Choosing a Funeral Home Right After a Death

Choosing a funeral home under time pressure is stressful, but you have more flexibility and time than it might feel like in the moment.

Am I required to use the funeral home a hospital recommends?

No. Hospitals, hospices, and care facilities often suggest a funeral home, but you’re free to choose any one you want, regardless of what they suggest. It’s worth a quick search or asking friends/family for a recommendation if you don’t already have one in mind.

What if we already paid for a 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 - most of the planning and payment may already be handled.

What should I 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?

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 - it doesn’t have to feel disrespectful to your loved one’s memory. By law (the FTC’s Funeral Rule), funeral homes must provide pricing information over the phone if you ask, without requiring you to visit in person first.

What happens after I 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.

If the death happened far from home, see What if someone dies out of state or abroad? A practical guide.

If you’ve already chosen a home and want to change, or have a problem, see How to switch funeral homes or file a complaint.

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.