How much does a funeral cost?

There are three basic factors that comprise the cost of a funeral:

• Services (professional services, staffing, equipment and facilities, automobiles, other overhead related items)
• Merchandise (caskets, vaults, urns, register books, memorial folders, jewelry, etc.)
• Cash Advances (services provided by others: e.g. obituaries, grave openings, honorariam and gratuities and administrative fees)

What are the advantages of pre-planning a funeral?

There are three advantages to pre-planning your arrangements:

• Pre-planning ensures that all of your final wishes will be fulfilled. Because death is a difficult subject to discuss, your true wishes often may not be known or fully understood.
• Pre-planning with pre-payment can eliminate the financial burden that services may place on your survivors. It is suggested, but not mandatory to pre-plan.
• Pre-planning gives you and your family “peace of mind” that everything has been taken care of. It is one of the best gifts you can leave your loved ones.

What is a mortuary trust agreement?

In the State of Maine, funds may be placed in a trust for funeral expenses, with a funeral home as the trustee. Our professionals can explain the types of trust agreements to you along with your options.

What if my loved one dies out of state?

If a death takes place out of the State of Maine, there is no need to contact a local funeral director in the state where the death occurred. Doing so may result in additional expenses for the family. Jordan-Fernald can make all the necessary arrangements through agents with whom we have relationships throughout the country. All you need to do is call us toll free at 1-800-667-2595 and we will handle the rest of the details.

There are many other questions you may have regarding your funeral and cremation options. We have only touched on a few; however, we would be happy to discuss other options that are available with you and your family. Please call us at 1-800-667-2595. Any of our directors at no cost are willing to sit down and talk with you, or discuss your options over the telephone.