New to funeral planning? Here are the state guidelines you need to follow

If your loved one has recently passed on, you might be the one tasked with funeral planning. Even though this can be sad, emotional, and overwhelming, it needs to be done so you can honor their memory in one last way. By throwing the best and most respectful funeral that your loved one would have enjoyed and appreciated, you can pay homage to how they were as a person.

However, before beginning your funeral planning process, you must know the funeral planning rules per estate. If you are in Pennsylvania, the rules may differ from those if you live in rural Kentucky. Click here to see a few state guidelines you should keep in mind regarding funeral planning or a loved one.

Funeral planning per state guidelines

Before you can host the best funeral that your loved one will enjoy and respect, you need to check the state regulations and guidelines for funerals. Remember that you have legal rights and laws that can protect you—if someone says that you are not allowed to do something, but it is clearly stated in your state and federal rights, then you are allowed to. Ensure you follow and adhere to all rules when planning the funeral.

When it comes to federal law regarding funeral planning, the Federal Funeral Rule Law gives you the right to the following amenities for your funeral for your loved one:

• You do not have to accept items you do not want for your funeral (add-ons, extra items, flowers, etc.)
• You can buy separate items you want to use with your funeral (i.e., caskets, decorations, etc.) online. You can also check for funeral home supplies online.
• You can buy only the goods and services that you want
• You will not be charged if you provide the casket
• Funeral providers must use a casket or coffin you purchased online.
• Buying a casket for sale is legal in every state.

You are automatically entitled to these options since all guidelines are acceptable under federal law via the Funeral Rule.

Here are a few examples of state guidelines that you may need to follow for your funeral planning:

• California funeral rules - when it comes to funeral planning, the CA Department of Consumer Affairs - Cemetery and Funeral Bureau is in charge of the regulations in California. The California state law is identical to the federal law when doing other goods and services or your funeral.
• Alaska—The Department Of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development oversees Alaska's funeral planning. Alaska state laws are the same as US Federal laws.
• Delaware - the Delaware Board of Funeral Service is in charge of funeral planning, and state laws require that a casket seller has a funeral license.
• Florida - the Florida Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services oversees the funeral planning.

Conclusion

As you can see, different laws and regulations depend on the specific state where you plan a funeral. To ensure you comply with the rules and regulations and the Federal laws, check the federal and state laws about your specific state.