Almost always by reputation. The selection of a funeral director from ads or the yellow pages of a phone book is almost never the way a choice is made. The way a funeral director serves families is readily known in most communities. If you need a funeral director and for some reason do not know one, the reference of a relative or friend who has been served satisfactorily is one wise way to make a decision. The best way is to know in advance who you would select and then visit the funeral home, talk with the funeral director, examine his facilities and selection room, ask about prices and understand the ways in which he will serve you. If the funeral director is a member of his professional association, he has accepted an obligation to adhere to a fundamental code of ethics, a point which you may weigh in his or her favor.
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What does a person do, though, when a death has occurred away from home and he or she doesn't know a local funeral director?
Your funeral director will present a General Price List which reflects his services including at least these categories: Professional services, removal of remains to the funeral home, preparation, shelter and care of the deceased, use of facilities for visitation, use of facilities for the funeral service, transportation and other services.
In addition, you may choose a casket, vault or other desired funeral merchandise from a merchandise display room or from photos or lists of such caskets, vaults and clothing. Or, if you prefer, your funeral director may have one or more complete services, priced as a unit, for your convenience.
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When do I find out what the total funeral will cost?
There are at least three sources. First, discuss your problem with the funeral director. If you feel you were not treated fairly, he should be given the opportunity to satisfy you. If that is not acceptable, you may provide the facts to the Funeral Ethics Association or the Illinois Funeral Directors Association regarding your complaint. They can contact the funeral director to help resolve the difficulty. If it should involve an illegal or unethical act, they will coordinate with the appropriate agency to obtain relief for you and discipline for the funeral director. You may contact them as follows:
Funeral Ethics Association
P.O Box 7127
Springfield, IL 62791-7127
217-525-8342
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Illinois Funeral Directors Association
215 South Grand Avenue West
Springfield, Illinois 62704
217-525-2000
Both associations have a reputation for insisting upon honest, fair treatment by funeral directors to all who
arrange or attend funerals.
If you prefer, you may contact the Illinois licensing agency directly:
Director
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Your letter should explain the situation and provide the facts about your complaint.
