Choosing a Funeral Home Right After a Death
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
If there's no existing preneed plan, you can choose any funeral home — you're not required to use one recommended by a hospital or facility. A quick phone call to ask about pricing, availability, and services is a reasonable way to start, even under time pressure.
Choosing a funeral home under time pressure is stressful, but you have more flexibility and time than it might feel like in the moment.
You’re not locked into a recommendation
Hospitals, hospices, and care facilities often suggest a funeral home, but you’re free to choose any one you want. It’s worth a quick search or asking friends/family for a recommendation if you don’t already have one in mind.
If there’s an existing preneed plan
Check first whether your loved one already arranged and paid for services with a specific funeral home. If so, that’s your first call — much of the decision-making may already be done.
What to ask on the first call
- Can they accept your loved one now, and what’s the general timeline?
- Can they provide their General Price List (funeral homes are legally required to share this)?
- What’s included versus optional, so you understand the real cost before committing?
- What do you need to decide today versus what can wait?
It’s okay to call more than one
Comparing two or three funeral homes by phone, even briefly, is a reasonable thing to do — it doesn’t have to feel disrespectful to your loved one’s memory. The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule specifically protects your right to get pricing information without visiting in person first.
What happens after you choose
The funeral home typically takes over coordinating with wherever your loved one currently is (hospital, home, medical examiner’s office) and will walk you through the arrangements from there — including death certificates, which we cover in a separate guide.
Pricing, availability, and specific requirements vary by funeral home and location — the phone call itself is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Am I required to use the funeral home a hospital recommends?+
No. You're free to choose any funeral home you want, regardless of what a hospital, hospice, or facility suggests.
Is it okay to call more than one funeral home to compare?+
Yes, and it's a reasonable thing to do even under time pressure. By law (the FTC's Funeral Rule), funeral homes must provide pricing information over the phone if you ask.
What if we already paid for a preneed plan?+
If there's an existing preneed contract, that funeral home should be your first call — most of the planning and payment may already be handled.
What should I ask on the first call?+
Whether they can accept your loved one now, their general price list, what's included versus optional, and how soon you need to make further decisions.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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