Frequently Asked Questions about pre-arrangements

What is a pre-paid funeral service contract?

In Connecticut a funeral service contract is defined by law as a “contract which requires the payment of money ore delivery of securities in exchange for the final disposition“¦”.  This may include the funeral, burial or funeral merchandise in connection with the burial or cremation.  These services may not be required immediately.

What is the difference between a “revocable” and “irrevocable” funeral contract?

An “irrevocable “ contract means that the funeral contract between the consumer and the funeral home can be transferred to another funeral home but not canceled.

A “revocable” contract means that you can cancel the contract at any time.

Why should I enter into an irrevocable or revocable funeral contract?

Making your own funeral arrangements in advance allows for your wishes to be carried out by your family.  This also allows for your funeral arrangements to be paid for in advance.  In cases where someone is applying for Medicaid (Title 19), the State of Connecticut will allow an irrevocable contract capped at $5,400.00 and an additional $1,500.00 face value life insurance policy.  As of October 1, 2004, the State of Connecticut will also allow consumers to set aside “burial plot” items in addition to the previously mentioned items without affecting their eligibility for Medicaid (Title 19).  All of these contracts are available at the funeral home.

What are “burial plot” items?

Burial plot items are defined as the purchase of a grave, opening and closing of that grave, casket or cremation urn, outer burial container which is also known as a vault, and a monument or marker.

When opening an irrevocable or revocable contract, where is the money placed?

The money received by the funeral home is place in a third party escrow account and invested for your benefit in either a pre-need funeral insurance policy or a traditional trust account with a local bank.  When opening the contract you will be notified who the escrow agent is.  At any time during normal business hours the funeral home will be able to provide you with the exact dollar amount credited to your account.

What should I do with my funeral contract?

If you decide to enter into a funeral contract, keep it in a location where it can be easily found by others.  Notify family and friends of your contract, the name of the funeral home and the director who handled your arrangements.  This is especially important in a nursing home environment.

What is the cost for a pre-arranged funeral contract?

There are no funeral home charges for making pre-arrangements or meeting with a funeral director.  The cost of funeral selections is a matter of choice.  All of your selections are itemized which provides an informative awareness of each item and its price.

Knowledgeable Funeral Home Staff