Funeral Service Law and Practice

More than a textbook, Funeral Service Law and Practice is a practical reference designed to help funeral service professionals make legally sound decisions, reduce risk, and serve families with confidence, compassion, and integrity.

Drawing on decades of experience as both a licensed attorney and licensed funeral director, Robert D. Sparacio combines legal expertise with real-world funeral service practice to explain the laws, regulations, and ethical principles that govern today's death care profession. Through practical guidance, relevant case law, and firsthand experience, he demonstrates how sound judgment and due diligence can help professionals navigate complex legal issues while preserving the trust families place in them.

Inside, you'll discover how to:

• Understand federal and state laws governing funeral service, including the FTC Funeral Rule, OSHA, the ADA, and state licensing requirements.
• Reduce legal risk through proper documentation, ethical conduct, and sound professional judgment.
• Navigate cremation issues, family disputes, negligence claims, and litigation concerns with confidence.
• Apply legal principles through real-world cases and practical examples from decades of legal and funeral service experience.

Whether preparing for licensure, managing a funeral home, or providing legal counsel to the funeral profession, Funeral Service Law and Practice is an authoritative resource for achieving legal compliance while upholding the professionalism, compassion, and integrity that define exceptional funeral service.

Robert D. Sparacio is a licensed attorney, licensed funeral director, educator, and nationally recognized lecturer with decades of experience in funeral service law. A former law firm partner, funeral home manager, and longtime instructor at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, he has dedicated his career to helping funeral service professionals understand the law, reduce risk, and serve families with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.