North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

Who is best described as the "preneed funeral contract beneficiary"?

1. An assistant funeral director

2. Myrtle Franks, an attorney who pre-arranged her own funeral

3. The funeral home owner

4. A relative of the deceased

The correct answer is: Myrtle Franks, an attorney who pre-arranged her own funeral

The term "preneed funeral contract beneficiary" refers specifically to an individual who has entered into a preneed funeral contract, which is an agreement to arrange funeral and burial services in advance of death. In this context, Myrtle Franks, an attorney who has pre-arranged her own funeral, perfectly exemplifies this role. As the beneficiary of her own preneed contract, she is the person for whom the funeral services have been planned and agreed upon. This ensures that her wishes regarding her funeral arrangements are documented and will be honored when the time comes. This concept is critical in funeral law, as it allows individuals to make specific arrangements regarding their final wishes and can ease the burden on their loved ones during a difficult time. In contrast, the other individuals mentioned in the options do not fit the definition of a preneed funeral contract beneficiary. An assistant funeral director and the funeral home owner are involved in the execution of the funeral services but do not benefit from a preneed contract themselves. A relative of the deceased may be involved in arrangements following a person's passing but is not the individual who has specifically arranged for their own funeral in advance. Thus, the correct answer highlights the important distinction of who initiates and benefits from the prene