Legal Questions

Is embalming required?
In Pennsylvania, embalming is not required by law except in certain cases. Call us for more information (800) 944-9365.

Must I buy an "outside container"?
Pennsylvania law does not require an "outside container". However, most cemeteries require that one is used. We provide "outside containers" at many price levels. Call us for prices at (800) 944-9365.

What is a "Statement of Goods and Services Selected"?
This is a form that must be completed by a licensed funeral director and signed by the person responsible for making the arrangements and payment of the expenses.

Is an urn or an urn vault required?
No, unless a cemetery requires one or the other. We can provide quality urns and urn vaults at reasonable prices. Call us at (800) 944-9365.

Is embalming required for cremation?
Not in Pennsylvania except for certain situations. Call us for more information at (800) 944-9365.

A salesman showed me caskets, vaults, and a preneed payment schedule. What should I do?
Proceed with caution. Insist on seeing a funeral director license. Call us for a comparison price at (800) 944-9365.

What is a GPL?
A General Price List is required to be given to every person before any arrangements or pre-arrangements are discussed. Insist on taking (and keeping) one.

How do I get a death certificate for a relative of mine who passed away?
Death certificates are issued through the Department of Vital Statistics. To have an application sent to you call (800) 842-5040 or write to Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103-1528. We would also be happy to send you an application. Just contact us at (800) 944-9365 or write to The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.

Pre-Arrangement Questions

Do I have to pay in advance for my pre-arrangements?
Not with us. Your word is as good as it always was. Payment is required if you wish to have current prices frozen so that you do not have to pay any additional charges at the time of death.

Should I cash in my insurance policies in order to pay for my preneed funeral arrangements?
Absolutely not! There is no reason to cash in a life insurance policy in order to prepay funeral expenses. Call us for details at (800) 944-9365.

Is it possible to have my funeral be the way I want it?
Pre-arranging your funeral with us means that in addition to relieving others of what might be difficult decisions, you can make choices about your own preferences. Call us at (800) 944-9365 for more information.

I don't want a traditional funeral. Is this possible?
Certainly. Funerals provide the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of a life that has been lived and memories of the person who lived it. There is no single "proper" funeral service. Call us for up-to-date information and options at (800) 944-9365.

Would I save money purchasing a casket, vault, or other funeral merchandise from a salesman?
As with everything you buy, it is wise to shop around. Our prices have been found to usually be below so called "bargain prices".

We do a lot of traveling. What should we do if death occurs away from home?
No matter where you are, what time it is, or whether you've made pre-arrangements with us or not, all you have to do is call us toll free at (800) 944-9365. We have years of experience dealing with deaths that occur anywhere in the world. So take flight, enjoy and don't worry!

I received a telemarketing call to pre-arrange me funeral. What should I do?
As with any telemarketing call, use caution. Insist that you deal with a licensed funeral director. It is the law!