Your rights when you arrange a cremation
A federal rule, the FTC Funeral Rule, gives you rights that make it easier to compare and to pay only for what you want. This page sums up the parts that matter for cremation, from the text of the rule and the FTC's own guide. It is not legal advice.
What a direct cremation is
The rule defines a direct cremation as a cremation without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present. Since it leaves all of that out, it is the easiest price to compare between providers.
You can get prices on the phone
If you ask by telephone, a funeral provider has to tell you accurate information from its price lists. So you can call two or three providers and ask each the same question.
The price list has to show direct cremation
When you visit, you get a written, itemized price list. If the provider offers direct cremation, that list has to show the price range for it, a separate price when you bring your own container, a separate price for each direct cremation with an alternative container, and what each price includes.
You do not need a casket
No state or local law requires a casket for cremation. A funeral home that offers cremation has to tell you that you can use an alternative container and make one available. That is a plain box of unfinished wood, pressed wood, fiberboard or cardboard.
You can bring an urn you bought elsewhere
The funeral provider cannot refuse an urn or casket you bought online or in a store, and it cannot charge you a fee for using it.
Embalming is not required for every death
No state law requires routine embalming for every death. With a direct cremation there is no viewing, so ask whether embalming is part of the price you are quoted.
You get a written statement before you pay
After you decide, the funeral home has to give you a written statement of what you chose, before you pay. That statement also has to explain any legal cemetery or crematory requirement.
Questions to ask on the phone
- What is your price for a direct cremation with an alternative container?
- Is the crematory fee included, or is it extra?
- What else is not included in that price?
- Can I see your general price list online or by email?
- How long until the ashes are returned?
To see what others charge, look at the 77 prices that providers publish. For a direct cremation the middle price there is $1,625.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission, The FTC Funeral Rule (consumer advice)
- 16 CFR § 453.1, Definitions
- 16 CFR § 453.2, Price disclosures
Read on October 3, 2026. Rules can change. If something here is out of date, the contact page is at the bottom.