Funeral Planning Authorization and Prepayment Agreement Template

What Is the Funeral Planning Authorization and Prepayment Agreement?

A funeral planning agreement is a legally binding contract between you and a funeral home that specifies exactly what services and merchandise will be provided when you die and who pays for them. Preneed agreements allow you to prepay for funeral services at current prices, protecting against inflation and relieving your family of financial burden. These agreements can be funded through revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, life insurance assignments, or installment payments.

This template provides comprehensive provisions for burial and cremation services, casket and vault selection, service preferences including religious and cultural customs, Medicaid-compliant irrevocable trust funding options, price guarantee provisions, cancellation and portability rights, and detailed beneficiary instructions. The agreement protects both the consumer and funeral home while ensuring your wishes are clearly documented and financially secured.

 

 

Is This Funeral Planning Agreement Right for You?

You need this agreement if you're:

• Planning to prepay funeral expenses at current prices
• Protecting assets through irrevocable funeral trust for Medicaid
• Making advance funeral arrangements to spare family decisions
• Documenting specific service preferences for burial or cremation
• Securing price guarantees against future inflation
• Establishing installment payment plans for funeral costs

You definitely need this agreement if:

• You're within five years of potentially needing Medicaid nursing home coverage
• Funeral costs have increased 30% in your area in past five years
• You have strong religious or cultural funeral customs to document
• Your family doesn't know or agree on your funeral preferences
• You want to prevent family conflict over funeral spending

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money: Custom funeral planning agreements cost $300-800. Lock in current funeral prices and save thousands more through price guarantees.

Save Time: Complete your funeral planning in 2-3 hours instead of multiple funeral home visits over weeks or months.

Look Professional: Present comprehensive, attorney-quality agreement that addresses FTC compliance, Medicaid planning, and price guarantees.

Keeps You Out of Court: Prevent family disputes through clear Cancellation and Refund Policy, Price Guarantee Provisions, and Specific Funeral Instructions sections that eliminate ambiguity.

 

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout

Complete your purchase through our secure payment system. Receive instant access to your funeral planning agreement template.

Step 2: Instant Download

Download your template immediately after purchase. Open it in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any word processor.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields

Complete the service selections, payment arrangements, and preference instructions. Sign with funeral home representative and witnesses or notary.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. Use this template to create funeral planning agreements with any licensed funeral home. You can also update your agreement as preferences change or create separate agreements for yourself and family members.

Is this agreement legally binding?

Yes, when properly completed and signed by both parties. Funeral planning agreements are legally enforceable contracts governed by state funeral service laws and the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule. The funeral home must provide the services and merchandise as specified.

What's the difference between irrevocable and revocable trusts?

Irrevocable trusts cannot be cancelled or refunded but protect funds from Medicaid spend-down requirements for nursing home eligibility. Revocable trusts can be cancelled for refund but count as your asset for Medicaid purposes. Choose based on your Medicaid planning needs.

Can I cancel a prepaid funeral agreement?

Yes for revocable arrangements. You'll receive a refund minus administrative fees. No for irrevocable arrangements, but you can transfer the agreement to another funeral home. Cancellation rights vary by state law and funding method.

What happens if the funeral home goes out of business?

If your agreement is funded through a state-regulated trust or insurance policy, your funds are protected. State laws typically require funeral homes to hold preneed funds in trust or insurance, and these funds transfer to a new provider if the original funeral home closes.

Do I need my family's permission to make funeral arrangements?

No. You can make and prepay your own funeral arrangements without anyone's permission. However, if you're making arrangements for someone else who lacks capacity, you need legal authority such as power of attorney or guardianship.