The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Funeral Rule requires all funeral providers to give information to consumers to help them choose the services and products they want for their deceased relative or friend. Funeral providers must give you a general price of products and services when you ask in person about funeral arrangements and you have the right to keep this list. Furthermore, funeral providers must make price information available over the phone upon request. The funeral provider must give you any other information that is reasonably needed to select the funeral provider and funeral items you want, need, and are able to afford.
If the funeral provider charges a fee for buying "cash advance items," this must be disclosed to you in writing. Cash advance items are those goods and services paid for by the funeral provider on your behalf, such as cemetery plots, flowers, obituary notices, and clergy honoraria. You must also be notified if a service fee is added to the price of cash advance items, and if the funeral provider gets a refund, discount or rebate from the supplier of any cash advance item.
A Hawaii Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures is a legally-binding agreement between a funeral service provider and an individual or family in Hawaii who wishes to plan and prepay for their funeral arrangements in advance. This type of contract is regulated by Hawaii state laws to ensure consumer protection and transparency. The purpose of a Prearranged Funeral Contract is to allow individuals to specify their funeral preferences, such as burial or cremation, the type of service, the location, and other specific instructions. These contracts grant peace of mind that one's funeral wishes will be honored and alleviate the burden of decision-making on family members during an already challenging time. Hawaii Statutory Disclosures play a crucial role in such contracts to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency. These disclosures include important information about the prepaid funeral funds, any fees charged by the funeral service provider, provisions for cancellation or transfer of the contract, and details about the handling of funds if the funeral home were to cease operations. Different types or variations of Hawaii Prearranged Funeral Contracts with Statutory Disclosures may exist, catering to the diverse preferences and needs of individuals. Some common variations may include: 1. Standard Prearranged Funeral Contract: This is the most common type, offering a comprehensive arrangement for funeral services, including choices for burial, cremation, or memorial services. 2. Cremation Prearranged Funeral Contract: This type of contract is specifically designed for individuals who have chosen cremation as their final disposition. It may include details about the cremation process, urn options, and how the ashes will be handled. 3. Burial Prearranged Funeral Contract: Contrary to the cremation contract, this type focuses on individuals who prefer traditional burial arrangements, specifying cemetery preferences, headstone options, and any additional services associated with burial. 4. Eco-friendly Prearranged Funeral Contract: As the trend of environmentally-conscious decisions grows, this contract caters to those who wish to plan a funeral with minimal impact on the environment. It may include options for eco-friendly caskets, natural burial sites, or green funeral practices. It is essential to review and understand the specific terms and statutory disclosures outlined in a Hawaii Prearranged Funeral Contract to ensure that all preferences and requirements are properly documented. Consulting with a funeral service provider or legal advisor can help individuals make informed decisions and navigate the complex regulations surrounding these contracts.
