Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Piedmont

CONSUMER INFORMATION

Check back often, as this section is continuously changing and expanding.

Useful Information

You might want to start with our FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions — which answers some of the questions we receive most often.

To benefit from our ongoing research, check out our most recent local price and compliance survey and our Piedmont Triad Funeral Provider Directory (pdf). If you have an addition or correction to suggest for the provider directory please send an email to fcapiedmont@gmail.com with “Funeral Provider Directory” in the subject line.

We have also compiled some information on Triad cemeteries.

Are you considering the possibility of giving money to a funeral provider to pay for your funeral in advance? This can be very convenient but can also lead to difficulty. We have prepared an extensive document outlining the various types of prepaid funerals, the advantages and disadvantages, and pitfalls to look out for.

Then you might want to explore 10 Paths to an Affordable Funeral.

Check out these recommended books, pamphlets and DVDs related to funeral planning, as well as these links (pdf) to other funeral related organizations.

Home funerals — also referred to as do-it-yourself funerals or family-directed funerals — are a time-honored tradition. If you think you might be interested or to learn more check out our guide specific to North Carolina home funerals.

You might also enjoy the Piedmont Triad Thanatology Book Club, which we sponsor at Meetup.com. Club members choose the titles to read, which deal with some aspect of death and dying. You don't have to join our chapter to join the book club, and you can sign up for as many or as few book conversations as you wish.

Forms

We have several North Carolina statutory forms for end-of-life and funeral planning:

A durable power of attorney (pdf) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone as your agent to manage your affairs should you become incompetent or incapacitated before you die.

A health care power of attorney (pdf) allows you to appoint someone to act as your health care agent to make health care decisions for you should it be determined by your physician that you are no longer able to make these decisions for yourself.

An advance directive for a natural death (“living will” (pdf)) is a legal document in which you can declare your desire that under certain conditions your life not be prolonged by extraordinary or artificial means. Advice and assistance with such matters for people unable to afford the services of a private attorney may be available through a Legal Aid office.

Finally, an Appointment of Agent for Body Disposition and Authorization for Cremation form (pdf) can be used by an adult who wishes to be cremated after death and designate an individual as an agent to direct a funeral provider accordingly.