CEMETERIES

Cemeteries link us to our history. Great heroes, poets, scientists and soldiers lie beside our friends, neighbors and family. Whether a body is casketed or cremated, most people opt for final disposition of the remains in a cemetery. There are two primary “styles” of cemetery – the traditional cemetery and the memorial park or garden.

Traditional cemeteries are distinguished by gravesites marked by upright gravestones and monuments. They may also contain decorative sculptures, fountains, tombs and mausoleums or columbaria. Because traditional cemeteries tend to be older, many of them have extensive landscaping with an abundance of mature trees.

Memorial parks or gardens are a more recent development. They are characterized by broad expanses of lawn and gardens with flat bronze or stone markers. They too, may include many decorative elements. In recent years both types of cemeteries have frequently incorporated scattering gardens for the broadcasting of cremains.

A standard cemetery plot (approximately four feet by ten feet) generally costs several hundred dollars. Plots are available in pairs, side-by-side, for spouses. Urban areas command higher prices. And like any other real estate, location is a major determinant of price. Plots located in more “desirable” sections of the cemetery tend to be more costly. Prices also escalate for plots with a view.

Due to the scarcity of ground in older cemeteries, additional options have been developed to create additional space. One method is two-deep burials, where one casket is buried at eight feet and a second later layered on top. Mausoleum buildings with floor to ceiling vaults to house caskets are also common.

In making cemetery arrangements, there are a number of factors to consider in addition to price:

1. Does the cemetery require the use of a burial vault?
2. Are there restrictions on the type of monument or marker that can be used?
3. Does the price include perpetual care and maintenance?
4. What are the approximate opening and closing fees?
5. Are there provisions for the disposition of cremains as well as casketed remains?
6. Are there plots available in the same area (to provide for the burial of an entire family)?

Because they are not regulated in the same way as funeral homes (the Funeral Rule does not apply), cemeteries can charge whatever the market will bear. Generally, some portion of the purchase price of a plot goes to an endowment to provide for maintenance of the cemetery in perpetuity.

Although you will receive a “deed” to the cemetery plot you purchase it assures you only of the right to bury whomever you please in the plot. Actual ownership of the land remains with the cemetery owners. Typically there are restrictions on the resale of a plot if you decide not to use it.

Opening and closing fees for a gravesite usually run several hundred dollars. These fees cover not only the digging and filling of the grave, but also boundary marking, the filing of all necessary paperwork, use of the lowering device and re-grading and re-sodding of the plot.

ALTERNATIVE PLANS

Immediate burial or direct cremation is an option for those who choose not to have a traditional ceremony or where cost is paramount. Immediate burial is the disposition of the human remains without a visitation, viewing, or ceremony other than a graveside service.

The body does not require embalming for immediate burial and the cost of a graveside service is included in the package price, though generally, the price of a casket is not. Similarly direct cremation is the disposition of remains by cremation without formal ceremony. Both immediate burial and direct cremation will appear as separate items on the funeral homes price list.

PRE-PLANNING

Pre-planning your funeral relieves your survivors of this responsibility and allows for your personal expression. Pre-planning, which may include pre-paying, also has some financial advantages. Not only do pre-planned funerals tend to be less expensive; pre-paid funerals are not counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes. (see “Medicaid” in Chapter Twelve).

There are two parts to pre-planning: pre-arranging and pre-funding. Pre-arranging involves recording your wishes as to choice of funeral home, whether you wish to be buried or cremated, the name and location of the cemetery and the details of the ceremony.

Do not document your wishes in your Will, as it will likely to be read long after you are gone. Pre-funding is an agreement with a funeral provider as to the goods and services to be provided at a future date at an agreed price.

Pre-funding is regulated by state law. Before executing a pre-funded contract you should determine:

1. Is there a price guarantee? For which items or services?
2. What happens on interest earned on pre-paid funds?
3. Is there a pre-payment penalty (on installment plans)?
4. Can you make changes to the contract?
5. What about substitutions if your choices are not available?
6. Are there geographic restrictions? What happens if you move?