Arranging a funeral is one of life’s hardest and saddest tasks. By familiarising yourself with the rules associated with funerals before you need that information, you will be in a better position to make informed decisions that may prevent you from paying more than you need to.

Introduction to funerals

Last updated

1 July 2022

Many people who find themselves in the position of having to arrange a funeral or cremation are unaware of the full costs involved.

Fewer still are aware that these costs can be reduced substantially by members of the deceased’s family or friends making arrangements themselves, rather than engaging the services of a funeral director.

Hiring a funeral director or a minister is not required by law. Nor does the law require there to be a formal funeral or cremation ceremony.

This chapter explains what the law does require.

Back to
Health, wills and other legal issues affecting older people

Buy the chapter ‘Funerals’