Can I buy only the specific goods and services I want?

The Rule gives you the right to choose individual items rather than a bundled package. You should never be required to buy things you do not want. What a good answer looks like: "Absolutely — you can pick items à la carte. Here's the itemized list."

What is your basic services fee, and what does it include?

Every funeral home charges one non-declinable "basic services of funeral director and staff" fee. It is the only mandatory fee, and it must be disclosed on the GPL. What a good answer looks like: A single clear number with a plain-English list of what it covers (planning, paperwork, coordination, overhead).

How much is a direct cremation, all in?

Direct cremation is the simplest, lowest-cost option. Prices for the same basic service vary enormously — in New Mexico we see $895 to $3,604. What a good answer looks like: A flat, itemized figure. In New Mexico the lowest published direct cremation is $895; if a quote is far above that, ask what's driving it.

Do I have to buy a casket for a direct cremation?

No. The Funeral Rule prohibits requiring a casket for direct cremation. A provider offering cremation must make an inexpensive alternative container available. What a good answer looks like: "No casket is required. We offer an alternative container, and here is its price on the list."

Can I use an alternative container instead of a casket?

For cremation, you are entitled to use a simple alternative container (often unfinished wood or heavy cardboard) rather than a traditional casket. What a good answer looks like: They show you the alternative container option and its price without steering you toward something costlier.

Can I supply my own casket or urn that I bought elsewhere?

Yes. The Rule says a funeral home may not refuse to handle — or charge a handling fee for — a casket or urn you purchased from another seller (for example, online). What a good answer looks like: "Of course. We'll accept it and there is no extra handling fee for using your own."

Will I get an itemized written statement before I pay?

The Funeral Rule requires the provider to give you an itemized statement of everything you selected, with the cost of each item, before you pay. What a good answer looks like: A clear, line-by-line statement — not a single lump sum — that you can review before committing.

Are these prices the most current, and what is not included?

Prices change, and some items (death certificates, cash advances, third-party fees) may sit outside the headline package. What a good answer looks like: They confirm the GPL is current and point out any separate or "cash advance" charges up front.

Is embalming required for what I want?

Embalming is rarely legally required. The Rule generally bars charging for embalming without permission, and for direct cremation or immediate burial it is not needed. What a good answer looks like: "Embalming isn't required for cremation or a simple burial, so we won't charge for it unless you choose it."

What are the cremation or burial fees charged by third parties?

Some costs — the crematory itself, the cemetery plot, an outer burial container, permits — may be billed as "cash advances." You have the right to see these itemized. What a good answer looks like: They list third-party fees separately at cost, without a hidden markup you can't see.

Can I hold a memorial service somewhere other than your facility?

You are not obligated to buy the funeral home's facility or staff for a gathering. A service at a home, church, or park can cut costs substantially. What a good answer looks like: "Yes — you can have a direct cremation with us and hold the memorial wherever you like."

What is the total estimated cost for exactly what I've chosen?

Once you've picked your items, you deserve a single, written, itemized total so there are no surprises. What a good answer looks like: A written estimate matching the GPL line items, with nothing added that you didn't request.

Do you offer any veteran, hardship, or assistance options?

Veterans, low-income families, and others may qualify for benefits or reduced costs. A good provider will point you to them rather than let you overpay. What a good answer looks like: They mention VA burial benefits, Social Security, or county assistance, and help you apply.

Is there any pressure to decide today, or can I take time to compare?

There is no legal requirement to decide on the spot. The Rule exists precisely so you can comparison-shop. A trustworthy provider respects that. What a good answer looks like: "Take all the time you need. Here's your price list — compare us with anyone."

Know Your Rights · 2026

15 Questions to Ask a Funeral Home Before You Pay

Federal law gives you real rights when you arrange a funeral. These 15 questions — each with why it matters and what a good answer sounds like — help you use those rights, avoid overpaying, and choose with confidence.

Last updated 2026-06-21

The short version: under the FTC Funeral Rule, you have the right to a printed, itemized General Price List, the right to buy only the goods and services you want, the right to skip a casket for direct cremation (an inexpensive alternative container must be offered), the right to bring your own casket or urn with no handling fee, and the right to an itemized written statement before you pay. The questions below put those rights to work. For context, direct cremation in New Mexico starts at $895 and ranges up to about $3,604 for the same service.

Jump to the 15 questions ↓

Your Rights Under the FTC Funeral Rule

These federal protections apply to every funeral home in the United States.

✓ Get a printed, itemized General Price List on request — no appointment, no purchase required.

✓ Buy only the goods and services you want — you can decline packages.

✓ No casket required for direct cremation — an inexpensive alternative container must be offered.

✓ Provide your own casket or urn — no handling fee can be charged for using it.

✓ Receive an itemized written statement of everything you chose before you pay.

✓ Generally not be charged for embalming you didn't authorize; it's rarely legally required.

Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission, The Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453). See the FTC's consumer guide to the Funeral Rule.

The 15 Questions

Ask these of any provider. A good funeral home will welcome every one of them.

1
Can I have a copy of your printed General Price List to keep?
Why it matters: The FTC Funeral Rule requires every funeral home to give you an itemized, written General Price List (GPL) as soon as you ask about arrangements — in person, with no appointment and no obligation to buy.
A good answer: They hand you a printed GPL immediately and let you take it home, no pressure.
2
Can I buy only the specific goods and services I want?
Why it matters: The Rule gives you the right to choose individual items rather than a bundled package. You should never be required to buy things you do not want.
A good answer: "Absolutely — you can pick items à la carte. Here's the itemized list."
3
What is your basic services fee, and what does it include?
Why it matters: Every funeral home charges one non-declinable "basic services of funeral director and staff" fee. It is the only mandatory fee, and it must be disclosed on the GPL.
A good answer: A single clear number with a plain-English list of what it covers (planning, paperwork, coordination, overhead).
4
How much is a direct cremation, all in?
Why it matters: Direct cremation is the simplest, lowest-cost option. Prices for the same basic service vary enormously — in New Mexico we see $895 to $3,604.
A good answer: A flat, itemized figure. In New Mexico the lowest published direct cremation is $895; if a quote is far above that, ask what's driving it.
5
Do I have to buy a casket for a direct cremation?
Why it matters: No. The Funeral Rule prohibits requiring a casket for direct cremation. A provider offering cremation must make an inexpensive alternative container available.
A good answer: "No casket is required. We offer an alternative container, and here is its price on the list."
6
Can I use an alternative container instead of a casket?
Why it matters: For cremation, you are entitled to use a simple alternative container (often unfinished wood or heavy cardboard) rather than a traditional casket.
A good answer: They show you the alternative container option and its price without steering you toward something costlier.
7
Can I supply my own casket or urn that I bought elsewhere?
Why it matters: Yes. The Rule says a funeral home may not refuse to handle — or charge a handling fee for — a casket or urn you purchased from another seller (for example, online).
A good answer: "Of course. We'll accept it and there is no extra handling fee for using your own."
8
Will I get an itemized written statement before I pay?
Why it matters: The Funeral Rule requires the provider to give you an itemized statement of everything you selected, with the cost of each item, before you pay.
A good answer: A clear, line-by-line statement — not a single lump sum — that you can review before committing.
9
Are these prices the most current, and what is not included?
Why it matters: Prices change, and some items (death certificates, cash advances, third-party fees) may sit outside the headline package.
A good answer: They confirm the GPL is current and point out any separate or "cash advance" charges up front.
10
Is embalming required for what I want?
Why it matters: Embalming is rarely legally required. The Rule generally bars charging for embalming without permission, and for direct cremation or immediate burial it is not needed.
A good answer: "Embalming isn't required for cremation or a simple burial, so we won't charge for it unless you choose it."
11
What are the cremation or burial fees charged by third parties?
Why it matters: Some costs — the crematory itself, the cemetery plot, an outer burial container, permits — may be billed as "cash advances." You have the right to see these itemized.
A good answer: They list third-party fees separately at cost, without a hidden markup you can't see.
12
Can I hold a memorial service somewhere other than your facility?
Why it matters: You are not obligated to buy the funeral home's facility or staff for a gathering. A service at a home, church, or park can cut costs substantially.
A good answer: "Yes — you can have a direct cremation with us and hold the memorial wherever you like."
13
What is the total estimated cost for exactly what I've chosen?
Why it matters: Once you've picked your items, you deserve a single, written, itemized total so there are no surprises.
A good answer: A written estimate matching the GPL line items, with nothing added that you didn't request.
14
Do you offer any veteran, hardship, or assistance options?
Why it matters: Veterans, low-income families, and others may qualify for benefits or reduced costs. A good provider will point you to them rather than let you overpay.
A good answer: They mention VA burial benefits, Social Security, or county assistance, and help you apply.
15
Is there any pressure to decide today, or can I take time to compare?
Why it matters: There is no legal requirement to decide on the spot. The Rule exists precisely so you can comparison-shop. A trustworthy provider respects that.
A good answer: "Take all the time you need. Here's your price list — compare us with anyone."

A Note on Tone

Asking these questions isn't rude — it's exactly what the law is designed to let you do, and good funeral directors respect it. You're not being difficult; you're being a careful steward for your family. Take your time, and compare a few providers before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I legally entitled to a funeral home's price list?

Yes. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, every funeral home must give you a printed, itemized General Price List as soon as you ask about arrangements — in person, with no appointment and no obligation to buy. It's the single most powerful tool you have for comparing providers.

Do I have to buy a casket for cremation?

No. The Funeral Rule prohibits requiring a casket for a direct cremation, and any provider offering cremation must make an inexpensive alternative container available. See do you need a casket for cremation?

Can I bring my own casket or urn?

Yes. A funeral home may not refuse to handle, or charge a handling fee for, a casket or urn you bought elsewhere — including online. This right alone can save hundreds or thousands of dollars.

How much should a simple cremation cost in New Mexico?

Direct cremation in New Mexico starts at $895 and ranges up to about $3,604 for the same basic service — so the price list, and these questions, matter a great deal. Compare the cheapest cremation in Albuquerque.

Keep Going

Funeral Planning Checklist (Printable)

A step-by-step checklist for New Mexico families.

Funeral Costs in New Mexico

What every service really costs across the state.

Cheapest Cremation in Albuquerque

Providers ranked by published price, from $895.

New Mexico Funeral Pricing Guide

Every line item explained, plus money-saving tips.

Help Paying for a Funeral

County, VA, and Social Security options if cost is a concern.

What To Do When Someone Dies in NM

A calm, step-by-step guide for the first 24–48 hours.

Not Sure Where to Start Asking?

Tell us where you are and what you need, and we'll personally email you back, usually the same business day — with real, published prices from providers near you. Free, no obligation, no pressure.

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