Burial Cost Confusion For One Chattanooga Family

CHATTANOOGA,TN, (WDEF)-George Gossett believed his mother had signed up for burial insurance at Lakewood Memory Gardens.

When she died, Gossett discovered her documentation and paperwork did not add up with what he had expected.

"She understood when she purchased it that if something happened to her from that day forward she was told that the money was receeded and if something happened to her the day she walked out the door, she had phoned, or check in or cleared the bank that all her expenses would be paid and she paid on it monthly"

Gossett called an attorney for help sorting out burial documentation and phrasing.  He’s concerned others could also be left footing a bill they never planned for.

"The public needs to know because there is no recourse when the person has passed away she can’t come back and argue the point"

However Lakewood Memory Gardens West told News 12 they don’t even offer burial insurance, and George’s mother actually signed up for a completely different policy.

Their Sales Director, Brooke Austin, added in an official statement that.

"To provide additional protection to the purchaser we guarantee ownership of the property, goods and services… Provided that the customer is under the age of 65 and employed and in good health". This Austin added is part of a guarantee ownership option which was not checked off on this customer review list from 2012 which was also signed and dated by George’s then living mother. Austin says George’s mother was not eligible for this optional add on, being unemployed, in poor health and in her early 80s.

The BBB say these situations can be avoided.

Jim Winsett, BBB Chattanooga President."That just leads back to any type of contractual dispute which we encounter quite often that is the reading the fine detail in the contract"

Winsett added that planning and filing of paperwork with your loved ones before they pass is vital in preventing situations like this from arising.

"Funeral homes and people who provide burial services are highly regulated. However, in turn they speak with people about these services and provide a complete listing of the costs and services"

Lakewood Memory Gardens West said they are willing to help families who are confused and concerned about end of life planning.

For more information:

http://www.bbb.org/chattanooga/
http://www.burialplanning.com/cemeteries/lakewood-memorial-gardens-west/
http://www.tn.gov/regboards/funeral/