FAQ

How much does a funeral cost?  This is a very difficult question to answer without more input from the family.  Funeral costs vary greatly depending on the services and merchandise selected.  Funeral expenses are broken down into 5 different sections:  Funeral Home Services, Casket, Outer Burial Receptacle, Additional Services and Merchandise and Cash Advances.

What is a Cash Advance?  Cash advances are charges the funeral home pays to third parties on behalf of the family.  Examples of these are cemetery or crematory charges, newspaper charges, clergy and church fees, motorcycle escorts and certified copies of death certificates.  The funeral home must charge only the exact amount paid to the third party and no more.

What is an Additional Service and Merchandise charge?  These are charges for incidental items the family may choose.  Examples would be printed materials, register book, memorial cards, flowers, cross or crucifix, video or DVD, keepsake items or appreciation gifts, memorial portraits and any number of other items a family may choose to personalize the service.

Is embalming required by law?  No.  A funeral director must receive permission from the next of kin before embalming.  Normally a funeral home can require embalming for specific funeral services including, a service with a viewing or if the burial or cremation of the deceased is going to be delayed.  The charge for the embalming must be clearly stated on the funeral home general price list.

How many copies of the death certificate do I need?  Every estate differs in the number of death certificates needed.  The funeral director will help you determine how many copies you may need.  In Monroe County, a funeral home can obtain certified copies of death certificates up to 6 months from the date of death.  

Can I prepay my funeral expenses?  Yes.  For more information on prepaid funeral accounts, please refer to the preneed section of our website.

What is a direct cremation?  Direct cremation does not mean that a person is taken directly from the place of death to the crematory.  It simply means that there are no funeral or memorial services for the deceased.  A direct cremation involves the transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home, an arrangement conference with the next of kin to obtain the necessary authorizations and information.  The funeral director will take care of filing all necessary documents with vital records, and obtain a cremation permit.  The deceased is transported by a licensed funeral director to the crematory and the cremated remains are returned to the funeral home.  The cremated remains will then be returned to the family.

Does a family need to provide clothing for the deceased if there is no viewing?  Although it is not required, we ask families to supply clothing as we feel it is more dignified to have the person dressed in their own clothing even if there is no viewing.  We believe this to be the case whether the final disposition is burial or cremation.  

Is a casket placed directly in the grave?  Sometimes.  There is no law in New York State requiring an outer burial receptacle.  However, many cemeteries require at least a grave liner.  The reason for this is for cemetery maintenance, to keep the ground level as the grave settles.  Either a grave liner or a burial vault will satisfy the cemetery requirements.