HOW MUCH DOES A FUNERAL COST? The national average for a funeral taken from the statistics from National Funeral Directors Assoc. is $2829.43. The is for the services and use of the facilities of the funeral home. The average cost of a casket is $2176.46 and the average vault cost is $757.80. Above charges do not include cemetery charges such as opening/closing of grave, the cost of the grave space and other cash advance charges such as flowers, honorariums, death certificate, tent and setup charges and state tax.

DO WE HAVE TO USE A VAULT? There is no state law which requires the use of a vault. A cemetery may have the requirement that a grave liner or a vault be used. In Scotland County no cemetery requires a grave liner or vault.

DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO BE EMBALMED? No - Families who choose immediate burial or cremation are not required to have the body embalmed. Human remains must be embalmed if they are taken across a state line or transported by airplane. Final disposition must occur within 24 hours of death.

IF I CHOOSE CREMATION DO I HAVE TO BUY A CAKSET? No, however all crematories do require the body be in some type of container.

DO I NEED TO BUY A CASKET IF I HAVE A FUNERAL BEFORE CREMATION? No Check with your funeral director. Some funeral homes will have a rental casket available.

IF I PRE-ARRANGE CAN I CHANGE MY MIND AT A LATER DATE? Yes and No! The answer to that question is difficult because of two reasons. Some funeral homes work with an insurance company that will restrict who you can use within a 50 mile radius if you purchase there product. If you may be applying for Public Assistance they will require that a statement be signed that makes the burial contract irrevocable. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE TO A DIFFERENT FUNERAL HOME IF YOU WANT TO. If you choose to pre-arrange that should be one of the first questions you ask. Also check the contract and make sure you will not be locked into a certain funeral home.