When must cash advance charges be disclosed to families?

The requirement to disclose cash advance charges on the final statement is important for transparency and ensuring that families are fully informed about the costs associated with the services provided. Cash advance charges refer to expenses that the funeral provider pays on behalf of the family and includes things like cemetery fees, flowers, or obituary notices. By disclosing these charges on the final statement, the funeral provider reinforces the commitment to open communication, allowing families to see a complete picture of the financial obligation incurred. This practice also helps families understand what they are being charged for and ensures that there are no surprises after the arrangements have been made.

Providing this information only at the time of service or upon request would not fulfill the legal obligations that protect consumers and could lead to confusion or mistrust. Therefore, including cash advance charges in the final statement is both a regulatory requirement and a best practice in the industry.