"VERDICT---This book is a boon for those looking to simplify and personalize caring for the dead. The inclusion of a compilation of each state’s funeral laws, including statutory citations and guidance for those investigating home funerals and burials and body donation, make this an essential purchase for consumer-protection collections."— Library Journal
Final Rights is the definitive book on the modern funeral industry. Written by FCA executive director Josh Slocum and Funeral Ethics Organization leader Lisa Carlson, Final Rights combines journalistic investigation with practical consumer advice. The only book of its kind, Final Rights unveils the tricks of the funeral trade (and how to avoid them) while calling out government regulators who dance to the $15-billion death industry's tune when they're supposed to be protecting you, the funeral consumer.
- In eight states the law says you have to hire a funeral home, even if you want to care for a deceased relative privately.
- Almost $1 billion has been stolen from trust funds and insurance policies families paid for to ensure their last wishes were carried out. Where were the regulators?
- Interested in a formaldehyde-free funeral? Better be careful, as the conventional burial industry is finding creative ways to make your "green" send-off as pricey as possible.
- The Federal Trade Commission gives you specific protections when you buy from a funeral home, but they disappear when you get to the graveyard. Find out why, and how to watch your wallet at the graveside.
- Final Rights has a chapter on the laws in each state, written in plain English. Find out how well (or how badly) you're protected from funeral fraud, and learn where your state needs to reform!
Every American who plans to die (that's you) needs to read this book. Final Rights belongs on the bookshelf of every hospice worker, nurse, social worker, and elder-law attorney. Curious? Read the first chapter, Circling the Hearses, free.
Visit our bookstore to order Final Rights. Every copy you buy directly from FCA will put dollars behind our mission to protect the public from exploitation and funeral fraud.
To order the enhanced kit, just click on the picture of the kit on the upper right of the screen. That takes you to the order page, where you'll have to select either the standard or enhanced version from a drop-down menu.
I purchased the book to enhance my funeral program website where I can gather new information and write articles to help bereaved families. There is a great deal of information within this book and I gave the book the highest rating and best read for the bereaved family.
I highly recommend families that purchase Final Rights and read it thoroughly if you anticipate losing a love one. Do it before your love one passes away as you do not want to last minute shop for funeral services as it will cost you dearly. Get some information before you go to the funeral home and take another family member with you. it is better to have two sets of ears listening just in case you were not clear on something and need to be refreshed. Great Book!
I'm looking forward to reading this book!