Can funeral establishments in Missouri charge a fee for handling a body?

In Missouri, funeral establishments are allowed to charge for the services they provide, including the handling of a body. This encompasses various tasks such as preparing the body for viewing, embalming, and transportation to the funeral home. These services are considered part of the overall funeral arrangements and are essential for meeting the needs of the deceased's family and fulfilling legal obligations.

The ability to charge for these services allows funeral homes to maintain their operations and provide the necessary care and respect for the deceased. It is important for families to understand the pricing associated with these services during their decision-making process, and funeral homes are required to provide a clear disclosure of their fees in accordance with regulations.

Because of this framework, options suggesting that handling a body must be complimentary or that fees apply only in specific circumstances like cremation or out-of-state transport do not reflect the legal and operational realities of funeral practices in Missouri.