Planning a Home Funeral 
P.O.V.: Ask An Expert
Our panel of guides and advocates answers questions that viewers sent in about the home funeral planning process and the relevant federal and state-by-state laws. Browse the menu of topics or search the entire feature for answers on a particular question.
The Funeral Consumers Alliance
A not-for-profit advocacy organization, the Funeral Consumers Alliance works
to increase public awareness of funeral options, especially affordable and home
funeral options. They also monitor the funeral industry and advocate for political
reforms that aim to de-institutionalize death and allow grieving families more
meaningful, personal, and affordable options for care of the deceased. Also see
their book Caring
For the Dead. (see more about the book below)
Affordable Options: A Guide to Funeral Planning
This guide, produced by the Funeral Consumers Association, looks at the major
ways people overspend on funerals and suggests affordable alternatives
that are often overlooked.
BBC:
Do-It-Yourself Funerals
The BBC explains the pros and cons of the do-it-yourself funeral. The site focuses on practical considerations and includes sections on how to care for the body, build a coffin, transport the body, and more. Since the site is UK-based, the legal information isn't applicable in the U.S.
Crossings: Caring for Our Own at Death
Crossings, founded by Beth Knox (featured in "A Family Undertaking"), works to transform society's attitudes and behaviors at the time of death by making death more meaningful and valuable for the family and community. The site provides inspirational quotes, a FAQ about home funerals, and services to those seeking help and guidance in planning a funeral.
Final Passages
A pioneer in the modern home funeral movement, Final Passages is a California-based nonprofit organization that provides educational materials, consultations, presentations, referrals, and seminars that prepare and support individuals and the community to carry out a home or family-directed funeral. The site contains how-to and legal information for home funerals and a schedule of upcoming workshops and events.
Books
Caring
for the Dead:
Your Final Act of Love by Lisa Carlson
A comprehensive
tome on funeral law for the consumer, state-by-state — discusses how well,
or not, prepaid funeral money is protected, ethical standards, and serves as
a manual for families who wish to handle a death without the use of an undertaker.
Lists crematories; also medical schools and the requirements for body donations.
(Upper Access, 1998. 640 pages.)
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