How Stillpoint works

You begin by sharing a few basic details through Stillpoint. This helps us understand what kind of support may fit your situation.

You may be planning after a recent death. Or you may be planning ahead for yourself or someone else. You may already know you want burial or cremation. Or you may still be deciding. All of that is okay.

Helpful details can include:
- whether you need help now or are planning ahead
- the city or ZIP code where services may be needed
- whether you are considering burial, cremation, or a memorial service
- whether you want a simple arrangement or something more traditional
- any language needs or special concerns

You do not need to know every answer before you begin. If you are unsure, you can say that. A simple starting point is enough.

If you want more background before you begin, you can read about at-need arrangements or pre-planning.

After you share your needs, Stillpoint helps match you with licensed funeral homes or cremation providers near you. This matching service is free to families.

We are not choosing for you. We are helping you find providers you can contact and compare. The provider should be licensed in your state, and it is wise to verify that license yourself.

A match may be helpful if:
- you do not know which providers serve your area
- you want to compare a few options instead of calling many places on your own
- you would feel more at ease with a clearer starting point

Stillpoint does not make arrangements on your behalf. We do not direct the service, handle the remains, or sell funeral goods. We simply help connect you with providers who may be able to help.

If you are not ready to speak with anyone yet, that is okay too. You can take time to read, think, and come back when you are ready. You can also learn more about how matching works.

Once you have matched with providers, ask each one for its General Price List, often called a GPL. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you an itemized GPL when you ask in person, and many will also share pricing information by phone or electronically.

The GPL can help you see what each provider charges for specific goods and services. This matters because prices and packages can vary, even in the same area.

When you compare providers, ask for prices in writing and look for:
- basic services fee
- transfer or transportation fees
- cremation or burial-related charges
- use of facilities or staff for a viewing or ceremony
- casket, urn, or alternative container options
- cemetery charges, if burial is being considered
- cash advance items, such as certified copies of the death certificate or obituary charges, if applicable

A few important rights can help protect your family:
- You have the right to buy only the goods and services you want.
- You have the right to use a casket or urn bought somewhere else.
- You have the right to decline embalming where it is not legally required.
- Embalming is rarely required by law.

Prices you hear from providers are often typical ranges, not guaranteed quotes, until the provider confirms details in writing. Ask each provider for its GPL and confirm the final price for the exact choices you want. You can also review funeral rule rights if you want a simple summary of these protections.

After you review your options, the decision stays with you. You choose the provider you trust, the level of service you want, and the amount you feel able to spend.

For some families, the right choice is the lowest-cost simple cremation or burial. For others, it is a provider who offers more support for a viewing, ceremony, or gathering. There is no single correct path.

As you decide, you may want to consider:
- whether the provider listened respectfully
- whether prices were clear and itemized
- whether your cultural, religious, or family wishes were understood
- whether the provider explained what is included and what costs extra
- whether you felt rushed or pressured

You do not owe anyone a decision before you are ready. A good provider should answer your questions with patience and clarity.

If you are comparing service types, these overviews may help: burial and cremation.

Stillpoint is here to make the process easier to understand, not harder. Our matching service is free for families, and there is no obligation to choose any provider you are matched with.

You can use Stillpoint if you want:
- a calmer place to begin
- help understanding common funeral and cremation choices
- a way to compare providers without feeling alone in the process

You can also stop at any point. Some families use Stillpoint only to learn. Others use it to get matched and compare options. You decide how much help you want.

If you are exploring pre-need planning or final-expense funding, it is important to know these are not the same thing. A pre-need contract is an arrangement for future funeral goods or services. Final-expense insurance is an insurance product sold through a licensed agent. Stillpoint does not sell either. If you look into these options, ask whether your money is protected and who is responsible for the funds or policy.

Many people come to this process without experience. That is normal. You may be making decisions while tired, grieving, or trying to help other family members. Small, clear steps can make things more manageable.

Stillpoint helps by narrowing the first few steps:
1. Tell us what kind of help you need.
2. Receive matches with licensed providers near you.
3. Ask for itemized price lists and compare your options.
4. Choose the provider and services that fit your wishes.

You remain in control the whole time. Our role is to support understanding and connection, not to make the decisions for you.