Guide to Funeral Homes,
Crematories and Cemeteries
Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
This educational publication from the Georgia Department of Human Services’
Division of Aging Services is not intended as legal advice, nor is it an attempt
to cover every aspect of these subjects. For specic advice, please contact
the agencies that regulate these entities or seek legal advice from an attorney.
For additional copies or additional information, mail your request to the Division
of Aging Services,2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 33-384, Atlanta, Georgia
30303-3142; or call 1-866-552-4464 to request a copy.
Revised 2019
DISCLAIMER
Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 4
Regulatory Agencies; the Funeral Rule; Death Certicates;
Paupers’ Burials; Veterans Death Benets
RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE DECEASED ...............................................................10
Abandonment of Dead Bodies; Right to Determine Disposition of Remains
FUNERAL HOMES ................................................................................................................15
Types of Funerals; Costs; Caskets
CREMATIONS ........................................................................................................................18
Cremation Costs; Resources for Final Disposition of Cremains
PRE
-
NEED ARRANGEMENTS ..........................................................................................21
Pre-Needs Agents; Pricing Estimates vs. Guarantees; Transfer of Rights to Merchandise
TRANSPORTING THE DECEASED .................................................................................22
When death occurs outside of the United States; Transporting the deceased
across state lines; Transportation on common carriers
CEMETERIES .........................................................................................................................24
Burial spaces/plots; Vaults; Markers/Monuments; Upkeep of Grounds
COPING WITH GRIEF AND GETTING HELP ...............................................................26
GLOSSARY ..............................................................................................................................30
COMPARISON CHECKLIST ..............................................................................................33
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Who regulates funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries in Georgia?
• The Georgia State Board of Funeral Services, under the State of Georgia Secretary of State’s
Oce, has administrative authority over Funeral Homes and Crematories. The Board can be
contacted at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217-3858; Telephone No. 478-207-2440;
toll free number: 844-753-7825.
• The State Board of Cemeterians, under the State of Georgia Oce of the Secretary of State, is
given the administrative authority over Cemeteries, except for those owned by the government,
churches or families; Pre-Need Agents; Pre-Need Dealers and Pre-Need Contracts. That Board
is located at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217-3858; Telephone No. 478-207-2440;
toll free number: 844-753-7825.
• The Secretary of State, by rule, is authorized to adopt minimum standards for interment of human
remains, including, without limitation, standards for depth of burial, composition of vaults, caskets,
and other containers, siting and marking of burial lots, and minimum standards for construction of
mausoleums and columbaria. In addition, the Secretary of State may, by rule, provide for the
minimum standards for or prohibition of aboveground burial containers.
• The Federal Trade Commission accepts complaints on Funeral Homes. File a complaint over
the Internet at www.ftc.gov
2. What is the Funeral Rule?
The “Funeral Rule” refers to the federal requirements for the practice, goods and services provided
by the funeral industry. The “Funeral Rule” prohibits misrepresentations about various aspects of the
funeral industry and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which receives complaints from
consumers about the funeral industry. The “Funeral Rule” also ensures that one is able to purchase
only those goods and services desired.
3. To whom does the “Funeral Rule” apply?
It applies to anyone who oers to sell both funeral goods and funeral services. For example, it may
not apply to a casket warehouse because it sells only caskets and does not sell funeral services.
4. What should I expect from a funeral home when I walk in?
Once you ask for any information about the type of funeral, prices or products oered, this triggers
the Funeral Rule and requires that you be given a General Price List (GPL) to keep. The list provides
all the items and services oered and the cost of each one. If the GPL is provided any later in your
discussion — such as after you begin viewing products, services and activities the funeral home
provides, discussing preferences of the person to be buried, or how to coordinate with other service
providers like the pastor of the loved one, the crematory or the cemetery — a violation of the law has
already occurred.
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
5. What type of information is on the General Price List?
There should be specic disclosure information about six areas:
• Consumer’s right of selection of only
desired goods and services
• Embalming
• Alternative containers for direct cremation
• Basic services fee
• Casket prices (if these are not on the GPL,
a separate “casket price list” is required)
• Outer burial container price list
6. What is the “basic services fee”?
This is the cost for services common to all funerals that customers must pay: funeral planning, permits,
copies of death certicates; preparing notices; sheltering the remains and coordinating arrangements
with the cemeteries, crematory or other third-party providers.
7. What if the consumer is unable to read or does not read well? Does the law
require that the funeral director make sure that the consumer understands
the General Price List?
Yes. A failure to do so is a violation of the law.
8. What prices are required to be itemized?
• Forwarding of remains to another funeral home
• Receiving remains from another funeral home
• Price range for direct cremation
• Price range for immediate burials
• Transfer of remains to funeral home
• Embalming
• Other preparation of the body
• Use of facilities and sta for viewing
• Use of facilities and sta for funeral ceremony
• Use of facilities and sta for memorial service
• Use of equipment and sta for
graveside service
• Hearse
• Limousine
9. Can our family request that an autopsy be performed on our loved one?
Yes. If an autopsy is not performed under the Georgia Death Investigation Act for unnatural cause of
death, a family may request a private autopsy. Families with questions about their loved one’s health or
cause of death may seek answers to their questions through an autopsy. The individual requesting the
autopsy must have written, veriable permission from the deceased’s next of kin.
To request a private autopsy, contact a pathologist with experience performing autopsies. If needed,
you may request a referral from your local medical examiner’s oce. The family is responsible for the
costs associated with the autopsy. Although experienced pathologists work for the Medical Examiner’s
Oce, the pathologist is working as a private professional when conducting a private autopsy not
in his/her duties as a Medical Examiner, and this expense would not be covered unless the autopsy
was required by law. Private autopsy costs can range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending upon what
is involved and whether exhumation is required. There are usually additional costs for travel for the
professionals used.
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
10. How do I have my loved one’s casket exhumed?
On occasion, a reason may arise to disinter, exhume or otherwise relocate a loved one or cemetery
“resident.” In these instances, the casket is removed from its resting place to be relocated or for further
examination of the remains. Georgia law, (O.C.G.A § 45-16-45) authorizes disinterment of bodies, and
the coroner, like the county sheri, commands the power of the county for that purpose.
Medical examiners, other than local medical examiners, may also exercise this authority in any case
where the judge of the superior court of that county has issued an order for exhumation. Superior
court judges may, at their discretion, grant such orders any time a medical examiner other than a local
medical examiner, petitions the court for this purpose.
11. How do I get the death certicate?
The funeral home or crematory with which you are working will include this task in the services that
are conducted for you. The current fees are $25 for the search and $8 processing fee for the rst
certied copy of the death certicate. Additional copies of the same certicate, requested at the time,
are available for $5 each.
12. How long does it take to get the death certicate?
The physician who had overseen caring for the individual before his or her death must complete, sign
and return the certicate to the funeral director within 72 hours of the person’s death. If there is a
question about the person’s death, the 72-hour rule does not apply. If there was no physician involved
in the care of the person, the coroner or medical examiner may be the one completing the cause of
death section on the death certicate and has up to 30 days to complete the death certicate. The
funeral director must le the death certicate with the county registrar within 72 hours of receipt. Once
the county registrar certies and les the death certicate, it can be made available to the funeral
director to provide the requested number of copies and any additional copies needed.
13. What if I misjudge and do not request as many death certicates as I need;
should I just make copies of the one I have?
No. Not if you need an ocial “certied copy.” That must come from the local county registrar or the
Oce of Vital Records within the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Source: dph.georgia.gov/death-records
14. How do I correct errors on my loved one’s death certicate?
Contact the State Oce of Vital Records at 404-679-4702 and ask for instructions for correcting
a vital record.
15. Does the body always have to be embalmed?
No. There may be a requirement for the body to be embalmed in the event of certain infectious
diseases; and funerals with viewing may require that the body be embalmed, or families may
ask if refrigeration is an alternative. Embalming is not required by state law for cremation
or immediate burials.
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
16. When a person dies who had enough resources to pay for their funeral,
burial and/or cremation but did not prepay those expenses, how are those
expenses paid? Who has the right to make the decisions?
Georgia law places the expenses of funeral, burial, etc., in high priority of the debts of the deceased.
The only higher priority is a Year’s Support to provide nancial maintenance for the surviving spouse
and/or minor children. Funeral expenses are now separate and rank higher in priority than the
expenses of a person’s last illness (In some instances, for certain government programs, there may
be limitations on the amount that is allowed for priority status for funeral expenses).
An executor, administrator or other duciary appointed and qualied by a Last Will and Testament
may apply for all or a portion of the funds held by a Building and Loan Association or Savings and
Loan Association within 90 days of the death of the depositor. If no such application is made, then
up to $1,000 can be released to a funeral director upon the presentation of an itemized statement of
expenses and an adavit of the funeral director indicating that the statement is true and the expenses
had not been otherwise paid.
Generally, a close family member who pays the expenses of funeral, burial or cremation for the
decedent is entitled to seek reimbursement of those expenses from the decedent’s estate. Qualied
personal representatives of estates are the proper parties to bring actions for funeral and burial
expenses for decedents.
17. What happens when a person dies and there is no one or no money
to pay for burial or cremation?
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §36-12-5) provides for a system in place to ensure that every person
who dies in Georgia has access to an appropriate nal disposition. In Georgia, whenever a person
dies without the ability to pay for burial or cremation, the county may cover those expenses, if:
• the family and immediate kin are indigent and unable to provide for the decent interment
of the decedent, and
• the decedent is a pauper and destitute of the means of paying for decent interment.
Then the governing authority of the county where the death occurred shall make available from
county funds a sum sucient to provide a decent interment for the deceased pauper, or to reimburse
such person as may have expended the cost voluntarily. The governing authority of the county will
determine what amount is enough. To obtain assistance with an indigent or pauper’s burial
or cremation,
• Contact the Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
for the county where your loved one resided.
• Ask to be directed to the Indigent Burial Department.
• A DFCS sta person will begin an investigation to verify eligibility for the county funded nal
disposition. Items such as insurance status, property ownership, bank accounts, and other assets
may be considered in the eligibility analysis.
If deceased qualies, the DFCS ocial will discuss the options available. The deceased may be
buried or cremated. There is no funeral service. Usually, there is only a graveside service. Burials
take place on limited specied dates, by the oce’s designated funeral home.
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
18. Veterans Burial and Funeral Expenses
Service-related Death
Since September 11, 2001, the U.S Department of Veteran Aairs (VA) has agreed to pay up to $2,000
toward burial expenses for service-related death. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery,
some or all the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.
• Under the current regulations, the VA pays for burial and funeral expenses on a reimbursement
basis, which requires survivors to submit receipts for relatively small one-time payments that the
VA generally pays at the maximum amount permitted by law.
• The new burial regulations will permit the VA to pay, at a at rate, burial and plot or interment
allowances, thereby enabling the VA to automate payment of burial benets to most eligible
surviving spouses and more eciently process other burial benet claims.
• The burial allowance for a non-service-connected death is $300, and $2,000 for a death connected
to military service.
Non-service-related Death
As of October 1, 2018, the VA will pay up to $780 toward burial and funeral expenses (if hospitalized
by the VA at the time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by the
VA at the time of death), and a $780 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).
This amount is subject to change.
Certain veterans, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs at 800-827-1000 or the VA website for more
information. Source: www.benets.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp
Burial Benets
Burial benets available to veterans include a gravesite in any of the 136 national cemeteries with
available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker,
a burial ag and a Presidential Memorial Certicate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also
be eligible for burial allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the
same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial benets available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial
with the veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependent’s name and date of birth and death
inscribed on the veteran’s headstone, at no cost to the family. Eligible spouses and dependents may
be buried, even if they predecease the veteran.
Source: www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benets/index.asp
For Burial in a Private Cemetery
Burial benets available for veterans buried in a private cemetery include a government headstone or
marker, a burial ag and a Presidential Memorial Certicate at no cost to the family. Some veterans
may also be eligible for burial allowances. No benets are available to spouses and dependents buried
in a private cemetery.
Source: www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benets/private_cemetery.asp
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
Unclaimed Veterans’ Remains
The VA works with veteran service groups, funeral industry partners, public administrators and other
concerned citizens to ensure the dignied burial of unclaimed veterans. “Unclaimed veterans” are
dened as those who die with no next-of-kin to claim their remains and insucient funds to cover
burial expenses. A VA pension or other compensation is no longer a prerequisite for these “unclaimed
veterans” to receive burial benets.
Source: www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/factsheets/Unclaimed_Remains_Burial_Resources.pdf
19. If I do not have all the money to pay for a funeral or cremation of my loved
one, can the funeral home or crematory refuse to release the remains?
No. It is not lawful for the remains of a deceased to be held as collateral or security for payment of
a debt. The funeral home is not obligated to proceed with funeral arrangements, however. They are
permitted to transfer the remains to another entity, including the county, for processing an indigent or
pauper’s disposition. (See question 16 above.)
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE DECEASED
1. Board for the Distribution of Cadavers
The law provides for a board to make decisions, receive, distribute and expedite the delivery of dead
bodies that might otherwise go unclaimed. The members of this board are the academic deans of
medical, osteopathic, medical and dental colleges or representatives who have been appointed by the
president of such schools. The board is to be notied of any deceased human who did not die as a
result of a contagious or infectious disease and is to be buried at the expense of the public for whom
no relative or kin has come forward. Such bodies shall be allowed to be used for medical science
purposes. Bodies shall be held in every instance for at least 24 hours after death, before delivery to
such board or its agent for distribution, during which there will be a 60-day waiting period from the
date of receipt to allow entitled persons to claim the body. After 60 days, unclaimed bodies may be
used by the receiving organization.
Within 60 days, any relative by blood or marriage, or anyone who is socially or otherwise connected
with and interested in the deceased person, may legally claim the body for burial, cremation or other
proper disposition, and the body must be immediately surrendered. A request may still be made to the
county for an indigent or pauper’s nal disposition if the one claiming the remains is nancially unable
to provide burial, cremation or other proper disposition.
2. Is there a law to stop crematories, funeral homes, and cemeteries from just
throwing away bodies that are supposed to be cremated, buried or otherwise
disposed of?
Yes. It is a felony for any person to throw away or abandon any dead human body or portion of a dead
body. To do so will constitute the crime of abandonment of a dead body. Anyone convicted of this
crime can be punished by imprisonment of one to three years.
3. What assurance is there that all bodies to be disposed of by burial or
cremation are properly identied?
The law requires that the funeral director or person in charge of nal disposition of a dead body place
a tag securely on the ankle or wrist of the deceased person. The tag must be made of noncorroding
material that has been permanently marked with the county and state of death, the name, date of
death and social security number of the deceased person. The funeral home or crematory is also
required to include on the tag, the serial number(s) for any prostheses removed from the deceased.
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
4. Whose legal right is it to make decisions concerning the nal arrangements of
the deceased?
The law lists those who may legally make such decisions [O.C.G.A. §31-21-7(a)] about the remains of
a deceased person. They are, in the order of priority:
a. Health care agent
b. Designee (Form to appoint a designee, page 12)
c. Surviving spouse
d. Sole surviving child; or, if more than one child, the majority; or, less than half
of the surviving children if the rest cannot be reached or no opposition is known
e. Surviving parent(s); if one is absent, the remaining parent may decide if unsuccessful
in locating the missing parent
f. Sole surviving brother or sister; or, if more than one, the majority; or less than half of
the surviving brothers and sisters if the rest cannot be reached or no opposition is known
g. Surviving grandparent(s); or, if more than one, the majority or less than half if the rest
cannot be located or, no opposition is known
h. Legal guardian at the time of decedent’s death
i. Personal representative of the decedent’s estate
j. Next degree of kin (i.e., aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., in descending order);
if more than one is of the same degree, either can make decisions
k. If disposition is to be made by state or political subdivision, the person tasked
with making nal arrangements
1) if neither person from (a) – (k) exists, then whoever is willing to assume the
responsibility to act and arrange the nal disposition, including the funeral director
with physical custody of the remains, if he or she—
– makes a good faith eort to contact individuals in (a) – (k).
– is willing to attest (certifying in the presence of witnesses) that this has been done
and that all attempts have been unsuccessful.
– commits this attestation to writing.
Persons Who Die While Serving in the Armed Services
The following applies to any deceased person who dies while serving in any branch of the U.S. armed
forces as dened in the United States Code, Title 10, Section 148. The person, if any, designated by
the deceased, is authorized to direct disposition if listed on the deceased person's U.S. Department
of Defense Record of Emergency Data, DD Form 93, or any similar successor form adopted by the
Department of Defense. This is also the person authorized to control the disposition of the deceased
service member’s remains.
Form to Authorize Another to Control the Disposition of His/Her Remains
Under O.C.G.A. §31-21-7 (b) (1) (B) a person 18 years of age or older and of sound mind may legally
authorize another person to control the disposition of his or her remains by use of an adavit that
substantially complies with the following format:
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
State of Georgia
County of
I , do hereby designate with
the right to control the disposition of my remains upon my death. I have/have
not attached specic directions concerning the disposition of my remains
with which the designee shall substantially comply, provided that such
directions are lawful and there are sucient resources in my estate to carry
out the directions.
Subscribed and sworn to before me the day of the month of
of the year .
(signature of aant)
Aant
(signature of notary public)
Notary Public
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
Forfeiture of the Right of Disposition
The right of disposition is forfeited for any person listed above:
• When that person is charged with murder or voluntary manslaughter of the decedent and the
funeral director knows about the charges; if the charges are dismissed or the person is acquitted
of the charges, the right of disposition is restored;
• If the right of disposition is not exercised within two days of the notication of the death of the
decedent or within three days of the decedent’s death, whichever comes rst;
• If the person and the decedent are married and a petition to dissolve the marriage was pending
at the time of decedent’s death; or,
• If the probate court upon petition for a determination rules that the decedent and the person
entitled to the right of disposition were estranged at the time of the decedent’s death.
Funeral Home’s Responsibilities in “Right of Disposition” Disputes
• A funeral home can rely on the word of whoever signs the authorization to dispose
of the remains if
– the required authority is claimed
– the identity of the deceased is correct
– the signer has the right to authorize the instructions given.
• There is no civil or criminal liability for the funeral home or sta if they acted in good faith.
• The funeral home has the right to refuse to accept remains where there is a dispute
about the right of disposition.
• If the funeral home has possession of the remains and a dispute occurs, the funeral home is
authorized to embalm, refrigerate or otherwise shelter the body to preserve it until the nal decision
is reached; costs may accrue and be added to the nal disposition costs.
• The funeral home has the right to refuse to inter or otherwise dispose of the remains until either
a court issues an order or until the parties present a written agreement with a united decision.
• The fact that one pays for, oers to pay for or has paid the funeral home for any arrangements for
the deceased gives them no greater priority than they would ordinarily have under the law to
authorize disposition of the remains.
• The fact that one is the personal representative of the estate gives him or her no more priority
or preference than he/she would ordinarily have under the law.
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Georgia Department of Human Services
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Petitioning Probate Court for a Determination of Right of Disposition
Two or more persons with equal rights to make the decision about the disposition of the decedent’s
body or remains or the funeral home in possession of the remains may le a petition asking the
probate court to decide the matter.
The probate court shall consider the following in deciding:
• The reasonableness and practicality of the proposed funeral arrangements and disposition;
• The degree of the relationship between the decedent and each of the persons claiming
the right of disposition;
• The desires of the person or persons who are ready, willing and able to pay the cost of
the funeral arrangements and disposition;
• The convenience and needs of other families and friends wishing to pay respects;
• The desires of the decedent; and,
• The degree to which the funeral arrangements would allow maximum participation by
all wishing to pay respect
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
FUNERAL HOMES
1. What are some dierent types of funerals?
• Self-Directed or Family-Directed Home Funeral – funerals planned, arranged and, to the extent
possible, carried out by an individual(s) (i.e., ling the required paperwork, arranging for the
transportation of the body to a cemetery or crematorium, holding a home vigil and purchasing any
burial items such as a casket or urn from a retailer)
• Traditional Funeral – a service with the deceased present in an open or closed casket where family
and mourners gather to pay tribute or last respects ending with a processional to the cemetery for
burial of the deceased’s remains
• Memorials – a service to commemorate the life of the deceased, usually without the presence of
the body of the deceased, following an earlier burial or cremation or sometimes after one has been
declared dead and there has been no recovery of a body
• Graveside – usually an abbreviated service held at the cemetery in either the chapel or at the site
of the grave of the deceased, followed by an immediate burial, typically without any formal viewing
• Non-commemorative – a direct disposition without any service to recognize or remember the life
of the deceased; from point of death straight to cremation, burial or donation to medical science
• Funeral and Body Disposition in Separate City/State – combination of a traditional funeral
or memorial, with the body of the deceased transported to the site of the nal disposition.
2. What is the average cost of a funeral?
The average cost of an adult funeral, as of 2017, was $8,755. That cost included an outer burial
container, but not cemetery costs (i.e. cemetery plot; cost of opening and closing the grave; and
marker, monument or gravestone) which could add up to an additional $2,000 to $5,000.
Typical funeral costs
$
2,400: Casket (metal)
$
2,000: Professional services (non-declinable basic services)
$
2,100: Burial vault
$
725: Embalming
$
500: Funeral at funeral home (facilities and sta)
$
425: Viewing time (also sometimes referred to as visitation or “wake”) (facilities and sta)
$
325: Hearse (local)
$
325: Transfer of remains to funeral home
$
250: Cosmetology, hair, etc. (other preparation of body)
$
143: Service car or van (transports owers)
$
155: Acknowledgement/Thank you/Remembrance cards/Register Book & Pen
(basic memorial printed package)
Average Total: $8,755.00*
*Does not include price of a grave site or other cemetery costs. Sources: National Funeral Directors Association 2017 General Price List Survey
Sources: www.nfda.org/news/statistics www.funeralwise.com/plan/costs
www.lhlic.com/consumer-resources/average-funeral-cost/#fplot
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Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
3. What are the dierent types of caskets and how aordable are they?
Prices of caskets may vary according to where purchased. Funeral homes oering the same caskets
may oer them at dierent prices. Other businesses, such as outlets, wholesalers and other retailers,
including online retailers, also oer caskets for sale. Caskets may be made from a variety of materials
including: metal, wood, berglass or plastic, composition board and even compressed paper.
• Cloth-covered or veneer caskets are not necessarily purchased for durability yet may be more
visually appealing. These are made from corrugated berboard, pressed wood or softwoods
covered with cloth and have nished interiors. They may range from $400 to $1,500.
• Metal Caskets are steel and are sold in gauges (i.e., 20-gauge, 18-gauge, 16 gauge); the lower
the gauge, the thicker the steel and the higher the price. Some merchants are now trying a
22-gauge casket which is the thickness of the panels of automobiles. Metal caskets can range in
price from as low as $895 to more than $18,000.
– They are also available in copper and bronze which are measured by weight
rather than gauge (32 oz – 48 oz).
– Stainless steel covered with veneer nishes are priced in between wood caskets and
metal caskets. They are becoming more popular and remain competitively priced.
Metal caskets can come with or without sealers. A sealer casket is always going to be more expensive
than a non-sealer. “Gasketed,” “protective,” and “sealer” are terms used to describe metal caskets that
have a rubber gasket or other feature that delays the penetration of water and prevents rust. A sealer
does not preserve the body.
Wood caskets are more expensive because they require more hand labor. They can be as low as
$700 for hardwoods to more than $10,000 for some of the ner woods. They are generally not
gasketed like metal caskets. They are available in hardwood, softwood and plywood, and can
be covered with veneers. Wood caskets are more expensive and include willow, pine, oak, birch,
mahogany, maple, pecan, cherry, black walnut and some elite woods such as ash, elm, redwood,
poplar and cedar.
Sources:
www.everplans.com/articles/all-you-need-to-know-about-caskets
www.us-funerals.com/caskets.html#.XBqf51xKgdU
www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0301-funeral-costs-and-pricing-checklist
4. Will the funeral home guarantee the casket?
No. Funeral homes cannot oer warranties on caskets or vaults. Any warranties are from
the manufacturer.
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5. Do I have to buy my casket from the funeral home?
No. Federal law requires that funeral homes must accept caskets purchased from places other than
their funeral home. They may be purchased over the Internet or from a casket warehouse or casket
discount store and the funeral home must allow you to use the casket you have purchased without
charging you extra for not purchasing your casket from them. The funeral home cannot charge for
receiving the casket, which typically is shipped directly from the retailer or wholesaler to the
funeral home.
6. How far in advance do I have to purchase a casket from a warehouse or casket
discount store?
Most warehouses or discount stores are able to ship by air and can have the merchandise to the
funeral home of your choice within 24-48 hours. For more rural locations, which may be farther away
from major airports, it may take an additional 12-24 hours for delivery. It is best to contact the vendor
of your choice as soon as you know there is a need to ensure timely delivery. If you have a place to
store the merchandise until it is needed, you may choose to purchase merchandise in advance.
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CREMATIONS
1. Are all cremations the same?
While the actual cremation process is the same, there are dierences in how the cremations are
conducted that result in price variations.
• A basic or direct cremation involves the transportation of the body from the place of death to the
crematory, in most instances, or rst to the funeral home where the body is refrigerated until it can
be transported to the crematorium. There it is cremated, and the ashes or “cremains” are returned
to the family or funeral home in a container.
• Cremations may also involve viewing by the immediate family prior to the actual cremation process.
In many instances, family can view the cremation or a portion of it.
• Some cremations follow a funeral service where a viewing or visitation is held.
2. What is the average cost of a cremation?
In Georgia, one can arrange a direct cremation for as little as $595, depending upon the facility and
location; however, added goods and services can elevate the cost to more than $4,000. The national
average cost for a direct cremation - with the container provided is between $1,600 and $3,000 using
a funeral home and $1,000 to $2,200 using a crematory directly.
There are additional costs for dierent services, ceremonies, and merchandise, in addition to costs for
facility and sta time related to selected services.
Sources:
www.parting.com/blog/cost-considerations-when-choosing-direct-cremation/
dfsmemorials.com/cremation-blog/cremation-costs-2018-much-expect-pay-cremation/
3. For a cremation, is it still necessary to buy a casket?
No. You are not required to purchase a casket for the purposes of cremation. You may rent a
casket for temporary use such as a wake or a viewing, or you may purchase an alternative container.
A combustible cremation container is all that is required. A cardboard box constructed for this purpose
is acceptable.
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4. What exactly is an alternative container?
Alternative containers include rigid cardboard boxes, unnished wood boxes or other non metal
receptacles or enclosures, made of berboard, pressed-wood, composition materials (with or without
an outside covering), or like materials without ornamentation or xed interior lining, designed for the
encasement of human remains and are typically used for cremation purposes. They may be found
for as low as $250. The Federal Trade Commission requires that the General Price List contain the
following disclosure if the provider oers direct cremation:
"If you want to arrange a direct cremation, you can use an alternative container. Alternative containers encase
the body and can be made of materials like berboard or composition materials (with or without an outside
covering). The containers we provide are (specify containers)."
NOTE: If the provider does not oer direct cremation, the above disclosure is not required.
Source: www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/complying-funeral-rule
5. What are my options for cremated remains?
Could I bury them in a cemetery?
Remains tend to come from the crematory in a temporary container unless you have already
purchased an urn and provided the crematory with it. There are several options for the storage or nal
disposition of cremated remains. Among these are the following:
• Placing the ashes in a more permanent urn (funeral urn).
• Dividing cremated remains into smaller keepsake urns or jewelry (i.e. charms, necklaces,
tie tacs and cu links).
• Placing the urn in a niche columbarium or mausoleum.
• Burying cremains in a lot in a cemetery in a burial urn or a green/biodegradable urn.
The cemetery may require an urn vault.
• Keeping the urn at your residence. You must remember to arrange for the disposition of the
ashes upon your death.
• Storing them in a house of worship, if allowed.
• Scattering the remains on private property, if the owner has given permission for this action
and where such action is not prohibited; the remains must not be distinguishable to the public.
• Scattering the remains in a cemetery scattering garden.
• Scattering at sea (in or on ocean waters in scattering cremation urns). This must occur at least
three (3) nautical miles from shore, including inland navigable waters, but usually not
including public lakes (40CFR§ 229.1).
• Incorporating cremated remains with urn and cement, into part of an articial reef.
• Mixing cremains into paint to be made into a portrait of the deceased.
• Scattering cremated remains in national parks in the U.S. with a special permit.
• Using a portion of the ashes to have memorial diamonds manufactured.
Souce: cremationinstitute.com/cremation-diamonds-guide/
Everyday people nd creative ways to celebrate life using cremains. The family of the late Ed
Headrick, inventor of the modern-day Frisbee, had his ashes made into plastic for limited editions after
his death in 2002.
Source: mysendo.com/2012/02/soaring-to-new-heights-for-frisbee-inventors-nal-sendo/
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6. How do I know that I will receive the correct remains from the crematory?
Every crematory is required by law to have procedures in place to ensure that the identity of the
deceased remains with the body throughout the process. It is a good idea to talk with the funeral
provider, crematory or cremation society to nd out the details of their process.
Cremains must be claimed within 60 days from the date notication is made that they are ready. After
60 days, cremains may be turned over to the coroner to be interred in a plot or niche in a cemetery for
indigents or paupers.
7. Is it possible to have two people cremated together at the same time?
No. Crematories are allowed to cremate only one body at a time in the cremation chamber to ensure
that the remains the families receive can be separately identied. However, double urns or companion
urns can be purchased to keep loved ones together after cremation.
8. Does every funeral home/mortuary have a crematory?
No. Some funeral providers or mortuaries provide cremation services but do not own a crematory. In
such instances, services for cremation are contracted out to a nearby crematory.
9. Are there dierences in urns? What price should I expect to pay?
Urns can be made of materials such as paper or cardboard as well as crystal, glass, cloisonné,
pottery, stone, marble, wood, brass, bronze and pewter. They can range from $12 to more than
$1,300, depending on the material from which they are made.
10. How do I nd out if cremation services are provided in my city?
Individual funeral homes or mortuaries can be contacted to nd out if they oer cremation services.
In addition, there are some nationwide directory services that will identify providers in your area
(i.e., www.cremation.com ; www.forcremation.com ). Also, some memorial societies oer services
statewide (i.e. www.southcare.us/ ; www.csog.com ). There are some websites that oer general
information as well as provide locator services, such as www.cremation.org
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PRE-NEED ARRANGEMENTS
1. Is there a way to prepay for my funeral or cremation so that my loved ones
do not have to be responsible for that upon my death?
Yes, some costs may be paid for in advance with a pre-need arrangement. Cemeteries and funeral
homes as well as cremation societies oer pre-need arrangements. Pre-need dealers and agents of
cemeteries and funeral homes must be registered with the Oce of the Secretary of State in order to
make such an oer.
2. What happens if I have paid for my funeral/cremation in advance through
a pre-need contract, but the costs at the time of service exceed the
original agreement?
This can happen. Some costs associated with funeral homes can be guaranteed by the funeral home
and they should not be expected to increase because they are the costs of the funeral home (i.e., the
funeral homes’ professional fees).
Other costs are considered cash-advance items because they are only estimating prices for items
obtained from third parties such costs cannot be guaranteed by the funeral home or crematory
because their prices are controlled by the actual merchant or provider of that service. When needed,
they are purchased in advance for you by the funeral home and the cost must be reimbursed by
the purchaser.
3. What kinds of things are included in cash-advance items?
• Pallbearers
• Public transportation
• Clergy honoraria
• Flowers
• Musicians and/or singers
• Nurses
• Obituary notices
• Gratuities
• Death certicates
• Crematory services
4. Can I transfer the rights of my pre-need merchandise?
Yes. The amended Georgia Cemetery and Funeral Services Act of 2000 permits the transfer
of contract rights of pre-need merchandise without a fee except as provided in the Georgia Code
§10-14-17(h).
5. Can a pre-need dealer require that I accept delivery of merchandise
in my pre-need contract prior to needing to use it?
No. A pre-need dealer is prohibited from requiring pre-need delivery to the consumer as a condition of
sale. Delivery is not required until the merchandise is ready to be used. [O.C.G.A. §10-14-2 (31)]
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TRANSPORTING THE DECEASED
1. What happens if my loved one dies in a city or state dierent from where
he or she is to be funeralized, buried or cremated?
Arrangements will have to be made with a funeral home in the city/state from which the body is to
be transferred. Either you or that funeral home will then need to make nal arrangements with the
receiving funeral home, crematory or cemetery.
Care should be taken to obtain in writing 1) a list of services that are to be provided on the transferring
end and the receiving end and 2) a price quote for each to assure that there is no duplication of costs
and to ensure that only those services and products agreed upon are purchased.
2. What is the process for transporting my loved one from another country?
For natural deaths occurring to a loved one who is out of the country, a service of the Bureau of
Consular Aairs of the U.S. Department of State becomes involved and attempts contact with the
next of kin. If there are no relatives of the deceased in the foreign country, the Consular sta becomes
provisional conservator of the deceased’s personal eects to make sure that arrangements for
transport, disposition of remains and the foreign death certicate are taken care of.
All arrangements are subject to the laws of the foreign country. Details can be found
at the following website:
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/death-abroad1.html
Consular Aairs provides as much support to the deceased’s family as possible during this time.
However, the Department of State has no funds to assist in the return of remains or ashes of U. S.
citizens who die abroad. The Bureau of Consular Aairs provides information to the family on how
to transmit the necessary private funds to cover the costs overseas. In Washington, the Bureau of
Consular Aairs gives next-of-kin guidance on procedures to follow in preparing Letters Testamentary,
Letters of Administration, and Adavits of Next-of-Kin as acceptable evidence of legal claim of
an estate.
For questions to the State Department related to this issue, contact the OVERSEAS CITIZENS
SERVICES: 1-888-407-4747. From overseas, call: 202-501-4444.
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3. Transporting Cremains
By Airplane
There are two options for carrying a crematory container on ights:
• Carry-on:
A crematory container is allowed as a carry-on, but it must pass through the X-ray machine. If the
container is made of a material that prevents the screener from clearly being able to see what is
inside, then the container will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.
• Checked Baggage:
You may transport the urn as checked baggage if it is successfully screened. TSA will screen the urn
for explosive materials/devices, using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked
baggage only.
NOTE: Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage. Check with your air carrier
before attempting to transport a crematory container in checked baggage. Please check with your air
carrier to determine their policies and procedures for transporting your loved one in a con. Further,
it is always a good practice to check with a licensed funeral director for airplane transport of
deceased’s remains.
TSA guidelines prohibit employees from opening the container under any circumstance. Therefore, if
the container cannot be X-rayed, it will not be allowed on the plane.
By Mail
The USPS is the only legal delivery method. Neither UPS, FedEx nor DHL will knowingly transport
cremains. Check with the USPS for specic guidelines that must be followed.
Source: about.usps.com/publications/pub139/pub139_001.htm
4. Am I allowed to transport my loved one in my personal vehicle, or do
the laws require that I pay a funeral home or crematory for transportation?
That depends. There is not a simple answer to this question. When not using entities that are
specically licensed and regulated to perform these tasks, the burden of complying with state laws
and regulations, local ordinances and institutional policies falls to the private individuals who must take
responsibility for nding all the applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and policies and ensuring that
each requirement is met. The consequences for failure could result in:
• diculties in obtaining a pronouncement of death, without which obtaining a death certicate
would be impossible;
• being left with the remains of a loved one indenitely because no cemetery or crematory
will accept the remains;
• risking the premature assumption of death when, in fact, life could be sustained;
• legal questions as to the cause of death that could result in criminal investigations; and
• risk to health and safety of general public if public health emergency exists.
For more information, contact The Georgia State Board of Funeral Service at 478-207-2440.
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CEMETERIES
1. Am I going to be required to purchase a vault from the cemetery?
Perhaps. According to the Federal Trade Commission, “State laws do not require a vault or liner, and
funeral providers may not tell you otherwise. However, keep in mind that many cemeteries require
some type of outer burial container to prevent the grave from sinking in the future.”
In Georgia, cemetery owners have the right to establish reasonable rules and regulations regarding
the type material, design, composition, nish and specication of any and all merchandise to be used
or installed in the cemetery. [O.C.G.A. § 10-14-16(b)]
Cemeteries may require a burial vault or a grave liner to enclose the casket in a grave. The casket
is either placed into a vault or a liner to prevent the ground from caving in once the casket begins to
break down and deteriorate. A grave liner is made of reinforced concrete and is lowered into the grave
prior to burial.
A burial vault is more substantial and expensive than just a grave liner. Vaults are generally sold for
their visual appeal and they are typically gasketed (sealed). Vaults are most often made of steel-
reinforced concrete and are lined with other materials, including plastic.
“Wrapping”
For crypts inside a public mausoleum, cemeteries often require a tray to minimize moisture. Some
cemeteries require an additional covering for the casket. This additional covering may be referred to
as “wrapping.” Wrapping the casket involves completely covering and sealing the casket in a plastic
material then placing it in a tray. Manufacturers claim this process minimizes deterioration, uid,
infestation, and odor.
Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, funeral providers are prohibited from claiming
that caskets or vaults will keep out water, dirt and other gravesite substances when that is not true.
They are also prohibited from telling you that an item or service can preserve a body indenitely in the
grave. These claims are untrue.
Cemeteries are requiring urn vaults for cremated remains more frequently. Remember to ask the
cemetery about their policy before making a purchase.
2. Am I required to purchase a specic type of headstone
or monument for a grave?
Possibly. Cemeteries are authorized to have rules that enable them to have uniformity. As such,
cemeteries can place restrictions on headstones and monuments.
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3. Can a cemetery charge me a fee if I want to install a monument
not purchased from them?
Yes. However, the Georgia Cemetery and Funeral Services Act restricts a cemetery from charging
more than $125 to reimburse the cemetery owner for reasonable costs incurred in assisting with the
installation and any administrative functions associated with the installation. This charge is allowed
only if published, properly disclosed and charged regardless of whether the installer is the cemetery
or someone else from whom you have purchased the monument. Otherwise, it is unlawful to charge a
fee for the installation of merchandise purchased or obtained from and to be installed by a person or
rm other than the cemetery.
4. Is it permissible to transfer the burial rights to my cemetery lots to
someone else?
Yes. Note, however, that the 2006 amendments to the Georgia Cemetery and Funeral Services Act
of 2000 allow a cemetery to charge no more than $75 to transfer burial rights from one purchaser to
another. Cemeteries must disclose such a fee in writing to the owner at the time of the initial purchase
of the burial right from the cemetery.
5. I have a warranty deed for the lots I purchased in the cemetery.
Do I not have the right to do what I want to with my property?
No. “Ownership” of cemetery lots is evidenced by a warranty deed. However, it really is a license
to inter/bury someone in a specic spot in that cemetery. It does not actually convey ownership.
Cemeteries may control the use of all property within the cemetery and may limit, restrict or regulate
the conduct of persons on the property and may regulate, limit or restrict plants and shrubs on
the property.
6. What does the law require cemeteries to do for upkeep of the grounds
and around the gravesites?
The “care and maintenance” is dened as “maintaining the cemetery in a reasonable condition.” The
law includes but is not limited to: mowing the grass; raking; cleaning the grave spaces and surrounding
areas; pruning shrubs and trees; weeding; and upkeep and repair of roads, drains, waterlines and any
buildings on the property.
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COPING WITH GRIEF AND GETTING HELP
Grief: Coping with the loss of your loved one
Coping with the loss of a close friend or family member may be one of the hardest challenges that
many of us face. When we lose a spouse, sibling or parent, our grief can be particularly intense. Loss
is understood as a natural part of life, but we can still be overcome by shock and confusion, leading
to prolonged periods of sadness or depression. The sadness typically diminishes in intensity as time
passes, but grieving is an important process that enables you to overcome these feelings and continue
to embrace the time you had with your loved one.
Everyone reacts dierently to death and employs personal coping mechanisms for grief. Research
shows that most people can recover from loss on their own through the passage of time if they have
social support and healthy habits. It may take months or a year to come to terms with a loss. There is
no “normal” time period for someone to grieve. Don’t expect to pass through phases of grief either, as
new research suggests that most people do not go through stages as progressive steps.
If your relationship with the deceased was dicult, this will add another dimension to the grieving
process. It may take some time and thought before you are able to look back on the relationship and
adjust to the loss.
Human beings are naturally resilient, considering most of us can endure loss and then continue on
with our own lives. But some people may struggle with grief for longer periods of time and feel unable
to carry out daily activities. Those with severe grief may be experiencing complicated grief. These
individuals could benet from the help of a psychologist or another licensed mental health professional
with a specialization in grief.
Moving on with life
Mourning the loss of a close friend or relative takes time, but research tells us that it can also be the
catalyst for a renewed sense of meaning that oers purpose and direction to life.
Grieving individuals may nd it useful to use some of the following strategies to help come to terms
with loss:
• Talk about the death of your loved one with friends and colleagues in order to understand
what happened and remember your friend or family member. Denying the death is an easy
way to isolate yourself and frustrate your support system in the process.
• Accept your feelings. People experience all kinds of emotions after the death of someone
close. Sadness, anger, frustration and even exhaustion are all normal.
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• Take care of yourself and your family. Eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest can
help us get through each day and move forward.
• Reach out and help others dealing with the loss. Helping others has the added benet of
making you feel better as well. Sharing stories of the deceased can help everyone cope.
• Remember and celebrate the lives of your loved ones. Possibilities include donating to a favorite
charity of the deceased, framing photos of fun times, passing on a family name to a baby or planting
a garden in memory. What you choose is up to you, as long as it allows you to honor that unique
relationship in a way that feels right to you. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed by your emotions, it
may be helpful to talk with a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional who can help
you cope with your feelings and nd ways to get back on track.
How psychologists can help
Psychologists are trained to help people better handle the fear, guilt or anxiety that can be associated
with the death of a loved one. If you need help dealing with your grief or managing a loss, consult a
psychologist or other licensed mental health professional.
Psychologists can help people build their resilience and develop strategies to get through their
sadness. Practicing psychologists use a variety of evidence-based treatments — most commonly
psychotherapy — to help people improve their lives. Psychologists, who have doctoral degrees,
receive one of the highest levels of education of any health care professional.
Find a psychologist in your area. locator.apa.org/
This Help Center article was adapted from a March 2011 post by Katherine C. Nordal, PhD on APA’s
Your Mind Your Body Blog.
Source: www.apa.org/helpcenter/grief.aspx
Note: This article is reproduced as it appears on the APA website. The full text of articles from APA Help Center may be reproduced and distributed for
noncommercial purposes with credit given to the American Psychological Association. Any electronic reproductions must link to the original article on the
APA Help Center.
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Knowing what to expect
When a death takes place, you may experience a wide range of emotions, even when the death is
expected. Many people report feeling an initial stage of numbness after rst learning of a death, but
there is no real order to the grieving process. Some emotions you may experience include:
• Denial
• Disbelief
• Confusion
• Shock
• Sadness
• Yearning
• Anger
• Humiliation
• Despair
• Guilt
These feelings are normal and common reactions to loss. You may not be prepared for the intensity
and duration of your emotions or how swiftly your moods may change. You may even begin to doubt
the stability of your mental health. But be assured that these feelings are healthy and appropriate and
will help you come to terms with your loss.
Remember: It takes time to fully absorb the impact of a major loss. You never stop missing your loved
one, but the pain eases after time and allows you to go on with your life.
Source: www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/coping-loss-bereavement-and-grief
Used by permission. © Copyright Mental Health America. Downloaded December 20, 2018
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Hotline for accessing mental health services in Georgia.
GCAL is the 24/7 hotline for accessing mental health services in Georgia. The Georgia
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) provides
treatment and support services to people with mental illnesses and addictive diseases,
and support to people with intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities.
For more information, go to the Georgia DBHDD website.
The Georgia chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) website has a
directory of Crisis Resources at namiga.org/community-resources/
Georgia Crisis and Access Line
1-800-715-4225 | mygcla.com
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GLOSSARY
alternative container
An unnished wood box or other non metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a xed
interior lining, designed to hold human remains and made of berboard, pressed-wood or similar
materials. The purpose of an alternative container is to hold and transport a dead human body.
basic service fee
This is something like a “cover charge” for doing business with the funeral home. It is a discretionary
charge that one cannot decline to pay. It ranges from the hundreds to thousands of dollars and does
not include any of the other services provided by the funeral home.
burial right
This is the right to use a grave space, mausoleum, or columbarium for interment, entombment or
inurnment of human remains.
burial service
This is any service other than a funeral service oered or provided by any person in connection with
the nal disposition, memorialization, interment, entombment or inurnment of human remains.
care and maintenance
This means the perpetual process of keeping a cemetery and its lots, graves, grounds, landscaping,
roads, paths, parking lots, fences, mausoleums, columbaria, vaults, crypts, utilities, and other
improvements, structures, and embellishments in a well-cared for and dignied condition, so that the
cemetery does not become a nuisance or place of reproach and desolation in the community. As
specied in the rules of the Secretary of State, care and maintenance may include, but is not limited to,
any or all of the following activities: mowing the grass at reasonable intervals; raking and cleaning the
grave spaces and adjacent areas; pruning of shrubs and trees; suppression of weeds and exotic ora;
and maintenance, upkeep, and repair of drains, water lines, roads, buildings, and other improvements.
Care and maintenance may include, but is not limited to, reasonable overhead expenses necessary
for such purposes, including maintenance of machinery, tools, and equipment used for such purposes.
Care and maintenance may also include repair or restoration of improvements necessary or desirable
as a result of wear, deterioration, accident, damage, or destruction. Care and maintenance do not
include expenses for the construction and development of new grave spaces or interment structures to
be sold to the public.
casket
A container designed for the encasement and viewing of a dead human body.
cemetery
A place dedicated to and used for the permanent interment of human remains. It may contain land
or earthy interments, a mausoleum, a vault, crypt interments; a columbarium or other structure or
place used or intended to be used for the inurnment of cremated human remains; or any combination
of one or more of such structures. Regulated cemeteries do not usually include government-owned
cemeteries, fraternal cemeteries, church-owned, synagogue-owned or community or family plots.
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columbarium
A building mostly above ground used for the inurnment of cremated remains.
cremation
Any mechanical or thermal process that reduces a deceased human being to ashes.
crypt
A chamber big enough to inter the remains of a deceased human being.
direct cremation
The disposition of human remains by cremation without a formal viewing, visitation or ceremony where
the body is present.
entombment
The disposition of a dead human body in a mausoleum; doesn’t include opening and closing a grave,
crypt or niche or installing a vault.
nal disposition
The nal disposal of a deceased human being by either interment, entombment, inurnment, burial at
sea, cremation or other means.
immediate burial
Disposition by burial with no formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present. Typically,
the body is taken directly from the place of death to the cemetery, stopping at the morgue or funeral
home only long enough to obtain necessary permits.
interment
Burial of human remains; not including opening and closing of grave, crypt, niche or installation
of a vault.
inurnment
Disposition of cremated remains in an urn or other container, but doesn’t include opening and closing
of grave, crypt, niche or installation of a vault.
mausoleum
A structure or building mostly above ground used for entombment of human remains.
monument
Any product used to identify or permanently decorate a gravesite. Monuments can be in the form
of vases, benches, markers and any base or foundation upon which they rest.
niche
A space used for the interment of cremated remains of one or more deceased human beings.
non perpetual care
Designates a cemetery that does not oer perpetual care.
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outer burial container
Any container placed in a grave around the casket such as a vault, grave box or grave liner and is
made of concrete, steel, berglass, copper or metals, polypropylene, sectioned concrete enclosures,
and crypts.
perpetual care
Care, maintenance, and reasonable administration of the cemetery grounds and buildings now and
in the future.
Pre-need contract
Any arrangement or method one establishes with the provider of burial or funeral merchandise or
services to furnish burial or funeral merchandise and/or services in the future.
Pre-need dealer
Every person, other than a salesperson registered as meant in O.C.G.A. § 10-14-1 et seq., who
engages, either for all or part of his or her time, directly or indirectly, as an agent, broker, or principal
in the retail business of oering, selling, or otherwise dealing in funeral services or burial services or
funeral or burial merchandise which is not attached to realty or delivered to the purchaser at the time
of sale.
Pre-need interment service or pre-need service
Any service which is not performed at the time of sale and which is oered or provided by any
person in connection with the interment of human remains, except those services oered regarding
mausoleums and the normal and customary installation charges on burial or funeral merchandise.
COMPARISON CHECKLIST
Make copies and check with multiple funeral homes/crematories and cemeteries to compare costs for
services or products in which you are interested.
Name of Funeral Home
Name of Crematory
Name of Cemetery
“Simple” disposition of the remains
Immediate burial $
Immediate/direct cremation $
If the cremation process is extra, how much is it? $
Donation of the body to a medical school or hospital $
“Traditional,” full-service burial or cremation
Basic services fee for the funeral director and sta $
Pickup of body $
Embalming $
Other preparation of body $
Caskets
Most Expensive
Most expensive metal
Description, including model # $
Most expensive wood
Description, including model # $
Most expensive berglass or other
Description, including model # $
Middle Range
Middle range metal
Description, including model # $
Middle range wood
Description, including model # $
Middle range berglass or other
Description, including model #
$
Least Expensive
Least expensive metal
Description, including model #
$
Least expensive wood
Description, including model # $
Least expensive berglass or other
Description, including model #
$
Rental Caskets
Most expensive rental
Description, including model # $
Middle range rental
Description, including model # $
Least expensive rental
Description, including model #
$
Alternative Containers
Most expensive alternative container
Description, including model # $
Middle range alternative container
Description, including model #
$
Least expensive alternative container
Description, including model # $
Total of Most Expensive Products & Services $
Total of Middle Ranged Products & Services $
Total of Least Expensive Products & Services $
Additional Products & Services
Vault/Grave Liner
• Outer burial container (vault)
Description, including model #
$
• Grave liner (if required)
Description, including model #
$
Transportation
• Hearse $
• Limousines or other vehicles
Description
$
Services & Equipment
• Visitation/viewing - sta and facilities $
• Funeral or memorial service $
• Graveside service, including sta and equipment $
Transportation of Remains
• Forwarding body to another funeral home $
• Receiving body from another funeral home $
Cemetery/Mausoleum Costs
• Cost of lot or crypt (if you don’t already own one) $
• Perpetual care $
• Opening and closing the grave or crypt $
• Marker/monument (including setup) $
Total charges of selected items $
NOTES
This educational publication was prepared based upon the laws and practices of
Georgia, information from the Federal Trade Commission, the National Funeral
Directors Association, and other consumer education resources. It is not intended as
legal advice. Although this booklet may be helpful to people in other states, references
to specic Georgia law will not be applicable in other states. All readers are urged to
seek specic legal advice from attorneys licensed to practice within their state if legal
advice is desired. If there are questions about anything in these materials, please feel
free to contact Natalie Thomas, State Legal Services Developer, at 404-657-5328.
Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
2 Peachtree Street, NW; 33rd Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3142
866-552-4464
aging.ga.gov
