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.
Montana Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures is a legal agreement that ensures funeral arrangements are made in advance according to the individual's wishes. This contract is regulated by the Montana State Board of Funeral Service and ensures compliance with state laws. The primary aim of the Montana Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures is to protect the rights and interests of individuals who wish to preplan their funeral services. It provides peace of mind by allowing individuals to make decisions regarding their final arrangements and ensures that these arrangements will be carried out as specified. Key provisions included in the Montana Prearranged Funeral Contract may include: 1. Identification of the parties: This contract identifies the individual who is making the rearrangements, commonly referred to as the "contract purchaser." It also includes the funeral service provider who will be responsible for carrying out the plans. 2. Description of services: The contract will outline the specific funeral services and merchandise chosen by the contract purchaser. This may include details related to burial or cremation, type of casket, urn, or other funeral products. 3. Pricing and payment terms: The contract will disclose the total cost of the selected funeral services and merchandise. It will detail all charges, such as embalming, transportation, use of facilities, administrative fees, and any additional expenses. Payment terms, including options for installment payments or lump sum, will also be included. 4. Cancellation and refund policy: The contract will clearly state the conditions under which the contract purchaser or the funeral service provider may cancel the prearranged contract. It will outline refund policies, fees, and any penalties associated with the cancellation. 5. Transferability and assignment: The contract may include provisions allowing for the transfer or assignment of the contract to another funeral service provider or to a different individual. 6. Dispute resolution: In the event of any disputes or disagreements, the contract may include provisions for mediation or arbitration to resolve these issues in a fair and impartial manner. Different types of Prearranged Funeral Contracts with Statutory Disclosures in Montana may include variations based on the funeral service provider, specific funeral products, and services offered. However, the fundamental purpose of these contracts remains the same — to ensure that individuals' funeral arrangements are preplanned and legally binding. It is essential to carefully review and understand the contractual terms and statutory disclosures associated with any such agreement to make informed decisions regarding final arrangements.
