Step-by-Step Process for Filing Complaints Against Funeral Homes in New Jersey

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and the last thing you want to experience is an issue with the funeral home handling the services.

This how-to guide will walk you through the steps to make a complaint against a funeral home in New Jersey through the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science.

Types of funeral home negligence that may lead to the filing of a complaint may include the following:

• Losing the remains of the deceased
• Providing the wrong decedent’s remains at the funeral service
• Mishandling the body of the decedent
• Selling parts/organs of the deceased’s body
• Performing sexual acts on the decedent’s remains
• Stealing personal property from the decedent
• Failing to embalm, bury, or cremate a decedent properly
• Cremating or burial without proper authorization
• Burying the wrong body
• Using the wrong gravesite
• Unlicensed funeral home staff handling the deceased

Step 1: Gather All Necessary Information

Gathering all the relevant information about the incident is important before you can file a complaint. Relevant pieces of information may include:

• The name and address of the funeral home
• Date of the incident or service
• A detailed description of the issue or problem you encountered
• Any supporting documentation, such as contracts, receipts, or correspondence
• Contact information for any witnesses or other individuals involved

Step 2: Contact the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science

Once you have all the necessary information, you can contact the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science to report your complaint. You may contact them at (973) 504-6425 or their website.

Step 3: Submit Your Complaint

After contacting the Board, you will receive instructions on submitting your complaint. Filing a complaint may involve filling out a complaint form asking for details about the incident and the funeral home involved. Be sure to provide as much information as possible and attach any supporting documents you have gathered. Once your complaint is submitted, the Board will review the information and determine if further investigation is warranted.

Step 4: Follow Up on Your Complaint

After you have submitted your complaint, the Board may contact you for additional information or to clarify any details. Be prepared to provide any necessary follow-up information and cooperate with the investigation. The Board may inform you about your complaint’s status and any actions taken against the funeral home.

Step 5: Consider Speaking with an Attorney

If your complaint is unresolved or you believe additional action is necessary, you may want to speak with a funeral home negligence lawyer. An attorney handling funeral home negligence cases can help you understand your legal options and guide you on the best action to address your concerns. You may be entitled to financial compensation for the negligent acts of the funeral home, crematory, or cemetery.

Dealing with a problematic funeral home after losing a loved one can be challenging. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can complain against a funeral home in New Jersey and protect other families from having similar issues. State funeral boards exist to protect consumers like you and ensure that funeral homes maintain a high standard of service.