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- Lisa Carlson
Funerals/Expert Profile
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
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby | 05/17/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks you Lisa for the answer. I ..... |
| sam | 05/09/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Joanne | 05/07/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Helpful and timely response: Less than two ..... |
| Greg | 05/04/13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | |
| Carmen | 04/26/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you Ms. Carlson for your response ..... |
Recent Answers from Lisa Carlson
2013-05-13 CA law:
That is absolutely allowed in CA. You can download the CA chapter from the Bookstore at www.funerals.org for only $5. That will walk you thro' the whole process without using a funeral director, assuming
2013-05-13 Burial of Ashes in Illinois:
A burial transit permit is not required for cremated remains except in California, unless this is something new in Illinois. The cremation process itself is considered "final disposition" in almost all
2013-05-10 headstone question:
Although he is legally next of kin, he's not the lot-owner if your mother paid for everything. So I don't see how the cemetery can back him up. In Indiana, one can name an agent to handle funeral arrangements
2013-05-10 cases:
1. Irrevocable is to shelter assets for Medicaid eligibility. In some states, you can't assign insurance; they'll have to cash it in getting pennies on the dollar. There is also a limit in many states
2013-05-10 case study:
You're asking me to do your homework, aren't you. 1. No liability. Idiot should know how to drive. 2. Brother who made the arrangements is liable for the cost of the funeral. That said, you should
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