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Funerals/Expert Profile

Lisa Carlson

U.S.

Available

Expertise

Funeral Law. Having written a 512-page book on funeral law for consumers with state-by-state information, I am very conversant with consumer rights in this regard: What are the laws on disposition of cremated remains? Is embalming required? Do I have to use a funeral home? Can I have a home wake? Is it a state law to buy a vault? I prepaid for a funeral but changed my mind. They won`t give me all my money back. What can I do? . . . If you have an immediate need for information because a death has just occurred or is about to occur, you may call me at 802-482-6021.

Experience in the area

I have monitored the funeral industry on behalf of consumers for over 20 years. I have been a guest speaker to funeral trade organizations, consumer workshops, and social service professionals. I am regularly consulted by lawyers and legislators as well as journalists.

Organizations

Funeral Ethics Organization (www.funeralethics.org) Funeral Consumers Alliance (www.funerals.org)

Publications

Caring for Your Own Dead (1987) Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love (1998) I Died Laughing: Funeral Education with a Light Touch (2001) Final Rights: Reclaiming the American Way of Death (2011) with co-author Joshua Slocum

Education/Credentials

Masters degree in Administration and Special Education

Past/Present Clients

Available as an expert witness for funeral-related court cases.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	P	Comments
Tony	02/04/12	10	10	10
Kim	02/02/12	10	10	10
Louis	01/11/12	10	10	10
Chrissy	01/11/12	10	10	10	Thank you very much. I will look .....
Gary	01/06/12	10	10	10	Thank you so much for your quick .....

Recent Answers from Lisa Carlson

2012-02-06 private burial missouri:

According to the statutes, land--not to exceed one acre--should be deeded in trust to the county commission. That would presumably protect it as a burial spot forever, regardless of who owns the rest of

2012-02-04 private burial missouri:

That should be enough. But any future sale of the property should probably mention it in the deed.

2012-02-04 moving a grave:

WOW! Am I hearing right that the cemetery moved only a headstone -- *without* the family's permission--and maybe didn't move the casket, too???? What is the name and location of the cemetery and who

2012-02-02 Memorial Gardens:

You could certainly use the members of your church, maybe on Memorial Day as a special activity. See what the relatives of the few buried there would think. Maybe they'd like to be involved. Or hire a

2012-02-01 Memorial Gardens:

There are no legal issues to be addressed. Go right ahead. As a courtesy, you should notify the families.

Funerals

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