This is a comprehensive guide for consumers making funeral arrangements for a family member or friend. It contains detailed descriptions of the "tricks of the funeral trade," to avoid purchasing unneeded, unwanted, and overpriced goods and services, and how to file a complaint when subjected to unethical funeral practices. It provides practical information on all aspects of death care, so that families, friends, and church groups can perform some or all of the functions themselves rather than hiring a funeral director. The laws and regulations of each state are described in easy-to-understand language, with listings of "consumer concerns" in states that have inadequate protections for consumers. The individual chapters for each state also include contact information for medical schools that have a need for body donations, crematories, local nonprofit memorial societies, and specific statewide cautions about dealings with funeral and cemetery establishments. The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule is explained, including the protections it provides for consumers and also its shortcomings.