Should I seek out a funeral director?
Yes, select a funeral director of your choice who is licensed to accept preneed funds. He or she is a stable figure in your community and has succeeded by always responding to the trust of his or her clients. Further, you should go to him or her only because you want to.
What about those organizations which do contact consumers door-to-door or by telephone?
Many may be ethical and very professional. They, too, may be licensed to accept funds. Before making a purchase decision, be sure the contract allows you to withdraw your principal and interest should you move away or have other extenuating circumstances. Shipping a vault elsewhere, for example, is too expensive in most instances. Ask yourself and check the contract to find the answer to this question . . . "If I move to another state, can I get my money back?" If the answer is "no," carefully evaluate your decision. Preneed decisions can be very beneficial-- if they can be reversed when circumstances demand.
Is the concept of prefinanced funerals relatively new?
The Illinois Legislature passed the Funeral or Burial Funds Act in 1955. It has served Illinois residents well for over 50 years. Licensees must also be bonded. Today, over two hundred million dollars is held in trust for clients who wish to preplan and prefinance their funeral or the funeral of a loved one.
If I just want to learn more about funeral prearrangements from the funeral director of my choice, am I obligated in any way?
Information is always available from your funeral director without cost or obligation. He or she wants you to feel totally comfortable in making any inquiries you may have and helping you implement any decision which you may eventually make.
If I need additional information or ever have a problem, who can I contact?
In addition to your local funeral director, you may write or call the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, 215 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, Illinois 62704, (800) 240-4332.
You may also contact the Comptroller's Office in Chicago at (877) 203-3401. The call is toll-free. Both organizations monitor the progress and professionalism of funeral directors who provide prefinanced funerals for Illinois residents and others. They can confirm for you that your funeral director is licensed to handle prearranged funds and is also bonded.
When you visit the funeral home, ask to see the license granted by the Comptroller to your funeral director.
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