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.
Washington Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures is a legally binding agreement made between a consumer and a funeral service provider in the state of Washington. This contract allows individuals to plan, arrange, and fund their funeral services in advance, ensuring that their wishes are respected and their funeral expenses are covered. The purpose of the Washington Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures is to protect the rights and interests of consumers by outlining the terms, conditions, and obligations associated with prearranged funerals. These contracts are subject to specific statutory disclosures, ensuring that consumers are provided with full and transparent information about the funeral goods and services they are purchasing. There are three main types of Washington Prearranged Funeral Contracts with Statutory Disclosures: 1. Preened Funeral Service Contract: This type of contract allows individuals to select and prepay for specific funeral services and merchandise, such as caskets, urns, embalming, transportation, and ceremony arrangements. The contract outlines the agreed-upon price and establishes a payment plan to fund these services over time, thereby relieving the family from the financial burden during an emotionally challenging period. 2. Funeral Trust Contract: Under this type of contract, the consumer pays money or other assets into a trust account managed by a licensed financial institution. The funds in the trust account are designated solely for funeral expenses and are held in trust until the time of need. The contract specifies how the funds will be used and the terms for accessing them upon the death of the contract holder. 3. Life Insurance Assignment Contract: This contract involves the assignment of a life insurance policy to a funeral service provider. The policy is designated to cover funeral expenses, and upon the death of the individual, the proceeds are paid directly to the funeral home, ensuring prompt payment and eliminating the need for the family to handle financial matters at the time of loss. It is important to note that all Washington Prearranged Funeral Contracts with Statutory Disclosures must comply with state laws and regulations. Washington's law requires funeral service providers to provide consumers with a written statement containing specific statutory disclosures, including a detailed description of the funeral goods and services, itemized costs, cancellation and refund policies, and information on how to lodge complaints or disputes. Consumers should carefully review these contracts, seek legal advice if necessary, and ensure they fully understand their rights, obligations, and the financial implications associated with prearranged funeral contracts.
