North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

What happens if a funeral contract beneficiary wishes to change funeral homes after a death has occurred?

1. The original funeral home must agree

2. The funeral home need not be a preneed licensee

3. An additional fee is incurred

4. The contract becomes void

The correct answer is: The funeral home need not be a preneed licensee

The correct answer highlights that when a beneficiary wishes to change funeral homes after a death has occurred, the funeral home they choose does not necessarily need to hold a preneed license. This is significant in North Carolina funeral law because the state requires certain licenses for preneed contracts, which are agreements made before death outlining funeral services and costs. However, once a death occurs, the contract's requirements change, and a new agreement can be made without the necessity for the new funeral home to have a preneed license. Understanding this helps clarify that beneficiaries have the freedom to select a funeral provider that best meets their needs during a challenging time, regardless of whether that provider was involved with a preneed arrangement. This aspect of funeral law supports consumer choice and ensures that families can easily accommodate their preferences when arranging final services for their loved ones.