Funeral homes are required by law to provide a price list at the time of the initial consultation. The costs can be divided into three sections: Professional services, merchandise and cash advance items.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

These charges are for the use of the service provider's time, equipment and facilities. The professional services may include removal of your loved one from the place of death, obtaining the completed death certificate (signed and filed with the county), embalming, the use of automotive equipment, the facility and staff for visitations and the funeral ceremony. A basic minimum service charge is also listed on the general price list.

MERCHANDISE

California law requires that the service provider collect sales tax on the merchandise portion of the funeral expenses. These items may include casket, cremation urn, burial vault, flowers, memorial or prayer cards and a registry book. The casket is often a large portion of the total cost and ranges in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. A casket/urn can also be purchased separately from an independent retailer. It is not required to purchase the casket/urn from the mortuary or funeral home.

CASH ADVANCE ITEMS

These items are things purchased on your family's behalf and may include gratuity to the clergy, newspaper obituary notices, certified copies of the death certificate, cemetery interment expenses and motorcycle escorts for the funeral procession.