Life Transitions strives to provide the highest quality service for reasonable pricing. We believe that money matters and want to give families the option to use their money wisely, providing confidence and peace during a difficult time.
Below is a list of helpful hints when considering funeral homes and services, as well as our price list, so you can make an informed enquiry or decision.
Funeral Transaction Tips
Set a Budget. As uncomfortable as it may be to think about limiting your spending at such an emotional time, you don’t have to put yourself in financial peril. There are many beautiful options that are reasonably priced. The difficult part is avoiding the purchase of funeral products based on emotion, knowing exactly how much you can comfortably spend can help.
Comparison Shop. Even though funerals are a delicate time, it is worth treating a funeral like any other transaction. Prices can vary considerably, comparing is a legitimate way to ensure you are getting the best value.
Ask for Prices: By law, funeral service providers are required to give you a price list for the products they are selling. You are also entitled to see the full range of products available.
Ask What Is Included. Funeral homes may quote a price that doesn’t include expensive extras like caskets, urns, or transportation. Make sure you know the bottom line and are certain everything you need is included in the quoted price. Confirm what documentation is provided and if there is an extra cost for filing paperwork or providing documents like Proof of Death Certificates.
If You Can, Take Your Time. While you may be working toward a specific date for services, it can be helpful to take the process slowly. If you feel pressure to make a snap decision, step out and take a few minutes to collect your thoughts. The goal is to avoid making decisions based on emotion orpurchasing items that you don’t really need.
Bring a Friend. It can help to have someone less emotionally involved with you to keep track of costs and next steps.
Know Your Rights. Funeral homes may present package deals which may include services that are actually optional. You are not obligated to pay for services that you don’t need. You also do not have to buy your funeral products through the funeral home or cemetery that is handling your funeral services. Use the same shopping techniques for buying funeral products that you would use for any major purchase. You have the right question and to decline anything that is unnecessary.
Embalming Is Optional. Funeral homes may encourage embalming. This service is available to temporarily preserve a body, it is not a requirement and is not necessary for the protection of public health. Refrigeration is often sufficient for short time frames.
Shop in Advance. It is not always possible to shop ahead of time but, if you can, it will almost always save you money. Having extra time can make the process must less stressful and allow you the luxury of comparison shopping.
Updated March, 2022
↓ Here is a Printable Copy of our Price List. ↓
The BAO’s Consumer Information Guide: A Guide to Death Care in Ontario is a free consumer-protection information booklet. The guide is written for families and the public to know their rights and responsibilities before entering into contracts with organizations that are licensed under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002. All licensees of the BAO are required to provide consumers with a copy of this guide.
The BAO urges all consumers to access A Guide to Death Care in Ontario ahead of time and encourages them to read through the guide, plan ahead and ask a lot of questions prior to entering into a contract with a provider.
If you have questions related to the information contained within A Guide to Death Care in Ontario, please feel free to contact the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, or a licensed service provider.
↓ Printable BAO Booklet ↓