Following our steps on resolving complaints will save you time and money. You might even attain resolution in step one! Steps for Resolving Complaints Against a Mortuary, Cemetery or Monument Dealer Each step may result in resolution, so that you can stop there. 1. Contact the Funeral Home (FH) or Cemetery (CEM) with your concern. Express your Complaint so that you will be heard and understood: *Be specific , *Be friendly/relaxed *Be brief, *Tell them what you wish THEM to do . What would satisfy you? 1.5 If the FH or CEM doesn't respond positively then you should contact a funeral consumer advocate. Funeral Consumers Alliance has enthusiastic volunteer experts nationwide . We may be able to help you see what your real case is so you can focus on getting what you really need. 2. Follow up with the FH or CEM in writing . Let them know you are prepared to submit the complaint to the appropriate authorities if they can't resolve your concern; This serves several purposes: -It's stress reducing to get this out of your head and onto paper. -Writing things while they are easy to recall will help accuracy. -Later you can simply copy and paste as you continue to reach out for the appropriate help. -The FH or CEM will know that you are serious. -If your description is calm, clear and factual they are more likely to see your efforts as sincere and reasonable. -After they read it they can plan a more thoughtful response than they did at first. 3. Submit your complaint to Utah's Office of the Attorney General (AG) how-to on the Utah Ag's website or the Dept of Consumer Protection (check each website for what types of complaints they can handle. 4. File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Although the FTC cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, it can act against a company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations. It is not a violation of The Funeral Rule that "The Funeral Director spoke in a rude tone". See what violations are applicable in the Free PDF of the FTC's "Funeral Rule" or talk to a volunteer at your local FCA . Anyone familiar with The FTC's Funeral Rule will be able to help you figure if your complaint has violated The Rule. To file your complaint: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=FCA =>click on "something else" as the category for a funeral/cemetery complaint (since there is no specific category on the ftc site for "Funerals") but the FTC truly WANTS to collect these funeral-related complaints. 5. Leave a factual online review of the business. This may cause them to reach out to you, in hopes that you will change your review. We've seen this a couple times. 6. File a complaint with the Licensure oversight Board of your State (this will not get your complaint resolved, but could get the FH investigated and censured). List of every State Funeral and Cemetery Board in the United States. Utah State's Code on what is considered unprofessional conduct 58-9-5 7. Ask for a review of your case, in hopes that the association will censure their member: -International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) https://iccfa.com/ccsc/ -National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 800-228-6332 or https://tinyurl.com/nfrmy98m -Monument Builders of North America (MBNA) (800) 362-2546 or info@monumentbuilders.org 8. Tell the media (TV show, podcaster, any kind of social media), just get the word out. Some states have Cemetery Oversight Boards. Most do not. If your problem is with a rural cemetery you can reach out to your county or show up to a County Commission meeting. If it is a city cemetery , tell the local media and show up to a city council meeting and speak during the public comment period. 9. Go to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site in your state and leave a report. We witnessed one instance where a simple complaint to the BBB eventually helped an FBI investigation. You can't file a review AND a complaint. Only one or the other. I would leave a review if you want to get the word out and protect others. 10. Tell your Utah State Legislative Representative your idea for a Bill to prevent this from happening to others. Be concise in writing/telling your story. Don't approach them when they are in the middle of a legislative session (January to March), unless there is a bill on their current docket that relates. Further Complaint Filing Tips: General Tips from the FTC: https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0054-how-file-complaint-federal-trade-commission General Tips from FCA: https://funerals.org/?consumers=filing-a-complaint

Even though you have a dead body on your hands, you have time to apply these shopping keys to no-regret purchases. How to Shop for a Funeral FIRST slow down... When hospital, or police, ask you to "Call a funeral home NOW", don't let that make you rush. You can tell them that you "won't be made to enter a contract under duress " and that you are "calling around for the right provider for our needs ". -If you don't want to hire professionals: start with our What To Do When Death Occurs Flow Chart -If you do want to hire professionals: DON'T tell a funeral home exactly where the body is yet (Hospital releases a body to an unauthorized funeral home) DON'T go to a funeral home in person, nor authorize embalming yet * if a funeral home tries to charge you for their sales pitch then report them . In 2025 we've been seeing charges of, between $250 - $950 on General Price lists (GPL's), for a funeral home to "engage" with you, or "arrange" a funeral. T hey already charge EVERY customer a non-declineable fee to cover that risk. So, for now our recommendation is that potential customers refrain from going in-person "to establish a relationship" (as Funeral Directors like to say)...until you have decided to hire them for sure. SECOND price compare With our free at-a-glance chart which lists every Utah mortuary’s package prices you can make more informed decisions in minutes. Look at the prices before you decide if "the mortuary Aunt Betty went to" or "the mortuary closest to home", is more important to you than price. If death occurred OUTSIDE of Utah see if there is a Funeral Consumers Alliance [find-an-affiliate] hosting an at-a-glance price survey. If they don't then you can try Funeralocity.com to get a general idea of which mortuaries are charging more and which charge less. Or type into a Search Engine something like: "discount cremation/funeral provider near _[city, state] _" to find candidates. Expensive Funeral Homes typically: -owned by a corporation with shareholders pressing for profits on their investment. -insist you sit down with them at their location for an "arrangement conference": their chance to "build a relationship", make you feel like you're getting a good deal, as well as plan your event & the preparation of your loved one. -insult your requests to do part yourself or to bring your own casket etc. Cheaper Funeral Homes typically: -locally owned, by a family -more flexible, -let you buy online, -don't use threatening or demeaning language when you want to do part of the services yourself, and -are friendly to you bringing outside merchandise. THIRD examine selections & totals in private After you have selected all the goods and services you need: the funeral home must present you with an "itemized Statement of Goods & Services Selected" [see a sample ]. Once you've examined that statement (in a place you can discuss privately with those helping you decide/helping you pay), it's your last chance to tell the mortuary to remove anything you don't really want to pay for. FOURTH consider reducing the cost Cemeteries and funeral homes require you pay before they conduct the burial, cremation or a funeral service. Utah's Most Affordable GRAND TOTAL to hire-out a whole body burial $3800 Cemetery Plot: Eagle Mountain non-resident price $1000 with o/c $300 Graveliner: ~$1000 Mortuary's Graveside Package: $1300 Casket: $200 mortuary's box (add $300 -1K more for a locally built casket) Family-Directed Memorial : free at home or a church If you can't afford to pay from savings or insurance we plead with you to choose more affordable options. Meaningful & Affordable 1. Perform final disposition BEFORE any remembrance service. The two lowest cost final dispositions: "Immediate Burial": the body is buried on mortuaries' own timing without embalming or viewing: Add Cemetery Cost ~$3K &up "Direct Cremation": the body is cremated on mortuaries' own timing without embalming or viewing. Cremation decisions 2. CASKETS: A mortuary might use poor lighting, condescending names, yucky colors, dull finishes (called "vulgarizing") for displaying their more affordable caskets and urns. So go to our carrying a body page to find lovely selections at half the price. 3. Alternative Venues: If you have people in your group that know how to conduct a meeting, move decor and carry a casket you don't need a professional to conduct services. Instead of holding remembrance services at a mortuary, consider locations like a church, home, park, community center, or virtual meeting (for better sound than zoom: https://willowise.com/ 4. Alternative Sources for Decor: Flowers can be from a store or a garden, fresh or artificial (see homemade arrangements -bottom of DIY page ). You could even invite attendees to bring potted plants instead of cut flowers. Or decorate the venue with portraits, handicrafts or art made by the deceased. A favorite quilt over the casket can be as touching as a floral spray. 5. Print Your Own Programs: Instead of having a funeral home print programs, design and print them yourself or seek assistance from a friend or family member. Many want to do something meaningful to express their love. This is one of many ways to let them. 6. Purchase Items Separately: Most mortuaries bundle their goods & services for charging a discounted package price. But you can purchase items and services separately. It's called Itemizing, which often ends up costing less than a package of things you can do yourselves. 9. Make Love-based decisions Instead of Fear-based: Take the time to discuss your options with those who are supportive of you AND who know your rights. When people say, "You can't...", then either chat with our ai tool, or contact FCA of UT and we'll advise any time of the day or evening: Joyce 801-368 5884. The Federal Trade Commission also has complimentary advice for funeral shoppers to encourage you to advocate for yourself: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/shopping-funeral-services 10. Burial Plots : Many consumer complaints we get are about cemeteries ! If you have prepurchased plots, cemeteries raise prices for opening and closing and all the accouterments, without telling you. They also make you sign away basic rights, and are extremely restrictive about monuments and plaques. Yet they often don't publish those restrictions. So before buying a bunch of plots ask for a copy of their policies and procedures which include: -what is allowed if you later decide to resell your plot(s) -how the future fees will climb for interment/opening closing, vaults and monuments (if you don't prepay, or if family become non-residents) -restrictions as to shroud burial or grave liners (cheaper vaults) -memorial stone requirements (materials, size, sheen, where purchased, setting fees, inspection fees, space for adding names). Monuments: Some families wait years for a pre-paid monument to be delivered, until the funeral home stops picking up the ph one. Before a body is picked up, ask the pick-up service to hand you a GPL (if you don't already have a printed copy) and they should NOT assume you want embalming nor pressure you to authorize embalming right then. Consumer Alerts 2024 National Scam Alert Funeral Homes adding fees for first call pick up in the night, or from a nursing home or to send a second personnel.... The price on the GPL for the transfer of remains already includes “personnel, equipment and vehicle”. The FTC Funeral Rule does NOT allow for a sliding scale of costs for "first call pickup" based on the number of personnel sent or the time or the place of death. The State of NY sent this: cease and disist order . 2023 National Scam Alert Pretenders contact you asking for more money AFTER you have made arrangements with a funeral home but BEFORE the funeral service. They are NOT from the Funeral Home: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2023/06/scammers-impersonate-funeral-home-staff-prey-mourning-families-can-it-get-any-lower

Funeral jokes and profound insights from Dan Piraro Usado con permiso de Dan Piraro Desplácese hacia abajo para ver los 8 cómics

Free, non-profit, immediate tips to pay for a funeral, burial or cremation. Whole Body Donation findContract Reparations2 Credit Union Death Benefits Other Death Benefits Public Appeals Veterans Benefits Sharing th Cost 15 maneras de encontrar dinero y reducir costos HOY Donación de cuerpo entero COSTO: GRATIS dentro de las 50 millas de la Universidad de Utah. Aunque la U de U prefiere que los donantes se registren con anticipación , la Pariente más cercano puede llamar (Universidad de Utah 801-581-6728) para dar su consentimiento verbal de inmediato. Si una funeraria tiene el cuerpo, dígales que desea donar el cuerpo a la Programa de donación de cuerpos de U of U (el embalsamamiento se hace de otra manera). Llame directamente al Programa de Donación de Cuerpos de la U of U si no está utilizando una morgue. ¡Puede tener hasta una semana para el velorio o el funeral antes de donar el cuerpo! Las cenizas se enterrarán en el cementerio de Salt Lake City, o puede solicitar que se devuelvan las cenizas a la familia. El seguimiento descalificar un cuerpo para el estudio: cirugía mayor reciente accidente traumático autopsia ascitis (retención severa de líquidos en el abdomen) edema obesidad enfermedad contagiosa (como VIH, hepatitis, Jacob Kruetzfeld o tuberculosis) ictericia donación de órganos que no sean piel y ojos (Usando su licencia de conducir, puede modificar los detalles de su donante de órganos . Por ejemplo, puede decir "solo piel y ojos" en el Registro de Donantes: www.yesutah.org ) Encuentre el contrato y cambie de opinión A veces se ha comprado un contrato de servicios a través de una funeraria pero nadie lo sabe. Cázalo. Si encuentra un contrato con una funeraria y el paquete es demasiado elegante, entonces puede usar menos de los productos o servicios que establece y aplicar los ingresos para pagar los costos inesperados, como el entierro de no residentes o el transporte del cuerpo, etc. Ejemplo : cambiar a la cremación para pagar una parcela en el cementerio. Las reglas de licencias funerarias dicen: R156-9-617. Bienes y Servicios No Provistos - Reembolso. Si los bienes o servicios seleccionados en el contrato de prenecesidad no se proporcionan en el momento de la necesidad, el monto pagado por esos bienes y servicios y las ganancias no gastadas correspondientes se distribuirán al comprador del contrato de prenecesidad o al representante del comprador o, en su ausencia, el comprador herederos y beneficiarios. Reparación de la Víctima del Crimen Es posible que pueda solicitar el reembolso de los gastos relacionados con el funeral y el entierro: https://crimevictim.utah.gov/ En algunos estados, si inicia un "Go-fund me" antes de solicitar "reparaciones para víctimas", puede ser descalificado. Pregunte si ese es el caso en Utah. Buscar beneficios por muerte La mayoría de los beneficios no son automáticos y deben solicitarse. Así que asegúrese de averiguar si el difunto era miembro de: Asociación de Veteranos (siga desplazándose hacia abajo para obtener más detalles), organizaciones fraternas, sindicatos de empleados, Cooperativas de crédito o bancos Un plan de beneficios por muerte del empleador Seguro Social ($255 para el cónyuge sobreviviente o dependientes que viven en el hogar), Seguro (algunos seguros de automóvil o de vivienda vienen con un beneficio por fallecimiento) Una cuenta de "pago al morir" Es posible que su ser querido haya configurado una cuenta de Pago al fallecer a la que pueda acceder un familiar, amigo o abogado en caso de fallecimiento. En los viejos tiempos, esto se llamaba Toten Trust. Es una cuenta con el nombre de otra persona incluido para acceder pero solo al fallecer (cuando la otra persona presenta el certificado de defunción en el banco). Esto permite que el dinero en esa cuenta se use para pagar facturas inmediatas antes de que se lea el testamento. Apelaciones Públicas Las historias sobre recaudaciones de fondos a menudo se ven en las noticias. Si sigue este camino, no se sienta presionado a comprar nada ANTES de haber buscado sus opciones para recaudar fondos y reducir costos. Tenga cuidado con las altas cargas de refrigeración en la mayoría de las morgues. Dicen que te cobrarán mucho por presionarte para que tomes decisiones rápidas. PUEDE negociar una tarifa de almacenamiento razonable o exigir la devolución del cuerpo. Si resulta difícil recaudar fondos, considere que hay opciones para un palco demasiado caro y pagar a los directores para que organicen una reunión (también conocida como un funeral o un servicio conmemorativo). Vea algunas soluciones a este dilema en nuestra página de bricolaje . Beneficios para veteranos SIN COSTO: Los veteranos dados de baja con honores obtienen entierro gratuito en un Cementerio Nacional de Veteranos. El entierro gratuito a menudo incluye la tumba, la bóveda, la apertura y el cierre, la lápida y la tarifa de colocación. Muchos cementerios estatales de veteranos también ofrecen entierro gratuito para los veteranos y, a menudo, también para los cónyuges. Vea más detalles sobre los beneficios para veteranos en el sitio de la oficina de médicos forenses de Utah: https://ome.utah.gov/our-services/financial-assistance Para ser enterrado en un Cementerio de Veteranos, necesita: " DD 214 " Este es un documento del Departamento de Defensa de los Estados Unidos, emitido tras la jubilación, separación o baja del servicio militar de un miembro del servicio militar. Si pierde su DD214, no espere hasta después de su muerte para obtener uno. Más información sobre los beneficios para veteranos en: funerales.org y también: Cementerio de veteranos y parque conmemorativo de Utah 801-254-9036 17111 S Camp Williams Rd Bluffdale, UT 84065 Capítulo de beneficios de entierro para veteranos de 2013 aquí como PDF Los reservistas y el personal retirado de la Guardia Nacional con 20 años de servicio también son elegibles para el entierro, al igual que los cónyuges sobrevivientes y los hijos dependientes (según las reglas establecidas por el Estado de Utah: simplemente busque "Utah 71-7-3" en Google para leerlo. Las familias de Utah pueden actuar como su propio director funerario cuando atienden a sus veteranos fallecidos con la documentación adecuada de la Oficina de Registros Vitales del Departamento de Salud (ubicada en el condado donde ocurrió la muerte). La familia puede llevar a su veterano al cementerio ellos mismos, hacer su propio ataúd y evitar una morgue por completo, ahorrando varios miles de dólares. (vea cómo en nuestra página "Diy Funeral") Familiares compartiendo el costo Si no se asignó a ninguna persona para controlar la disposición de los restos antes de la muerte, corresponde a "los parientes más cercanos" ACORDAR qué comprar. A muchos les resulta difícil comprar un funeral frugal y sencillo en esta situación. PRECAUCIÓN: Hemos visto una y otra vez, una oferta de un miembro de la familia para "pagar por todo" (tal vez tienen un amigo en el negocio funerario de quien creen que pueden hacer un trato). Notoriamente no tienen idea de cuán rápido se suman los costos. Cuando reciben la factura (o su parte de ella), cambian de opinión y esperan que usted colabore más, "después de todo, usted hizo las selecciones". Hágase un favor y reduzca los costos por adelantado sin importar la ayuda que se le haya ofrecido. Ofrendas de la Iglesia Algunas familias piden a su congregación que ayude a pagar un funeral. La mayoría de los líderes de la iglesia juegan un papel neutral en las decisiones sobre los servicios que compra. Cuando acepte dinero normalmente designado para los gastos de manutención de las personas, considere la encuesta de comparación de precios de funerarias que hemos realizado para usted . También encontrará en nuestra página de funeral de bricolaje que es posible que no necesite gastar tanto como cree para llevar a cabo un funeral o servicio conmemorativo encantador y una disposición corporal respetuosa. Hay bendiciones incalculables que llegan a familiares y amigos que cuidan personalmente de sus muertos. Solicite la cremación de indigentes GRATIS Si el difunto y responsable pariente más cercano ganado por debajo del Pautas de pobreza del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. de 2013 entonces usted puede calificar. Esto se solicita a través del proveedor contratado en el condado donde ocurrió la muerte. Vea más detalles de la Oficina de Examinadores Médicos de Utah: https://ome.utah.gov/our-services/financial-assistance DESPOJOS MORTALES La familia puede reclamar las cenizas después de la cremación (una funeraria que cumple con los contratos para la cremación de indigentes esparce las cenizas en un prado de montaña si nadie las reclama dentro de los 6 meses posteriores a la cremación). OBITUARIOS cuando el condado paga por la disposición: Los obituarios de los periódicos son muy caros, por lo que se colocará un aviso de defunción en el periódico. Sitios de obituarios en línea como epassing.org , the eternalport.com u obituare.com por lo general, le permitirá publicar un obituario simple a corto plazo de forma gratuita o un obituario con todas las campanas y silbatos por $ 5 / mes o una tarifa fija de $ 25 o más. Comparación de precios de mortuorios Una forma de reducir drásticamente los costos es elegir una morgue de precio más justo en su sección de Utah: Cuadros de comparación de precios de depósitos de cadáveres de un vistazo Otra opción es evitar la contratación de una morgue, solicitar el certificado de defunción directamente en la oficina de registros vitales del condado donde ocurrió la muerte, fabricar o comprar un ataúd local. Realiza tu ceremonia, funeral, velatorio o vigilia en una capilla o domicilio. Luego, transporte el cuerpo en una camioneta o camión a un crematorio o a un cementerio que cobre menos (consulte nuestra página de Entierro simple para conocer las opciones de entierro, ya que acumulará alrededor de $ 2K en cargos, incluso si ya posee una parcela). Cremación La cremación reduce los costos del cementerio porque las cenizas de dos o tres personas pueden enterrarse en cada parcela en la mayoría de los cementerios ( ahorrando $1500 o más por entierro). También puede enterrar sin recipiente o esparcir las cenizas en casi cualquier lugar de forma gratuita. Una cremación debería costar menos de $ 1K. La familia todavía puede tener un funeral antes o un servicio conmemorativo después. A muchos les preocupa que Dios se oponga a la cremación. Obtenga más perspectiva en este documento de 2 páginas: Puntos de vista bíblicos y religiosos sobre los modos de disposición Un ataúd de cremación básico típico $150 Ejemplo de un ataúd de cremación de lujo $600 Empleador Algunas compañías tienen beneficios para sobrevivientes disponibles para la familia de un empleado fallecido. Algunos sindicatos pueden ofrecer beneficios para ayudar a cubrir o sufragar los costos del funeral. Solicitar y aceptar participación en lugar de efectivo No se necesita mucha gente para llevar a cabo un hermoso Memorial o Funeral, pero hay cosas que los amigos y la familia pueden hacer en lugar de contratarlos. Cuando ocurre una muerte, muchos amigos y vecinos quieren hacer algo. Podrían agregar a sus condolencias, "... por favor llámeme si puedo hacer algo", sin estar del todo seguros de lo que realmente podrían hacer. Ese es un buen momento para que usted ofrezca una tarea específica. No todas las tareas a continuación se aplicarán a su situación, pero considere quién podría... ¿Ayuda para notificar a familiares y amigos, por teléfono o correo electrónico, Facebook, Twitter o sitio web? Estar a cargo de obtener la documentación requerida (certificado de defunción, permiso de tránsito o disposición de entierro, permiso para cremar)? ¿Se comunicó con el cementerio, el crematorio o la facultad de medicina para programar la llegada del cuerpo? ¿Preparar el cuerpo? ¿Hacer o comprar un ataúd o un sudario? ¿Obtener hielo seco o paquetes de gel congelado, si es necesario? ¿Organizar música? ¿Contactar al clero oa alguien más para que dirija los servicios (una reunión básica en realidad)? ¿Transporte de alguna flor? ¿Limpieza, cuidado de la casa o cuidado de mascotas? ¿Comidas u otros refrescos? ¿Reunirse con invitados de fuera de la ciudad en el aeropuerto? ¿Proporcionar alojamiento durante la noche para los invitados? ¿Coleccionar y exhibir fotografías u otros recuerdos? ¿Planea los servicios que se llevarán a cabo, con o sin el cuerpo presente, ataúd cerrado o abierto? ¿Imprimir programas? escribir un obituario? ¿Escribir/entregar elogios? ¿Grabar algún evento en beneficio de la familia de fuera de la ciudad (no permitido en las capillas SUD)? ¿Servir como portadores del féretro? ¿Transportar el cuerpo o prestar un vehículo? ¿Enviar notas de agradecimiento? ¿Solicitar beneficios para veteranos como un marcador y una bandera? Qué hacer cuando no puede pagar un funeral https://funerals.org/cantafford/ Church Contributions Indigent Cremation Price Compare Cremation Let People Volunteer Cheaper Caskets Transport Your Dead Obituaries Example of a Deluxe Cremation Casket $600 A Basic Cremation Casket (aka "Alternative Container") around $150

Cheapest cremation in Utah, options for dealing with cremated remains. Does God oppose cremation? Cremation 2025 Lowest CREMATION Prices In UTAH Prices Below Include Alternative container (box to cremate the body in) Temporary container (box to take the ashes home), First Utah Death Certificate [$30] Medical Examiners' Permit [$157] Add $10/extra Death Cert +$? if over 200 lbs +$? if over 50 miles +$? tax on tangible items U of U Body Donor Program Cremations (criteria are on their website) FREE Kramer Family (Order Online, West Valley, Ogden, Orem) $857 "Just Cremations" (Salt lake & Provo) $882 Premier (Based in Salt Lake. Orem, Roy) $937 Inspire (Salt lake) $962 Provident (S. Ogden) $1,037 Serenicare (Based in Salt Lake. Ogden, Davis, Weber, Cache Valley & Utah County) $1,062 Wiscombe (Salt Lake County) $1,132 After.com (Order Online, Wasatch, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, Summit & Utah Counties) $1,182 Basin Cremation Center (Vernal) $1,182 Cremation by Design (SLC Online/phone order) $1,182 Utah Simple Cremations (Murray) $1,182 Is Cremation Opposed by God? Scriptural and Religious Statements on Modes of Disposition What is the "Alternative Container"? What is the "Temporary Container"? After cremation mortuaries release your loved ones cremated remains in a plastic or cardboard box. It may even be stamped with the giant words "Temporary Container". You don't have to buy the permanent "respectable" urns they sell. Choose a special container from your home, make your own, or buy one online. For a meaningful experience later, you can gather loved ones to transfer the cremated remains yourselves. Do I have to hire a funeral home to Host a Final Goodbye? You don't have to hire a funeral home to hold "a funeral" BEFORE a cremation, or "a memorial" AFTER a cremation. If one of you knows how to conduct a meeting and you have a vehicle to transport decor or plants then you don't need to hire out. A Basic Cremation Casket aka "Alternative Container" around $150 Example of a "Deluxe" Cremation Casket $600 What to Do with CREMATED REMAINS: EIGHT OPTIONS Burial Most cemeteries require that an urn surround cremated remains, as well as an outer burial container made of fiberglass or concrete. A cemetery may require you to buy that from them, or have strict rules about what type of vault you can use. They will also charge a $300 or more opening and closing fee for the burial (inurnment), and you will likely have to purchase a grave marker. On the bright side, 2 to 6 persons' ashes may be buried in each plot in most cemeteries. Entombment (inurnment) The cremated remains in their container are placed in a niche or crypt. Cemeteries may have requirements for the type of remains container they'll accept, especially if the crypt spaces are glass fronted. An outer burial container is not required. Burial in a place other than a cemetery Some people want to bury ashes on private property (with permission of owner). It is unlawful to bury them on public property but you may scatter (check if a permit is needed). Regardless of your spiritual or faith tradition, if you like the idea of earth burial but dislike the additional commercial cemetery costs, and if a grave marker is not important to you, your options for earth burial are limited only by your imagination - and the law, of course. Burying ashes in a biodegradable urn tree-planting system There are at least four variations of this gizmo on the market. The come-on is, “After you die, you will become a tree.” The science is far from clear whether the imbalance of nutrients and minerals in ashes actually contributes much of anything to the growth of a tree. And ashes do not decompose. That said, when the house is sold in 30 years, will family want to move the tree to a new house? What if after transplanting, the tree dies? And when that house is sold in 10 years, will the tree be moved again? If you decide to leave the tree, will someone tell the new owners someone’s ashes are buried in the yard? The law doesn’t require it, but does courtesy? For some, there’s an emotional appeal to believing you have Grandma, in the form of a tree, in the back yard. Emotional appeals generally have a short shelf life. What happens to ashes is a decision for the long term. Scattering/dispersal Cremated remains (bones the size and texture of sand) can be scattered on uninhabited public land, or private property with owners permission. As to pouring ashes directly into bodies of water: Don't. (exception: the ocean). The ph of cremated remains is extremely alkaline (about 11.5, the same level as bleach) and the sodium content equals about 1.5 cups of salt, which can kill leaves of plants first and then the roots. Recommendation: Amend cremated remains to reduce harm to plant life: https://www.after.com/articles/how-to-neutralize-cremation-ashes Scattering guidance from the Bureau of Land Management: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/uploads/IM2011-159_att1.pdf An excellent short article from FCA's Maryland affiliate. Note: even a light breeze can affect whether ashes go where you want them to or back in your face or on your clothes. Ossuary For those who want cremated remains to be interred in a cemetery, but find the cost of either burial or inurnment (see above) prohibitive, there's another option. An ossuary allows cremated remains to be entombed communally for free. Even some very expensive cemeteries offer this option (such as Wasatch Lawn on highland Dr in SLC) and it's available to the public with no exclusions. Cremated remains (ashes) are poured into a below-ground chamber where they are co-mingled with the ashes of others. Larkin Cemetery had a special day for this in 2022 https://www.fox13now.com/the-place/statistics-show-1-in-5-households-have-the-cremated-remains-or-ashes-of-a-loved-one-at-home Some cemeteries define “ossuary” differently. At one cemetery urns are placed adjacent to each other on shelves hidden behind a paneled wall. Name and dates may (or may not be) inscribed nearby. Home keeping Sometimes people keep the ashes of a loved one at home because they can't make up their mind what to do with them. Others decide to enshrine them in some fashion, such as placing them on a mantel. Or they simply aren't ready to release the last material remains of their loved one. Whatever the reason or duration, you need a final final destination plan. (see below.) Long Term Solutions for Remains "kept at home" Does Mom want the kids to take turns caring for Dad's ashes after she's gone? After she dies, does she want her ashes mixed with Dad’s, and then divided equally among the kids? There's still the need for a final plan. Our culture doesn't have a tradition of passing bodily remains down the generations. And home-keeping cremated remains is only a temporary thing, even if "temporary" is several years or even decades. It's important to make a plan for the final final destination of your ashes. Turning ashes into a keepsake You can have your loved one’s ashes turned into several different memorial keepsakes: pottery, dinnerware, jewelry, diamonds and stones https://www.thelivingurn.com/collections/cremation-stones . If you go the jewelry route, you’ll have a lot of leftover ashes. There’s an emotional appeal to wearing a pendant or diamond ring, or eating off dinner plates, made out of Mom’s ashes. And if a plate is broken? “Oops. Sorry Mom.” Will that ring or pendant end up in a second-hand store in fifty years? You need a final final destination plan for such memorial keepsakes. How Do Families Sell Cemetery Plots They No Longer Need? Here is one family's success story selling their plots using Facebook Marketplace. Here, another family describes what they found when trying to sell or donate theirs: https://mdfunerals.org/2019/02/06/disposing-of-unneeded-cemetery-plots/#more-884 Shipping & Traveling with Cremated Remains Mailing cremated remains The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only shipper that allows the shipment of cremated remains. There are specific requirements for preparing, packaging, and shipping human (or animal) cremated remains. You must use Priority Mail Express, and clearly identify the contents. USPS even has a special Cremated Remains label (Label 139) available at your post office. An illustrated US Postal Service brochure, How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains , explains it all for you, including information on how to ship to an address outside the United States. Flying with cremated remains The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has special rules for transporting cremated remains in checked bags and as a carry-on item: Some airlines do not allow cremated remains in checked bags, so please check with your airline to learn more about possible restrictions. To facilitate screening, we suggest that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image, TSA officers will not be able to clearly determine what is inside the container and the container will not be allowed. Out of respect for the deceased, TSA officers will not open a container, even if requested by the passenger. Airline cremated remains policies differ from carrier to carrier. Delta’s Cremated Remains policy is under “Fragile, Bulky & Other Items.” United’s Cremated Human Remains policy is under “High value, fragile & perishable items.” Look up the latest rule with your airline or TSA before attempting to fly with cremated remains. I saw an elderly widow protest as her box of cremated remains was opened in front of everyone in security. It was sad. Thanks to Funeral Resources MN for much of the content of this section

The body of their father was stolen by a mortuary. Find out what happened! First Call Pick up Caution When calling around to funeral homes that you are considering for hire, DO NOT give them the name of the deceased and/or be too specific about the location of a body UNTIL you have decided to hire them. ( How to Shop for a Funeral Business to Hire ) Stolen Body?! March 2023 A family, here from Texas to bury their father called us for advice: A local FH had presumptuously taken possession of their fathers’ body from the IHC hospital in Murray. The family had NOT YET chosen the FH that took the body, yet the hospital released the body to it anyway. We said to the family, “You CAN switch FH’s.” So they gathered a couple prices (with the help of the price survey on my website) then told the mortuary, “Because of what you did we’re switchin to the FH down the street!”. The mortuary wisely agreed to then negotiate, matching the price of the other mortuary. A Serious Problem: -There is nothing in Utah Funeral License Rules about proper protocol for Funeral Directors to perform first call pickup. -Hospitals DO have protocols for release of a body, but they DON'T openly share that protocol, and the protocols we've seen exclude a procedure for anyone other than funeral directors or medical examiners to pick up a body, which means you are dealing with uninformed, untrained staff. Be on the Offense when Calling a Mortuary: Use our mortuary price comparison surveys to compare prices at a glance . Even if a funeral home already has the body you can still change your mind and switch funeral homes if you don't like the way they treat you, or don't like the "Statement of Goods & Services Selected" given to you at the end of the arrangements discussion. Of course you have to pay for any services already rendered, but you can either remove the body (after you acquire a burial transit permit from them or from the Health Dept ), or a alternative funeral home can come get the body from the first funeral home.

Funeral activism and humor intersect in these profound story-telling songs that strike at the heart of American funeral fulture and why we do what we do. Tunes by Joe Hill, T-Bone Slim, Black-eyed Peas, Woodie Guthrie, and George F. Root. 6 Familiar Tunes with Original Lyrics by Joyce Mitchell Links are to the printable Google Docs version Don’t Be Cheap Tune: "March March March" & “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp the Boys are Marching” by George F. Root (1820-1895). Also, the hymns “In Our Lovely Deseret” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children” use the same tune. This 1 min. story heralds the good news of funeral liberty. So my loved one passed away and left me to find a way to plan a Fun’ral and a final disposition. Everyone said “Don't you worry, BUT [pause] there is a great big hurry. We wouldn't want a smelly body round.” CHORUS: So they pressed: Buy! Buy! Buy, a keep on Buying! There's nothing better you can do. Will your loved one feel your love, in the heavens up above, if your cheap about the funeral that I do?! That day I met the man who'd my best interest in his hand’. He showed me all the papers I must sign. He told me not to cremate [pause], for a symbol of hell that would make [pause], But embalming nearly brings them back alive! CHORUS: Buy! Buy! Buy, a keep on Buying! There's nothing better you can do. Will your neighbor know you love, your loved one up above, if you’re cheap about the funeral that you do? Well, it all turned out ok cause I called my FCA [pause, “That's the Funeral Consumers Alliance. It’s a non profit”] They told me all that they knew I could do Got the pine box he'd always wanTED [pause] No embalming, so he, looked Dead [Pause], And I got it all without being rude! Final CHORUS Make plans now. It is surprising what your love can really do. Remember it’s about the living, and you’re showing love by giving, A fun’ral that is meaningful to you. A fun-er-al that’s meaningful to you. You Can! Tune: Sweet Bye and Bye, as well as the tune: Preacher and the Slave by Joe Hill Morticians, they had oversight Tried to tell us what's wrong and what's right; But when asked, 'How bout something for me?' They did answer with voices so sweet: CHORUS You will stand__ here not there___ You will move to the chapel on cue Sit and pray__, but first pay___, You chip in, that’s all you need do. "The mortician is skilled don’t you think?” But I sense I do smell a slight stink. I know the embalming's the pest! to get us to buy all the rest. All the Le___gislators they fight, And they talk and they clap and they write, Til they get a restriction on you, And your bloods on the way to the loo. But, one des___ignated would fight, They’re assigned to do what you like, You make them an agent for you, And no family feuds will ensue. Did you know you can care for your dead, Make a plain pine box instead, Keep the contents cold using ice, And the meeting you hold will be nice CHORUS You can stand___ here or there____ Your pro__gram reminds you what to do You’re not confused___ or abused____ In expressing your final adieu___ So I’ve brought the truth for you There’s only a few supposed to’s Plan ahead, write it down, make it known, And your family will not need a loan. CHORUS You can stand___ here or there____ You’ll know what you really want to do. It’s ok___ to have your way____ In expressing your final adieu___ Rebel Girl Original tune and lyrics were written by the activist songwriter Joe Hill. This song was written the week before he was shot by a firing squad. He wrote it about Elizabeth Gurley Flynn. I started singing Rebel Girl about myself in my own funeral reform activism, rebelling against what my culture dictated a funeral has to be. Then I realized the real “Original Rebel Girl” of my generations’ Home Funeral movement is truly Lisa Carlson. So this song identifies her as my inspiration. They Go Wild, Simply Wild Over Me Lyrics written about real experiences of Utah consumer advocate Joyce Mitchell (Original tune by T-Bone Slim, 1920 sing his original lyrics at https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/t-bone-slim/the-popular-wobbly-chords-3875021 ) Hard Travelin’ Funeral Director Tune: by Woodie Guthrie My other songs, they picked on Funeral Directors, but this song acknowledges their suffering. It’s about one hard travelin funeral director, writin home to someone who cares. Where Is The love Tune by The Black Eyed Peas What's wrong with the world, mama People livin' like they ain't got no mamas The whole country, is addicted to the drama of Buyin expensive funer’ls that'll bring‘em trauma When embalmin s’posed to be for preservation It just “ups” the cost of presentation A one-time display, just to make us say “Hey they look okay.” But there’s another way! Like if you want to show love for your own dead Dry ice is way better to use instead Cuz to hire out really separates But when you take charge, you get to participate![ breathe] Products are not what WE demonstrate. That’s how The Funeral-Biz works & operates. Ya know, you gotta have love just to set it straight Take control of your dead and meditate. Let your soul gravitate (to the love ya’ll) F C People mournin', people dyin' Dm Families hurt, you hear em cryin' Bb Can you practice what you preach F Do a fun-er-al that’s cheap C Father, Father, Father help us. Dm Send us guidance from above. Bb F 'Cause people wanna have an experience, expressing their love C Where is the love (The love) Dm Where is the love Bb Where is the love, The love, the love I know it ain't the same, as the old days Licensed Providers make the world insane So if love and peace is so strong Why is money changin where it don't belong. Chemical mixes pumped into loved ones Limousines addin’ burdens in the long run. So I asked myself where’s the pressure really from? and I asked myself really what is goin' on In this world that we’re livin' in people keep on givin' in Makin' fast decisions, to escape humiliation. Fake helpin' each other- denying thy brother- Here’s what’s goin' on, And the reason I won’t hide; Professional display, serves to feed into pride. BUT when I care for my dead, then I feel good inside. There’s the love, y'all,(Now I know) Hear the truth, y'all,(Now I know) Share the love. [pause] F C People mournin', people dyin' Dm Families hurt, you hear em cryin' Bb Can you practice what you preach F Do a fun-er-al that’s cheap C Father, Father, Father help us Dm Send us guidance from above Bb F ‘Cause people wanna have an experience, expressing their love C Expressing their love (Their love) Dm Expressing their love (Their love) Bb F Expressing their love, their love,..🡪 I understand You feel the weight of a body on your “shoulder”. But as you get older you gotta get bolder. Most people only know bout getting rid of it. Hurried-ness got ‘em goin’ in a wrong direction. Bad information told by mortuaries Profiteering images, causing sordid stories: Bank-rupting families, buying so much service Cookie-cutter funerals sold on purpose, Yo', whatever happened to the value of community Whatever happened to the beauty of home-fun-ery Instead of spreading love we’ve spread commerciality Lack of knowledge, leading choice away from unity. That's the reason why, I’m daily showin, “How-to” We gotta share the good news, all across the town Every cheap funral, spreads the word about, Funeral liberty, [pause for 2 beats] till love is found. F C People mournin', people dyin' Dm Families hurt, you hear em cryin' Bb Can you practice what you preach F Do a fun-er-al that’s cheap F C Funeral Consumers Alliance helps you Dm Gives you guidance what to do Bb F 'Cause people wanna have an experience, -doin it too C There is the love (The love) Dm Share in the love (The love) Bb F Share in the love, the love, the love Feedback We’d love to hear what you think about this information. (Include your contact info if you'd like to stay in touch with FCA of UT) Email Rate our services What did you like best? How can we improve? Send Feedback

If a Hospital says they Only Release Bodies to Funeral Homes Two Options to Deal With That Obstacle Act Naural & Move Forward Get Death Certificate and Burial Transit Permit Show up to Hospital Morgue/loading dock with your paperwork Act natural (funeral home personnel are usually not funeral directors and wear plain clothes) Say, "I'm here to pick up so and so and here are my authorizations" (Remember, hospitals have given a body to a funeral home that obtained zero authorizations, so they are flawed at following their own procedure) Push Back against Hospital Policy Dear Hospital Leadership, I am concerned about the position communicated by _______________ that a deceased person may be released only to a funeral home business. This issue warrants review by hospital leadership because Utah Code § 58-9-602 establishes who have the right and duty to control the disposition of a deceased person and that a funeral service director does not have to be retained. Utah Code § 26B-8-114(4)(a) provides that “a custodial funeral service director or, if a funeral service director is not retained, a dispositioner shall sign the certificate of death.” Utah Code § 26B-8-101 defines a “dispositioner” to include qualifying next of kin who voluntarily assume that responsibility when no person with higher statutory authority is acting. Utah Code § 58-9-305 further provides an exemption from funeral-service licensure for the transportation of a dead human body in accordance with other applicable state and federal laws. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services also provides current public instructions on it's website for families who choose not to retain a funeral director, stating “Utah law allows families to care for their dead without the services of a licensed funeral director.”. You may review it at https://vitalrecords.utah.gov/death#filedeathrecord Scroll down to "Information to File a Death Record" for general guidelines and a death record processing form for the family to fill out and bring to the County Vital Records office to obtain the Death Certificate and burial Transit Permit that are required before removing remains from a hospital, nursing home, residence, or other place of death. Release of remains by hospitals and other institutions: Utah Code § 26B-8-126 requires an institution to maintain a record identifying the person to whom the deceased is released. More significantly, § 26B-8-126(4) provides that a person or institution that, in good faith, releases a deceased person to either a funeral service director or a dispositioner is immune from civil liability connected directly or indirectly with that release. Utah Code § 26B-8-120(7) further provides that Utah's vital-statistics laws are “to avoid interference, to the fullest extent possible, with the ceremonies, customs, rites, or beliefs of the decedent and the decedent's next of kin” in connection with disposition of the deceased. This provision is particularly important for Native American families and other whose cultural, religious, traditional practices or personal finances require family-directed care of their deceased. We recognize that a hospital may establish reasonable procedures concerning identification, authorization, documentation and the safe release of remains. Hospital policies, however, must operate consistently with applicable Utah law. A blanket policy requiring release only to a licensed funeral home is inconsistent with Utah's statutory recognition of a dispositioner and its' protection provided to institutions releasing remains to a dispositioner, as well as the Utah Health Departments' own published instructions for family-directed disposition. Proper authorization is what the hospital should be looking for and not a cultural purity test such as employment by a funeral home. What makes funeral homes so sacrosanct? We can provide many news headlines of ways funeral homes have violated the decency of deceased persons and the trust of the people who hired them. There is no instances of families who have acquired proper documents being charged with any impropriety. Antitrust and Unfair Competition Laws Furthermore under Utah contract law, agreements entered into under improper pressure or coercion are legally unenforceable: Duress: Withholding a family member's body unless the family hires a third-party commercial entity constitutes economic and emotional duress, rendering any resulting third-party contract voidable (Andreini v. Hultgren). Utah Antitrust Act (Utah Code § 76-16-510 ): Prohibits illegal restraints of trade, monopolistic acts, and illegal "tying arrangements." A tying arrangement occurs when a business conditions the provision of a primary service (e.g., hospital care or release of remains) upon the customer purchasing a separate product or service from a preferred or third-party provider (e.g., a private funeral home). Conditioning the release of remains on hiring a funeral home restrains free trade and unlawfully restricts consumer choice. It is important that Native American and other families wishing to observe their own cultural, religious, or traditional practices, or simply wanting to act frugally are afforded the protections contemplated by Utah law. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Compare funeral and cremation prices throughout Utah at-a-glance for free. Data collected by Funeral Consumers Alliance volunteers. Encuestas de precios mortuorios Precios del norte de Utah 2020 Precios del condado de Salt Lake para 2018 Precios del condado de Utah y del este de 2021 Precios del Sur de Utah 2018 Feedback We’d love to hear what you think about this information. (Include your contact info if you'd like to stay in touch with FCA of UT) Email Rate our services What did you like best? How can we improve? Send Feedback

We offer to facilitate a dynamic discussion about funeral choices, preplanning, reducing costs and what the law allows for your groups in the Utah County & Salt Lake County Region. We also offer a fast-paced story-filled power point presentation for groups that that we can't reach in person. We offer a FUNERAL SHOW & TELL to your online group (see YouTube video below) : Expect to leave fully equipped to save $thousands on the next funeral you pay for in under 40 minutes. Our IN-PERSON facilitated group discussions. Same informative stories unfold more naturally without song and jokes, as the group's interests determine. Presentation Options for Groups

We are an all volunteer-run educational charity, advocating your right to choose simple, meaningful, affordable after-death arrangements. About Us Funeral Consumers Alliance of Utah is a volunteer-run educational charity, advocating your right to choose simple, meaningful, affordable after-death arrangements. FCA of Utah, part of a National Affiliation that Provides OBJECTIVITY - Knowledgeable volunteers who do not sell funeral products or services DIGNITY - Alternatives to excessive funeral displays CONFIDENCE -Courage to buy only what you want or need SECURITY - Pre-planning without the risks of prepaying PEACE OF MIND - Tools to discuss end of life while you still can CARING - We care about you and want you to succeed! KNOWLEDGE - Directives that spare your family the stress of misunderstandings and regret SAVINGS - Price-compare at a glance, buying only what you want/need EMPOWERMENT - How to speak to your Legislator about Bills that could erode or enhance the ability to choose simple affordable arrangements PHILANTHROPY -Keeps this information available for all Ways to volunteer Donate

15 second videos to get you and that body through a door and into a vehicle. Moving a Body Video How-to We loan out this body board for a donation of any kind. A donation could be as simple as sharing your experience and photos/video for educational purposes. Text Joyce: 801-368-5884 (Utah County) To build your own board AND Step by Step DIY transport steps 4-6 & 11 The Burial Transit Permit is attached to the cardboard top that we removed from this standard $150 shipping container. That 2.5" thick cardboard tube on the floor of this van made the casket roll in easily. Moving a 2' x 6' Body Board through a door. Applies to casket carrying as well. It's good to practice beforehand to maintain a reverent atmosphere when carrying your dead. In this van you can see the heavy cardboard tube we used to roll our loved one's casket in at the Delta Airlines Cargo pickup. Into the Subaru we are rolling our 2' x 6' Body Board. Fatter and longer tubes are better than the skinny 1.5", foot long tubes we were experimenting with this time in the Subaru. A 2" pvc pipe, about 18" long would've worked better.