Funeral Planning Checklist

Check filing cabinet, safe deposit box, attorney, and any known funeral homes.

Align with religious wishes, will instructions, and family agreement.

This decision drives whether embalming is needed.

International transport requires a consular mortuary certificate and adds cost.

Most donations have tight time windows after death.

FTC Funeral Rule requires the GPL be given in person on request, free of charge.

The same casket can vary by thousands between providers.

The funeral home cannot refuse it or charge a handling fee.

NFDA 2023 medians: traditional funeral with burial ~$8,300; with cremation ~$6,280; direct cremation $1,000-$3,000.

Free national cemetery plot, headstone, flag, and partial reimbursement for service-connected deaths.

Opening and closing fees ($1,000-$3,000) are charged separately from the funeral home bill.

Every adult next of kin in legal order may need to sign in some states.

National Parks require a permit; most state waters allow scattering 3+ nautical miles offshore under EPA rules.

No embalming, biodegradable container only.

Jewish and Muslim traditions call for burial within 24-72 hours and prohibit embalming.

Tahara (Jewish), Ghusl (Muslim), or family-led washing in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Plain pine for Jewish burial; white shroud for Muslim burial; open vs. closed casket norms.

Shiva (7 days), Catholic reception, Hindu 13-day mourning, Irish wake.

Ask in advance and tell them what to wear.

Newspaper obituaries typically run $200-$1,000+ depending on length and paper.

Facebook memorialization can be requested with a death certificate.

$10-$35 each depending on state. Needed for banks, insurance, SSA, property transfers.

Stops benefit payments and triggers survivor claims.

Prevents post-mortem identity theft.

State deadlines vary; often 30-90 days after death.

Payouts typically arrive in 2-6 weeks.