director ahead of
time. By preplanning, you can find a provider whose services and merchandise
fit your budget.
What if I do not wish to use all the services a funeral home has to
offer?
The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule requires that all funeral homes
itemize their charges for professional services, facilities and motor
equipment and that they provide a General Price List to all clients. You
have the right to select and pay for only those services you choose to
utilize.
How can I best shop and compare funeral service providers?
Talking with friends who have used the services of a funeral home or your
personal experience from attending funeral services of friends or relatives
at a variety of funeral homes are excellent methods of comparison. You might
also consider just stopping by a funeral home unannounced to experience how
you are treated. To a lesser degree, you can also gain some experience from
randomly contacting various firms by telephone. You can call your local
Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against a local
funeral director, and whether they were satisfactorily resolved. Also, you
can call one of the national funeral trade associations, which have
standards of ethics, to see whether your local funeral homes are members.
May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?
Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead,
you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the
opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery
arrangements, and the form of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make
choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain
peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the
emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements
when a death occurs. By pre-arranging your funeral and cemetery services,
you benefit by purchasing at today's prices, free from inflationary
pressures in the future. Be sure to check whether the contract of your local
provider guarantees prices. Your local prearrangement provider can help you
pre-plan.
Will life insurance pay for funerals?
Yes, as a convenient method of payment, most quality funeral homes will
allow for an insurance assignment. This assignment transaction is processed
by the funeral home, releasing only the funeral expenses to the funeral
service provider, and with any remaining balance going directly to the
beneficiary. The insurance assignment is an effective, convenient means in
which to cover funeral expenses. Keep in mind that it's very important to
speak with your local funeral provider, to ensure that your insurance policy
is applied to the type of funeral service you want. Simply having life
insurance will not make the important decisions that must be made in regard
to your funeral -- which funeral home will take care of the service, what
type of service will be held, how much will be spent on the funeral service,
etc.
How can I get an idea about the costs of caskets?
All funeral homes are required by the Federal Trade Commission to have
casket price lists available to the public at all times. Your funeral home
will gladly discuss prices on the phone, or arrange an appointment to see
available caskets.
What are the different types of burial caskets?
Most
caskets are made of either wood or metal. Metal caskets are made of either
bronze, copper, steel or stainless steel. Wood caskets are available in a
variety of types of wood. Interiors of caskets are usually made with velvet
or crepe; however, other materials may be available. Consult your local
provider for options in your area.
Why are some casket prices more than others?
It depends upon the materials with which the casket is made. Obviously, a
casket made of bronze would be priced higher than one made of steel. A
casket made of solid mahogany would be more costly to manufacture than one
of soft pine wood. A casket with a crepe interior materials would be priced
less than an interior of velvet because of the cost of the material. It
depends upon what materials the casket shell is made of, the interior
materials and any protective features included in that particular model.
What about these independent discount casket companies? Can't
I buy my casket there and use it when needed?
Yes , It is certainly a financially sound decision to purchase anything at
today's prices which can then be used as a later time; however, you need to
consider several things. Who will store the casket, you or the company you
purchased it from? If you buy it without delivery, you need to know how your
purchase will be protected. Also, you may want to know if the product has
any warranties or guarantees attached to it. When and if you select to
purchase a casket (or vault) from a third-party vendor, be certain that the
seller will guarantee the specific product you purchase be available at the
ultimate time of need and will include delivery to wherever it is needed.
Churchill Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC. will not set a funeral at
the time of need until the casket has been delivered. If the casket is to be
delivered to the funeral home the purchaser must be at the funeral home to
receive the casket and inspect it.
Can I build my own casket?
As a matter of fact, you can, although as a matter of practicality, it may
present some storage challenges for you. You might consult a funeral home
for correct measurements as the casket will ultimately need to be placed
into a burial vault, grave liner or mausoleum crypt.
What are burial vaults and grave liners?
These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial
vaults are designed to protect the casket, and may be made of a variety or
combination of materials including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized
steel, copper, bronze, plastic or fiberglass. A grave liner is a lightweight
version of a vault which simply keeps the grave surface from sinking in.
Must I purchase a burial vault?
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you
buy a container to surround the casket in the grave. However, many
cemeteries require that you have such a container so that the ground will
not sink. Either a grave liner or a burial vault will satisfy these
requirements.
Will the funeral home help with Social Security and Veterans death
benefits?
Quality service firms will not only assist with securing these death
benefits, they will most likely complete all the paperwork for you.
Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?
The publication of an obituary notice is a matter of your personal choice.
While most newspapers control the editorial format, you have the right to
limit the amount of information, if any, provided to them.
Should a child attend a funeral?
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a
relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is
severed. As adults we may not view a child's behavior as grief as it often
is demonstrated in ways which we misunderstand as "moody", "cranky",
"withdrawn" or other behavioral patterns which do not appear to us to be
grief. When a death occurs children need to be surrounded by feelings of
warmth, acceptance and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of
the adults who are experiencing their own grief and upset. Caring adults can
guide children through this time when the child is experiencing feelings for
which they have no words and thus can not identify. In a very real way, this
time can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and
relationships. The first task is to create an atmosphere in which the
child's thoughts, fears and wishes are recognized. This means that they
should be allowed to participate in any of the arrangements, ceremonies and
gatherings which are comfortable for them. First, explain what will be
happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. A
child may not be able to speak at a grandparent's funeral but would benefit
greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or
displayed at the service. Be aware that children will probably have short
attention spans and may need to leave a service or gathering before the
adults are ready. Many families provide a non-family attendant to care for
the children in this event. The key is to allow the participation, not to
force it. Forced participation can be harmful. Children instinctively have a
good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to
carefully.
Must a casket be transported to the cemetery in a hearse?
While a hearse or casket coach is most commonly used for this purpose, other
options are often appropriate. Families might consider more personalized and
meaningful options; for example, a fire fighter may be transported on a fire
truck.
Why would I need to purchase Certified Copies of a death
certificate?
Certified copies are used as proof of death for the transfer of stocks and
bonds, banking transactions, life insurance, and property deeds or titles.
You funeral provider can help you determine how many you may need and also
secure them for you.
How can I personalize a funeral service?
One way is to bring personal items into the funeral home to be displayed in
or near the casket. Example: An avid golfer might have a favorite putter
placed in the casket. An avid hunter or fisherman might have some of their
personal effects or trophies displayed on a memory table. A person who
quilted could have the casket draped with a quilt they made. An artist could
have their art work displayed. A person's favorite rocking chair could be
brought to the funeral home and placed next to the casket.
What is a memory table and/or a memory board?
At the funeral home, a memory table may be used to display personal items of
the deceased. A memory board would have a collection of family photographs
attached and can be displayed on an easel at the funeral home for visitors
to reminisce about their life experiences with the deceased.
Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service?
In conjunction with or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or
friends may share personal thoughts, memories and feelings about the
deceased as part of the service.
If I donate my remains to medical science, can there still be a
service?
In addition to coordinating the donation, your funeral service provider can
arrange for a Memorial Service to be held at a time and place convenient for
the family.
How many pallbearers will be needed?
The traditional format regarding the number of pallbearers is 6, primarily
due to the length of the standard casket, so that 3 people on either side
can conveniently carry the casket. Most caskets have additional handles at
each end which will accommodate 2 more bearers.
What happens if someone close to me dies away from home?
After the death has occurred, the most prudent decision would be to call
your funeral service provider in your home town. Your funeral director will
be able to make the necessary arrangements to transfer the deceased,
relieving the family of the burden of dealing with unfamiliar people, places
and related issues.
Does VA pay for veterans' funerals?
Although the Veterans Administration does not pay for complete funerals, it
does provide certain merchandise and reimbursements. Your local VA office or
funeral home can provide you with the variety of benefits available. In
general, any veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable is entitled to
be buried in an accepting national cemetery. He or she may also receive a
bronze, granite, or marble marker appropriately marked with the veteran's
rank, war served and religious icon. Other specific circumstances, better
explained by your VA benefits counselor, may avail additional burial-related
benefits. Generally, if the veteran is receiving disability payments while
living the VA will provide $600 at the time of death. If the veteran dies in
a VA facility they will also receive transportation reimbursement. All
benefits must be applied for and we will complete the paperwork for you.
How long can you wait to have a funeral without embalming?
Most states require that a deceased person either be embalmed or placed in
refrigeration after a period of 24 hours from the time of death. Un-embalmed
remains must be buried or cremated as soon as possible. Funeral services for
embalmed remains can be held at any time after that. In some areas of the
country that time frame could be as long as three weeks.
After my death, how can my funeral home send me to my cemetery which
is out of state?
Arrangements would have to be made with a local funeral home to pick up the
body and transfer it to the cemetery.
What recourse does a consumer have for poor service or overcharging?
The complaint should first be given to the funeral director that served the
family. If the situation is not resolved to your satisfaction, then a
complaint should be filed with your state's board of funeral service, or
with the consumer complaint department of the state attorney general's
office. In most instances, the complaint will be resolved by the local
funeral director.
Does a body have to be embalmed before it is buried?
No, embalming is not required for burial. It is your choice. It may be
necessary on such factors as whether the family has selected a public
viewing with an open casket; or to enhance the deceased's appearance for a
private family viewing; if the body is going to be transported by air or
rail, cross state lines, or because of the length of time prior to the
burial.
What are the principal types of cemeteries, and how do they differ?
Cemeteries usually are divided into two broad categories: traditional
cemeteries and memorial parks or gardens. A traditional cemetery, the type
used for many generations, has upright monuments, usually made of stone.
Many traditional cemeteries also have private mausoleums for above-ground
interment. Because many have functioned in their communities for over 100
years, traditional cemeteries typically contain a great deal of history,
such as architecture, statuary and other art, as well as the personages
interred there. They often feature lush landscaping and impressive greenery.
Memorial parks and gardens are a newer type of cemetery introduced about 75
years ago. They are cemeteries without tombstones: parks and gardens where
bronze memorials are placed level with the ground to blend with the beauty
of the landscape. They often feature expansive lawns with a variety of
trees, flowering beds and gardens, as well as fountains, sculpture or
memorial architecture. Some cemeteries have both traditional upright
monument sections and garden sections. Both types of cemeteries may offer
above-ground interment in community mausoleums. Both traditional cemeteries
and memorial parks may be operated on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
They may be owned by an individual or by a corporation. Some are owned
mutually, and many are the property of towns, counties and religious or
fraternal groups. Both may have chapels, crematories, community mausoleums,
mortuaries or funeral homes and columbariums.
What are my choices in ground burial?
Most common are single graves and lots composed of two or more graves. Not
all types of graves are available at all cemeteries. Please check with the
cemetery of your choice for availability of specific graves.
How do I choose the right type of grave?
Because it is an important question, many things must be considered. What
type of memorial do you prefer? A marker set flat on the ground? An upright
monument? How many burials do you expect to take place? Are you arranging
for yourself or your family? How much do you want to spend? Answers to these
types of questions will assist you to make the right purchase as graves vary
by size, location and by price.
What options are available besides ground burial?
Besides ground burial, many cemeteries offer interment in lawn crypts or
entombment in mausoleums. In addition, some cemeteries provide choices for
those who have selected cremation. These often include placement of cremated
remains in a niche of a columbarium or interment in an urn space. Many
cemeteries now provide for scattering of the remains in a garden set aside
for that purpose, which can include a plaque memorializing the deceased.
If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be
placed in a columbarium, interred or scattered at the cemetery?
Why shouldn't I just have them scattered in the sea or in some other place
of my choosing?
As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your cremated remains can
be scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. This can, however,
present difficulties for your survivors. Some people may find it hard to
simply pour the mortal remains of a loved one out onto the ground or into
the sea. If you wish to be scattered somewhere, it is therefore important to
discuss your wishes ahead of time with the person or persons who will
actually have to do the scattering. Another difficulty with scattering can
occur when the remains are disposed of in an anonymous, unmarked or public
place. Access to the area may be restricted for some reason in the future,
undeveloped land may be developed or any of a host of other conditions may
arise that could make it difficult for your survivors to visit the site to
remember you. Even if your cremated remains are scattered in your backyard,
what happens if your survivors relocate sometime in the future? Once
scattered, cremated remains cannot easily be collected back up. Having your
remains placed, interred or scattered on a cemetery's grounds ensures that
future generations will have a place to go to remember. If remains are
scattered somewhere outside the cemetery, many cemeteries will allow you to
place a memorial of some type on the cemetery grounds, so survivors have a
place to visit that will always be maintained and preserved.
Why is having a place to visit so important?
Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To
remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout human
history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost
every culture. The Washington Monument, Tomb of the Unknowns and Vietnam
"Wall" in Washington, D.C., are examples of memorialization which
demonstrate that, throughout our history, we have always honored our dead.
Psychologists say that remembrance practices, from the funeral or memorial
service to permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function
for survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process
to begin. Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a
dignified treatment for a loved one's mortal remains, which fulfills the
natural human desire for memorialization.
What is opening and closing and why is it so expensive?
Opening and closing fees can include 50 or more separate services provided
by the cemetery. Typically, the opening and closing fee includes
administration and permanent record keeping (determining ownership,
obtaining permission and the completion of other documentation which may be
required, entering the interment particulars in the interment register,
maintaining all legal files); opening and closing the grave (locating the
grave and laying out the boundaries, excavating and filling the interment
space); installation and removal of the lowering device; placement and
removal of artificial grass dressing and coco-matting at the grave site,
leveling, tamping, re-grading and sodding the grave site and leveling and
re-sodding the grave if the earth settles.
Can we dig our own grave to avoid the charge for opening and
closing?
The actual opening of the grave and closing of the grave is just one
component of the opening and closing fee. Because of safety issues which
arise around the use of machinery on cemetery property and the protection of
property of adjacent interment rights holders, the actual opening and
closing of the grave is conducted by cemetery grounds personnel.
What happens when a cemetery runs out of land?
When a cemetery runs out of land, it will continue to operate and serve the
community. Since more and more individuals and families are purchasing their
graves in advance, graves which have been sold will be opened when a death
occurs, markers will be placed and other services will be provided. Most
states have laws that require funds to be set aside from each sale for the
long-term care and maintenance of the cemetery. The amount to be set aside
varies from state to state. Many states require 10 or 15 percent of the lot
purchase price to be placed into an endowment care fund.
What is double depth?
Many cemeteries either allow for the burial of two caskets in a grave or
have specific sections where this type of grave is available. Double depth
just means that one casket is placed in the grave at an approximate depth of
seven feet. When a second interment is required, the second casket is placed
on top of the first casket at standard depth.
How much do graves cost, and why aren't they priced the same all
over?
Grave prices can really vary. Grave prices are normally set based on their
location. Normally, graves in urban centers are more expensive than in rural
centers because of the replacement value of land. In addition, within the
cemetery, grave prices can vary by the section in which the grave is
located. For example, graves in a "feature" section -- where there is a
central feature such as a sculpture for the benefit of lot owners in that
section -- may be more expensive than in non-feature sections. The number of
interments permitted in a grave may also affect the price, as may the size
of the grave. Graves which allow for a monument are more expensive due to
the space required for the monument.
What is entombment?
Entombment is the interment of human remains in a tomb or mausoleum. It
involves placing a casket or cremation urn in a crypt or niche (individual
compartment within a mausoleum or columbarium) which is then sealed.
What is a mausoleum?
Historically, the word mausoleum comes from the large temple-like structure
which was erected by Queen Artemisia in the ancient city of Harlicarnassua
as the final resting place for her late husband, King Mausolus. Mausolus,
from which the word mausoleum is derived, ruled over Caria in Asia Minor and
died in 353 B.C. His mausoleum is now regarded as the fifth of the Seven
Wonders of the World. The pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal in India are
other examples of ancient mausolea. A community mausoleum is simply a large
building designed to provide above-ground entombment for a number of people.
Sharing the costs of the mausoleum with other individuals makes it more
affordable than a private mausoleum. Crypts are designed to hold casketed
remains. Following a casket entombment, the crypt is sealed, and a granite
or marble front is attached. Niches will accommodate urns containing
cremated remains. Following an urn entombment, a niche front of granite,
marble, bronze, wood or glass is attached.
What are the advantages of a mausoleum burial?
Mausoleum crypts are both clean and dry. They offer a viable alternative for
those who simply have an aversion to being interred in the ground.
Furthermore, with the growing shortage of available land for cemetery use,
mausolea allow for a maximum number of entombments in a minimum amount of
space.
Isn't it only for rich people?
In most cases, the cost of mausoleum entombment is comparable to the costs
of interment in a lot with an upright monument.
Are there different types of crypts?
Yes. Single crypts are designed for one entombment only. There are three
different kinds of double crypts: tandem crypts permit two entombments
lengthwise in a crypt; companion crypts permit two entombments side-by-side;
westminster crypts permit two entombments, the first below floor level, and
the second above it. Most mausolea are built five, six and seven crypts
high. The price of the crypt will depend on its location and the type of
crypt. For example: upper level crypts are usually less expensive than those
located at eye level.
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, is constructed of
numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold urns containing
cremated remains.
What happens to a mausoleum if there is an earthquake?
Modern mausoleums are steel-reinforced concrete structures, covered with
granite or marble. They typically are built to meet all local building
specifications, including those regarding earthquakes.
How does a mausoleum protect the body?
Because the casket is placed in a clean, dry, above-ground crypt, the
remains are protected from water and the elements of the earth.
Can you actually see the bodies in a mausoleum?
No. When you visit a mausoleum, you see the front of the crypt, which
typically is made of granite or marble. The name of the person who has died,
along with their years of birth and death, appear on the crypt front. The
casket rests behind a solid, sealed panel which is placed behind the granite
or marble crypt front.
How many people will a crypt hold?
Crypts come in several sizes. Although "singles" and "doubles" are the most
common, some crypts can accommodate up to four caskets.
What is a tandem?
A tandem is a mausoleum space designed to accommodate two caskets
lengthwise.
How can a mausoleum help eliminate expenses?
When you select a mausoleum, you eliminate the need for expensive vaults and
monuments or memorials which almost always are purchased with ordinary earth
burial.
What are lawn crypts?
Lawn crypts are essentially underground tombs, constructed of reinforced
concrete, steel and waterproof materials.
What is the difference between lawn crypts and double depth burial
spaces?
Lawn crypts are pre-set. Double depth burial lots are set at the time of
death.
May I make the necessary arrangements in advance?
Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead,
you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the
opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery
arrangements and the form of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make
choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain
peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the
emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements
when a death occurs. By prearranging your funeral and cemetery services, you
benefit by purchasing at today's prices, free from inflationary pressures in
the future. Be sure to check whether the contract of your local provider
guarantees prices. Your cemetery or funeral provider can help you preplan
your pricing.
What happens if I buy cemetery property here in advance and later
move to another area?
Many cemeteries now belong to credit exchange programs which allow for a
dollar-for-dollar transfer of services and merchandise between participating
cemeteries. When prearranging, be sure to ask your local provider about
exchange privileges offered.
When I buy a grave do I receive a deed just like when I purchase
other types of real estate?
When you purchase a grave you are in fact purchasing the right to designate
who may be interred in the space, rather than purchasing the grave itself,
which remains the property and responsibility of the cemetery. You also have
a right to place a memorial where permitted.
What is endowment care?
A portion of the purchase price of the grave is contributed to an endowment
care fund. Income from the endowment care fund is used to provide regular
care and maintenance at the cemetery. Regular care and maintenance
activities can include: cutting grass, re-grading of graves, planting and
caring for trees, maintenance of water supply systems, roads, drainage, etc.
The minimum amount to be contributed to the endowment care fund is normally
governed by law.
What guarantee do I have that Endowment Care will take care of the
cemetery?
While not guaranteed, endowment care funds are very conservatively managed.
Income from the fund can only be spent on care and maintenance of the
cemetery -- the capital is not touched. Endowment care funds are governed by
laws in most states for consumer protection.
Can I resell my grave?
It really depends on the rules and regulations of the cemetery and the laws
of the state or province in which the cemetery is located. While some
cemeteries will re-purchase graves, others have laws restricting the resale
to a third party.
Is cemetery property tax deductible?
No, the purchase of a grave is not tax-deductible, although the charitable
donation of unwanted grave spaces may be deductible as an "in kind"
charitable contribution. Check with a knowledgeable tax advisor for details.
Even still, the grave is purchased in today's dollars, free from
inflationary pressures of the future.
Will a cemetery ever be used for something else? Can the bodies be
moved and buildings built?
Communities afford respect to cemeteries and to the memorialization which
cemeteries provide. In order to protect interment rights holders, strict
rules govern the use of cemetery lands. Graves are normally considered to be
sold in perpetuity which restricts possible re-development.
In a hundred years will this cemetery still be here?
We think of cemetery lands as being in perpetuity. There are cemeteries
throughout the world that have been in existence well over a hundred years.
What is a disinterment? What is the process, and why does it happen?
Disinterment is the removal of the casket containing human remains from a
grave. Laws governing disinterment vary by state or province. Disinterment
may be ordered by certain public officials without the consent of the grave
owner or the next of kin, for example, as part of a police investigation.
Individuals or families may also request disinterment, if for example they
would like to have the human remains relocated to another grave in the
cemetery, to a mausoleum or possibly shipped to a country of birth.
Disinterment requires the grave to be opened. The casket containing the
human remains is removed. Depending on the length of time the casket has
been buried, a new casket may be required. The grave is then closed.
What does the government give a veteran in regards to a marker?
The United States government provides headstones and markers for the graves
of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world. Flat bronze, flat
granite, flat marble and upright marble types are available to mark the
grave of a veteran or dependent in the style consistent with existing
monuments at the place of burial. Bronze niche markers are also available to
mark columbaria in national cemeteries used for internment of cremated
remains. For more information, see the Department of Veterans Affairs web
site for the National Cemetery System at
http://www.cem.va.gov.
If I am a veteran and plan to be buried in a national cemetery, is
my spouse eligible to be buried next to me?
Yes, a space for your spouse or any other minor children can be authorized
at the time of your death.
