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Does the Law Say I Have to Hire a Funeral Director?
In most states in the U.S., hiring a funeral director to assist with a home funeral is not required. Further, in all states, you are legally allowed to keep the […]
In most states in the U.S., hiring a funeral director to assist with a home funeral is not required. Further, in all states, you are legally allowed to keep the body in the home and prepare it for burial or cremation. However, some states do mandate the involvement of a funeral director to some degree. The National Home Funeral Alliance maintains a list of state laws, which you can review to determine whether working with a funeral director is mandated in your state.
It is important to note, however, that even though you may not be legally obligated to hire a professional, a funeral director or home funeral guide can be very helpful in handling some of the logistics. Funeral directors typically have relationships with local crematories and cemeteries and can facilitate arrangements for final disposition, leaving you with more time to spend with the person who died. They can also help arrange transportation of the body to its final resting place, handle paperwork, and provide expert advice on details around after-death care. Sometimes, people who are conducting their first home funeral find that having the presence of a deathcare professional brings peace of mind if there are any unexpected concerns that arise.
Sources
“Home Funerals”. Order of the Good Death. https://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/resources/home-funerals/
“State Laws”. National Home Funeral Alliance. https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/state-laws.html
