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                                                                                Bakersfield Funeral Home FD1792
                                                                                                   3125 19TH ST
                                                                                           Bakersfield Ca. 93301
                                                                                                 1-661-324-4446 

                                                                                         GENERAL PRICE LIST

                                                                                       (Sales Tax Not Included)

                                                                     These prices are effective as of 1/28/2023

"The goods and services shown below are those we can provide to our customers. You may choose only the items you desire. However, any funeral arrangements you select will include a charge for our basic services and overhead. If legal or other requirements mean you must buy any items you did not specifically ask for, we will explain the reason in writing on the statement we provide describing the funeral goods and services you selected."

Prior to drafting any contract for goods or services, the responsible party or the decedent’s survivor who is handling the funeral arrangements is entitled to receive a copy of any preneed agreement in the possession of the funeral establishment that has been signed and paid for, in full or in part, by or on behalf of the decedent.


Method of Payment

Payment for goods and services are expected 48 hours prior to services concluded. 

For your Convenience, we accept Cash, Check, or Credit Card.

Basic Service Of Funeral Director And Staff And Overhead                                                                                                  $1,395

Our services include: conducting the arrangements conference; planning the funeral; consulting with family and clergy; shelter of remains; preparing and filing of necessary notices; obtaining necessary authorizations and permits; coordinating with the cemetery, crematory, or other third parties. In addition, this fee includes a proportionate share of our basic overhead costs. This fee for our basic services and overhead will be added to the total cost of the funeral arrangements you select. (This fee is already included in our charges for direct cremations, immediate burials, and forwarding or receiving remains.)


Preparation Of Human Remains

"Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as   a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement, such as direct cremation or immediate burial, that   does not require you to pay for it."


Embalming                                                                                                                                                                                           $695

Disinfecting and bathing remains included. Except in certain special cases , embalming is not required by law, special care for autopsy or 
organ donation (additional)

Other Preparation Of The Body                                                                                                                                                       $400

State Law Requires Refrigeration Of Unembalmed Remains After 24 Hours

Dressing Of Human Remains(Clothing Provided By Family)...................................................................$400

Casketing Of Human Remains..............................................................................................................................$400

Natural Light Cosmetology.....................................................................................................................................$400

Bathing And Handling Of Unembalmed Of Human Remains..................................................................$400

Special Care For Autopsy Or Organ Donation (Additional)........................................................................$400

Reconstructive Restoration Charge Per Hour..................................................................................................$100

5 Days Included In Basic Service Fee After 5 Days Of Refrigeration (Per Day)...................................$195

10 Days Included In Direct Cremation Service After 10 Days Of Refrigeration (Per Day)................$195

Refrigeration Charge Hold For Other Facility (Per Day)...............................................................................$300

Finger Prints..................................................................................................................................................................$100

Hair Lock Clipping.......................................................................................................................................................$100

Natural Hair Combing................................................................................................................................................$100


Use Of Facilities Or Staff Or Equipment

Use Of Staff For Viewnig (2 Hours) .....................................................................................................................$400

Use Of Staff For After Hours, Weekend Holidays Additional Charge ....................................................$800

Use Of Staff For Church Service (2 Hours) .......................................................................................................$400

Use Of Staff For Graveside Service (2 Hours) .................................................................................................$400

Use Of Staff For Memorial Service (2 Hours) .................................................................................................$400

Use Of Staff For Residence (2 Hours) ................................................................................................................$400

Use Of Equipment For Other (Location Venue Or Home) .........................................................................$400

ID Viewing (15 Min Limited To 5 People, Direct Family Only .................................................................$400


***Business Hours Are From 9am-5pm Mon- Fri, Closed Weekends And Holidays
     (ADDITIONAL CHARGES)


Automotive Services / Other Services / Merchandise

Transportation (Local 30 Miles).............................................................................................................................$400

Transportation (After 30 Miles Non-Local).......................................................................................................$5/Mile

Additional Attendant (Removal)............................................................................................................................$250

After 5 pm - 8 am Or Weekends Or Holidays Removal Fee Or (Standby)..............................................$450

Funeral Coach (Local 30 Miles)..............................................................................................................................$400

Utility Van/ Flower Van............................................................................................................................................$350

Air Tray............................................................................................................................................................................$425

Combination Shipping Unit.....................................................................................................................................$425

Airport Transportation..............................................................................................................................................$750

Airport Transportation Weekends Or Holidays Or After Hours................................................................$995

Airfare (Prices May Very On Airline)...................................................................................................................$1500 To $5000

Documentation Ship Out, Mexico Consulate Documentation To Los Angeles Ca. Or Fresno Ca.
Authentication Of Death Certificate, California State Apostille, Notary Public,
Embalming Letter Or Crematorium Letter (Some Documents Are To be Translated Into Spanish)..................$1200



Our charge includes: basic services of funeral director and staff; a proportionate share of overhead costs; care of remains; transportation of remains to funeral home and to cemetery or crematory.

Direct Cremation                                                                                                                     $1,495.00 to $1,555.00 - 200 lb or less

Our charge for a direct cremation (without ceremony) includes: basic services of funeral director and staff; a proportionate share of overhead costs; removal of remains, refrigeration, local transportation to crematory, standard size plastic urn, necessary authorizations and cremation.

"If you want to arrange a direct cremation, you can use an alternative container. Alternative containers encase the body and can be made of materials like fiberboard or composition materials (with or without an outside covering). The container we provide are corrugated fiberboard container."

A. Direct cremation with container provided by the purchaser............................. $1,495.00

B. Direct cremation with a fiberboard container starting from...............................$1,555.00


Crematorium Fees For Oversize

Overweight Additional Cremation Fee 201 lbs To 250 lbs...........................................................................$200

Overweight Additional Cremation Fee 251 lbs To 300 lbs...........................................................................$400

Overweight Additional Cremation Fee 301 lbs To 400 lbs...........................................................................$600

Oversize Tray For Cremation (300 lbs & up)......................................................................................................$450

Overweight cremation cases over 300 lb require approval from our crematorium manager we will give price as it varies on available crematorium to hold capacity.

Other Charges / Services / Merchandise

Alternative Container Used For Cremation......................................................................................................$60

Durable Cremation Remains Container (Poly Urn) With Plastic Bag.....................................................$30

California State Cremation Fee..............................................................................................................................$11.50

Recycling Of Operated Devices In Human Remains.....................................................................................$100

Keepsake Cremation Transfer (Each) Permit Not Included.......................................................................$25

Packing And Mailing Cremated Remains By Registered Mail U.S. Postal Office, Within U.S......$250

Transportation Out To A Different Crematorium That Holds Weight....................................................$700

Expedite Fee For Rush Cremation Or Burial.....................................................................................................$300

Watched Placement Of Cremation During The Week..................................................................................$500

Watched Placement Of Cremation During The Weekend...........................................................................$700

Disbursement Of Cremated Remains At Sea....................................................................................................$750

Cremation Urn Range................................................................................................................................................$30 To $6,000

Velvet Urn Bag..............................................................................................................................................................$20

Receiving Cremated Remains By Registered U.S. Post Office...................................................................$400


Other Charges / Services / Merchandise

Mailing Travel Fee.....................................................................................................................................................$50

Travel Charge Fee (Legal Documents)...............................................................................................................$50

Death Certificates (County Fee)............................................................................................................................$24

Disposition Permits/Burial Permits (County Fee).........................................................................................$12

Insurance Assignment Fee....................................................................................................................................10% of grand Total


Other Charges / Services / Merchandise

Memorial Register Book........................................................................................................................................$75

Crucifix Or Cross.......................................................................................................................................................$30

Color Memorial Folders (50 ct.)...........................................................................................................................$100

Casket Spray...............................................................................................................................................................$350

Standing Spray..........................................................................................................................................................$350

Adult Caskets...................................................................................................................................................$1,295 - $29,995

Rental Casket (Rental Insert Not Included)....................................................................................................$750

Rental Insert Rose Tan Crepe Or Arbutus Velvet Interior Fabric Corrugated

Fiberboard Construction Pull Out Assist Handel.........................................................................................$395

Memorial Tribute Online Video Only 50 pic. & 3-12 sec. Video...............................................................$400

Clergy Local Church Prices Varies....................................................................................................................$250 & Up

Rosary Person............................................................................................................................................................$250

Rosary Beads..............................................................................................................................................................$15

Casket Funeral Home Gift Panel........................................................................................................................$350

Funeral Home Gifts Blanket...................................................................................................................,.............$350

Memorial Throw Blanket......................................................................................................................................$395

Mariachi.......................................................................................................................................................................$800 & Up

Doves.............................................................................................................................................................................$250

*Outside Venuse, Church, Or Chapels, Used For Services Have Additional

 Charges They Are Considered A (Cash Advance) And We Have No Control

On Price, We Will Give You An Estimate Based On Information Available

At The Time Of Arrangement.


Immediate Burial                                                                                                                                                      $2,595 to $3,990

Our charge for an immediate burial (without ceremony) includes: basic services of funeral director and staff; a proportionate share of overhead costs; casketing, removal of remains, refrigeration and local transportation to cemetery.

A. Immediate burial with casket provided by purchaser.......................................................................................$2,595.00

B. Immediate burial with casket purchased from at our funeral home (Sentry Casket 20 Gauge).......$3,990.00


Forwarding Remains To Another Funeral Home                                                                                                                       $3,340

This charge includes removal of remains, basic service of staff, necessary authorization, and embalming (if required), local transportation. This charge does

not include transportation to airport, airfare, visitation, or ceremonies prior to fowarding of body

A. With combination shipping container.....................................................................................................................$3,715

B.  In a casket and airtray (cost of a jessup 20 gauge gasketed casket selection to this price)...............$5,310


Receiving Of Remains From Another Funeral Home                                                                                                                $2,845

This charge includes the basic service, transportation from local airport, Los Angeles or Fresno local transportation of remains to cemetery. This charge

does not include visitation, church service, graveside service or casket.




For more information pertaining to funeral matters, contact:

The Department of Consumer Affairs

Cemetery & Funeral Bureau
1625 N. Market Blvd. Suite S-208
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7870

                                                                                    Bakersfield Funeral Home FD1792

                                                                                                       3125 19TH ST

                                                                                               Bakersfield Ca. 93301

                                                                                                    1-661-324-4446

                                                                        CASKET PRICE LIST

                                                                                       (SALES TAX NOT INCLUDED)

                                                                                These prices are effective as of 1/28/2023.

               "THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT ANY CASKET REPRESENTED AS HAVING PROTECTICE FEATURES, WHICH  

                                                                MAY INCLUDE A GASKET, WILL PRESERVE HUMAN REMAINS"

Alternative Container Or Corrugated Fiberboard  (Brown Fiberboard, No Lining, No Interior)                                        $60

STEEL CASKETS

                                  SENTRY SERIES 20 GAUGE STEEL (NON-GASKETED)

SENTRY COPPER 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) Copper Finish And Rosetone Crepe Interior 

(71013477)   $1,395         

SENTRY MONARCH BLUE 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) Monarch Blue Finish And Blue Crepe Interior 

(71011011)   $1,395

SENTRY ORCHID 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) Orchid Finish And Pink Crepe Interior

 (71011013)   $1,395

SENTRY SILVER 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) Silver Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71011014)   $1,395

SENTRY VENITIAN BRONZE 20 Gauge steel (Non-Gasketed) Venetian Bronze Finish And Rosetone Crepe Interior     (71011015)   $1,395

SENTRY WHITE 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) White Finish And White Crepe Interior

 (71011012)   $1,395

SENTRY WHITE 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) White Finish And Pink Crepe Interior 

(71011031)   $1,395


                                             JESSUP SERIES 20 GAUGE STEEL (GASKETED)

JESSUP COPPER 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Copper-Shaded Ebony Finish With Rosetone Crepe Interior 

(71065175)   $1,695                   

JESSUP MONARCH BLUE 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Monarch Blue-Shaded Silver Exterior Finish With Blue Crepe Interior (71065176)   $1,695                  

JESSUP SILVER 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Silver -Shaded Dark Gunmetal Exterior Finish With White Crepe Interior (71065172)   $1,695                        

JESSUP WHITE 20 Guage Steel (Gasketed) White-Shaded Gold Exterior Finish With White Crepe Interior 

(71065173)   $1,695  

JESSUP EBONY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Ebony-Shaded Gold Exterior Finish With White Crepe Interior 

(71065714)   $1,695    

JESSUP RED COLOR 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Red Color Exterior Finish With White Crepe Interior 

(71211191)    $1,695


                                        WINGATE SERIES 20 GAUGE STEEL (GASKETED) 

                                                                       (AVAILABLE WITH WINGATE DECAL)

WINGATE ROSEBUD 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Rosebud / Autumn Haze Finish Pink Crepe Interior 

(71204615)   $2,195

WINGATE MONARCH BLUE 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Monarch Blue / Spurce Blue Finish Blue Crepe Interior 

(71204612)   $2,195

WINGATE GOLD 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Dawn Gold Finish And Rosetone Crepe Interior

 (71013438)   $2,195

WINGATE STAR WHITE 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Star White Finish And White Crepe Interior

 (71013439)   $2,195


RIDGEWAY Lightweight 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Spruce Blue Silver Finish Blue Crepe Interior 

(71007408)   $1,995

ROSEBUD Lightweight 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) White / Shaded Pink Finish With Pink Crepe Interior 

(71006319)   $1,995       

                           

                                             AFFINITY SERIES 20 GAUGE STEEL (GASKETED)  

                                                                    (ETERNAL REFLECTION CORONER ART COLLECTION)

AFFINITY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) White Finish White Crepe Interior 

(41028117)   $3,095

AFFINITY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Russet Bronze Finish Rosetone Crepe Interior 

(71010280)   $3,095

AFFINITY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) London Blue Finish Silver Crepe Interior 

(71010279)   $3,095

AFFINITY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Light Orchid Finish Pink Crepe Interior 

(71010288)   $3,095

AFFINITY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Light Gunmetal Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71010287)   $3,095


                                                  1058 SERIES 20 GAUGE STEEL (GASKETED)

1058 EMBRACE SERIES 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) White Sand Finish Creme Basketweave Interior

 (71209575)   $2,695

1058 TAILOR SERIES 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Midnight Blue Finish Creme Basketweave Interior 

(71209574)   $2,695

1058 ANTIQUE WHITE SERIES 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Antique White Finish Creme Basketweave Interior 

(71214702)   $2,695

1058 VENETIAN BRONZE SERIES 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Venetian Bronze Finish Creme Basketweave Interior   (71214704)   $2,695

1058 LIGHT GUNMETAL SERIES 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Light Gunmetal Finish Creme Basketweave Interior 

(71215375)   $2,695 


                                                515 SERIES 18 GAUGE STEEL (GASKETED)

515 ARDEN 18 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Light Orchid Finish Orchid Crepe Interior 

(71209599)   $2,495

515 BRIGHTON 18 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Midnight Blue Finish Blue Crepe Interior 

(71209600)   $2,495

515 DAWN 18 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) White Finish White Crepe Interior

(71209662)   $2,495

515 SUTTON 18 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Black Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71209617)   $2,495

515 TIDEWATER 18 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Dark Copper Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior

(71209618)   $2,495


                                                                        VETERAN CASKET  


887 PATRIOT 18 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Ebony Finish Uniform Black Interior

(A08467)   $4,060 

887 FREEDOM 18 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Midnight Blue Finish Uniform Blue Interior

(A08466)   $4,060


           McKINLEY 28 SERIES ACCOMMODATIONS 20 GUAGE STEEL (GASKETED)

                                                    (28" INTERIOR SAFE FOR STANDARD CEMETERY VAULT)

McKINLEY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Antique White Shaded Silver Rose Finish Pink Crepe Interior

(71077968)   $3,795

McKINLEY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) White Shaded Gold Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71077971)   $3,795

McKINLEY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Silver Shaded Dark Gunmetal Shaded Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71077979)   $3,795 

McKINLEY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Empire Blue Shaded Finish Spurce Blue Finish Blue Crepe Interior 

(71077981)   $3,795  

McKINLEY 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) White Sand Shaded Gold Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior

(71077983)   $3,795


             MAJESTIC 28 ACCOMMODATIONS 20 GAUGE STEEL (NON-GASKETED)

                                                       (28" INTERIOR SAFE FOR STANDARD CEMETERY VAULT)

MAJESTIC 28, 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) Sunset Gold Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior 

(71013429)   $3,195

MAJESTIC 28, 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) Monarch Blue Finish Blue Crepe Interior 

(71013430)   $3,195

MAJESTIC 28, 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) Silver Finish White Crepe Interior

(71013431)   $3,195

MAJESTIC 28, 20 Gauge Steel (Non-Gasketed) White Shaded Gold Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71013432)   $3,195


                WHITNEY 20 GAUGE STEEL (GASKETED) 32" INTERIOR - 35" INTERIOR

                                                                            (OVERSIZE VAULT REQUIRED)

WHITNEY 32" 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Monarch Blue Shaded Silver Finish Blue Crepe Interior

(71005855)    $5,270

WHITNEY 32" 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Silver Shaded Gunmetal Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71005852)    $5,270

WHITNEY 35" 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Monarch Blue Shaded Silver Finish Blue Crepe Interior

(71005831)    $5,600

WHITNEY 35" 20 Gauge Steel (Gasketed) Silver Shaded Gunmetal Finish White Crepe Interior 

(71005832)   $5,600 


                                                                         WOODEN CASKETS


DMICHELANGELO Maple Polished Dark Russet Cherry Finish Ivory Velvet Interior

(71007687)   $6,695

OAKWOOD Oak Satin Fawn / Shaded Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior 

(71006818)   $5,995

PROVINICAL Polished Dark Walnut Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior 

(71006936)   $4,995

THE ENDICOT Poplar Veneer Gloss Dark Cambridge Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior 

(71009725)   $2,695

THE MEREDITH Poplar Veneer Gloss Dark Walnut Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior 

(71007171)   $2,495

WARFIELD GRANDE (28" Interior Oversize Vault) Satin Amber Finish Arbutus Velvet Interior 

(71011273)   $10,280


 Bronze 48-oz. Solid Bronze (Gasketed)

Majestic 2889 (Accommodations) - Bronze Majestic Brushed Bronze Finish- Pearl Velvet Interior 
(A28284)     $29,995

Supra (Accommodations) - 48-oz. Bronze – Brushed Natural Gold Finish – Arbutus Fairvel Velvet Interior
(71008003)  $24,995

Regency Gold (Accommodations) - 48-oz. Bronze Brushed Natural/Ebony Finish – Arbutus Velvet Interior
(71006151)    $18,655

Bronze 32-oz. Solid Bronze (Gasketed)

Harrison Brushed Natural/Venetian Bronze (Accommodations) - 32-oz. Bronze Brushed Natural/Venetian Bronze Finish

(71005864)     $12,995


Solid Copper (Gasketed)

Pieta - Solid Copper Brushed Natural/Antique Copper Finish – Almond Velvet Interior

(71209544)      $14,995

Lincoln - Copper Brushed Natural/Heritage Bronze Finish – Almond Velvet Interior

(71005949)      $13,995

Lincoln - Copper Brushed Natural/Lilac Finish – Pink Velvet Interior

(71005950)      $13,995


                                                                      RENTAL CASKET


Donovan Rental Casket - Solid Oak Satin Tutone Timber / Shaded Finish Rosetan Crepe Interior (removable cremation insert not included) ...................................................................$750

Rental Insert- Rosetan Crepe Or Arbus Velvet Interior Fabric Corrugated Construction Pull Out Assist Handel..............................................................................................$395


                                                          MISCELLANEOUS SHIPPING UNITS


Combination Shipping Container.................................. $450

Constructed of hardwood base and cardboard upper cover. Wood based strong reinforced corners weight

 tested to 1000 lbs heat treated and bug stamped certified for international shipping airline compliant contains 

nylon lids and carrying straps packing slip envelope foam mattress and 3 piece head pillow casket bag.


 Air Tray........................................................................................$450

 Constructed of hardwood base and cardboard upper cover. Wood base strong reinforced coroners weight 

tested to 1000 lbs heat treated and bug stamped certified for international shipping airline compliant contains.

 Nylon lids and carrying straps packing slip envelope foam mattress and 3 piece head pillow casket bag. 


OVERSIZE CREMATION TRAY...........................................$450

Constructed of hardwood base and cardboard upper cover. Wood base strong reinforced coroners weight

 tested to 1000 lbs nylon lids and carrying straps packing.


                                                         For more information pertaining to funeral matters, contact:

The Department of Consumer Affairs

Cemetery & Funeral Bureau

1625 N. Market Blvd. Suite S-208

Sacramento, CA 95834

(916) 574-7870

CFB

Department of Consumer Affairs

Cemetery & Funeral Bureau

Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Disposition Arrangements • Prices • Embalming • Cremation •Burial • Home Death Care • Coroner Fees • Retail Casket Sellers

DECIDING IN ADVANCE

For A Loved One • For Yourself • Check License Status • Compare Prices And Services • Prearrangement • Prepayment Options

BURIAL

Purchasing Items Elsewhere • Multiple-Depth Graves

CREMATION

Disposition Of Cremated Remains • Scattering

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Death Out Of State • Death Out Of The Country • Donation For Medical Purposes GENERAL PRICE LIST REQUIREMENTS

COMPLAINTS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

FOR MORE INFORMATION

This publication may be copied if:

  • The text is not changed or misrepresented.
  • Credit is given to the Department of Consumer Affairs' Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
  • All copies are distributed free of charge.

INTRODUCTION

The death of a loved one is one of the most traumatic experiences any of us will ever have. The California Department of Consumer Affairs' Cemetery and Funeral Bureau has developed this booklet to assist you in making the difficult decisions about funeral and cemetery arrangements for yourself or someone close to you. By asking the right questions, comparing prices and services, and making informed decisions, you can make arrangements that are meaningful to your family and control the costs for you and your survivors.

The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses, regulates, and investigates complaints against California funeral establishments, funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice embalmers, cemetery brokers, cemetery salespersons, cemetery managers, cremated remains disposers, crematories, crematory managers and the nearly 200 fraternal and private cemeteries in the State.

(NOTE: The State does not license cemeteries operated by religious organizations; cities, counties, or cemetery districts; the military; Native American tribal organizations; or other groups. If you don’t know who regulates the cemetery you’re interested in, ask the cemetery manager.)

If you need help with a cemetery or funeral issue, visit the Bureau's Web site at www.cfb.ca.gov or call the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Consumer Information Center at (800) 952-5210 or the Bureau at (916) 574-7870.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Disposition Arrangements

California law lists those who have the right, duty, and responsibility to make decisions about disposition arrangements after a person's death. They are, in order, as listed in the law:

  • A person, prior to his or her death.
  • The Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) on a U.S. Department of Defense Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93) as that form existed on December 31, 2011, or its successor form.
  • An agent under a California power of attorney for health care.
  • The surviving competent spouse or registered domestic partner.
  • The surviving competent adult child or the majority of the surviving competent adult children.
  • The surviving competent parent or parents.
  • The surviving competent adult sibling or the majority of the surviving competent adult siblings.
  • The surviving competent adult or the majority of the surviving competent adults in the next degree of kinship.
  • A conservator of the person appointed under Part 3 (commencing with Section 1800) of Division 4 of the Probate Code when the decedent has sufficient assets.
  • A conservator of the estate appointed under Part 3 (commencing with Section 1800) of Division 4 of the Probate Code when the decedent has sufficient assets.
  • The public administrator when the decedent has sufficient assets.

Details: A person may direct in writing the disposition of his or her remains and specify the funeral goods and services desired. Unless there is a written statement to the contrary that is signed and dated by the person, these directions may not be changed in any material way except as required by law.

The law protects a person's choices after death, providing that:

  1. The written directions are clear and complete; and
  2. Arrangements for payment of final services via trusts, insurance, commitments by others, or any other means have been made which precludes the payment of money by the survivors(s) who might otherwise have the right to control disposition
    • Instead of giving written instructions, a person may give the right and duty of disposition to a PADD (if an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces) or to an agent under a power of attorney for health care or an advance health care directive. This agent will have the full right to act and control the decedent's disposition unless the power of attorney or an advance health care directive limits or removes that right or ceases upon death.
    • In the absence of written instructions, a PADD, an advance health care directive, or power of attorney for health care, the right and duty of disposition moves next to a surviving competent spouse or registered domestic partner. To be considered a registered domestic partner in California, a person must have filed a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State under Family Law Code section 297.
    • In the absence of the above documents and people, the right and duty of disposition would fall to the surviving competent adult child or the majority of the surviving competent adult children, then the competent parent or parents, then the competent adult sibling or the majority of the surviving competent adult siblings, and then the competent adult or the majority of the surviving competent adults in the next degree of kinship, followed by conservator of person, conservator of estate, or public administrator.

In addition, the law governs issues such as the time in which family members must act, what happens if all members cannot be found or cannot agree on what to do, and who is responsible for the costs of disposition. Be sure to review and understand all the provisions of law when you are considering these choices. The applicable laws and regulations can be found on the Bureau's Web site at www.cfb.ca.gov.

(NOTE: Exceptions may apply in certain situations. You have the right to select a different person to make the decisions about your arrangements, if you wish. You may wish to consult with an attorney about including such instructions in your will or in another written document, such as a power of attorney for health care. Be sure to provide copies of your instructions to family members and keep your own copy in a place that can be easily accessed.)

Prices

Federal law requires funeral establishments to quote prices over the phone and to give you a General Price List (GPL) and a Casket Price List (CPL) when you ask in person about arrangements and prices. If the funeral establishment sells outer burial containers, it must also provide you prices for those containers, either as part of the GPL or on a separate price list. If the funeral establishment has a Web site, it must post the list of funeral goods and services that are required to be included in their GPL, pursuant to federal rule, and include a statement that the GPL is available upon request via a link from the home page, OR include the words "price information" or a similar statement that includes the word "price" with a link to the GPL.

(For more information, see General Price List Requirements.)

When you contract for services with a funeral establishment, the law requires it to give you an itemized statement of your choices, including estimates of any costs that are unknown at the time. The statement must also include charges for outside vendor services arranged by the funeral establishment such as flowers, clergy honoraria, newspaper notices, music, etc. Make sure the statement includes only those items you have selected. If you have chosen a funeral package, the statement should describe all the goods and services that are included. Be sure you have the total dollar amount in writing before you sign the contract.

The law allows a funeral establishment to set a fee for professional services, such as the funeral director's time spent:

  • Helping you plan the funeral;
  • Making arrangements with a cemetery or crematory (or the funeral establishment if the body will be shipped out of the area);
  • Obtaining the death certificate and other required permits;
  • Submitting the obituary and "unallocated overhead," which includes taxes, insurance, advertising, and other business expenses.

The funeral establishment may require you to pay this fee in addition to the specific funeral goods and services you select.

(NOTE: It is illegal for a funeral establishment to charge a handling fee if you wish to use a family-built casket or a casket you purchased elsewhere. However, the casket must meet the cemetery's or crematory's standards and must take into consideration the size of the body. It is also illegal for the funeral establishment to make false claims about the preservative qualities of a casket or to charge contagious disease fees or fees for protective clothing for staff.)

Embalming

The law does not require embalming. However, the person with the right to control disposition must accept or decline embalming by signing a specific form prescribed by the Bureau. Additionally, a funeral establishment must refrigerate an unembalmed body in its possession if burial or cremation does not take place within 24 hours. (See exception under Home Death Care.) As a practical matter, however, you may wish to authorize embalming if there will be a delay before a public viewing. Keep in mind that embalming does not prevent decomposition of a body.

(NOTE: A coroner may require embalming in certain circumstances.)

Cremation

The law does not require the purchase of a casket before cremation.

(A combustible cremation container, typically referred to as an alternative container, is required. See Cremation.)

Burial

The law does not require outer burial containers, commonly known as vaults or grave liners, but cemeteries may require them because they keep the ground from settling after burial. Typically, vaults completely surround the casket in concrete or other material. Grave liners cover only the top and sides. Neither container will prevent the eventual decomposition of human remains.

Natural burial, also referred to as green or eco-friendly burial, is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact, often without a casket or burial container. The body is typically not embalmed and may be encased in biodegradable materials for burial. Talk to cemetery staff if you’re interested in this option.

Home Death Care

The use of a funeral establishment and funeral director is not required by law when preparing a body for disposition. You can arrange for your body, or that of a loved one, to be cared for and prepared for disposition by family and friends at home. If you choose home death care, you must:

  • File a properly completed Certificate of Death, signed by the attending physician or coroner, with the local registrar of births and deaths.
  • Obtain a Permit for Disposition from the local registrar of births and deaths.
  • Provide a casket or other suitable container.
  • Make arrangements directly with the cemetery or crematory.

Your local county health department may be able to help you file a Certificate of Death and/or a Permit for Disposition.

(NOTE: Human remains may be kept at home without embalming or refrigeration until disposition. Generally, decomposition will proceed more rapidly without refrigeration or embalming.)

Coroner Fees

California law permits coroners to charge for certain services. Fees vary by county.

Retail Casket Sellers

California law requires retail casket sellers, when beginning any discussion of prices, to give customers a written price list of all caskets, alternative containers, and outer burial containers normally offered for sale and the price for each. In addition, if customers ask for the list in person or by phone, the retail casket seller must give them a written statement identifying caskets or containers by price, thickness of metal, type of wood or other construction, and by interior and color. Price, thickness, construction, and color information must also be included on a tag conspicuously attached to each casket. Prior to a sale, the seller must provide the buyer an itemized statement of all costs involved.

Retail casket sellers are not allowed to arrange funerals or cremations or perform any other functions requiring a license as a funeral establishment. Before doing business with any retail casket seller, you may wish to check the company's business practices with your local Better Business Bureau.

(NOTE: Retail casket sellers are not bound b

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