Thinking about your funeral may feel uncomfortable—but planning ahead can ease stress for your loved ones and give you control over your final wishes. A pre-arranged funeral plan lets you decide what kind of service you want and pay for it in advance. It’s a way to protect your family from unexpected costs and decisions during a difficult time.
A pre-arranged funeral plan is a contract with a licensed funeral home. You choose the services you want, and you can pay all at once or in installments. Your money is placed in a trust account and held until the funeral is needed.
This type of plan is regulated to protect you and your funds. Funeral homes and their managers must be licensed by the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick, and they must follow specific rules when handling your payments.
The rules for pre-arranged funeral plans apply only to contracts where your money is placed in a trust account. They do not apply to:
Funeral plans paid through insurance contracts
Services purchased directly from a cemetery
When you make a payment:
The funeral home must give you a receipt
Your money must be deposited into a trust account within 10 working days
Within 15 working days, the funeral home must give you proof that your money was deposited in your name at a financial institution
To make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to, funeral homes must use a standard contract form approved by the Commission. Your contract must clearly explain:
The name and date of birth of the person is for (the beneficiary)
Who is paying for the plan (the purchaser)
What goods and services are included, and what’s not
Your rights and the funeral home’s rights if the plan is cancelled or changed or you fail to meet your obligations under the plan
Any cancellation fees or penalties
How much has been paid already
What’s still owing and the due date to pay it
Yes. You or your legal representative can cancel the contract:
Within 7 days: No penalty
After 7 days: A cancellation fee may apply, up to a maximum of $250
If your contract lists a lower cancellation fee, the funeral home must honor the amount listed in the contract.
Planning your funeral in advance can:
Reduce emotional and financial stress for your family
Help ensure your wishes are respected
Give you peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of