Making funeral and cemetery arrangements can be expensive and therefore it is important to understand what you are purchasing and your cancellation rights.

A preneed cemetery or funeral services contract may be cancelled at any time by the purchaser or by the personal representative of the deceased.  Depending on the timing you may only be refunded 80% plus interest depending on the terms of the contract.

You should receive a copy of the contract within 15 days of signing it.  If you don’t receive a copy within this amount of time, you have the right to cancel.  If you receive the contract after this length of time, you have up to 30 days from the date it was received to cancel.  Your notice of cancellation must be delivered in person or sent by registered mail.  This also applies to the purchase of an interment right.

Be aware that items that are personalized or unique may not be refundable.  Interment rights are also non refundable unless you do not receive a copy of the contract within the timelines noted above.

In any sale contract (including the sale of an interment right), the seller must explain the terms in which a refund will be made.  Make sure you read and understand a contract before signing it. If possible, have a relative, family friend or lawyer look it over with you.