If You’ve Had a Problem With a Funeral Provider
FIRST, consult the Federal Trade Commissions “Funeral Rule” - the short version of which is on the Your Rights page of this site, to determine if the provider has broken a law. Examine the mortuary’s written contract which a member of your family signed, as this is a legally binding contract. The fine print is especially important to read.
Next, contact the provider, visit with a friend who is your witness, explain the problem, and see if the funeral director is willing to correct it or at least explain (in writing) why the charge or type of service was provided or not provided. If a resolution still can’t be reached, call your local FCA, and/or contact one of the government agencies listed below.
These are avenues of assistance when you have a concern.
* The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau (a part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs) licenses, examines, and investigates complaints about funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, and cremated remains disposal services in California. Their contact information is:
1625 North Market Blvd., Ste. S208
Sacramento, CA 95834
General number: 916-574-7870
Complaints: 800-952-5210
• If you feel that a mortuary has violated the Funeral Rule, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission by calling their toll-free complaint center at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). You can file the complaint online at http://www.ftc.gov/index.html
• To report consumer fraud, funeral insurance problems, elder abuse or patient neglect, call your county’s district attorney. The district attorney’s office also provides information about crime victim services, adult protective services, public administrator, guardian, or conservator issues.
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