Glossary of Funeral Terms

Funds from a Totten trust or Payable On Death (POD) accounts are earmarked to cover anticipated funeral costs. When the covered person dies, the money passes automatically to a designated beneficiary without having to go through probate. The funds are intended to be used to cover funeral expenses, but the beneficiary has the freedom to use the funds however they wish.

A traditional funeral service is held in the presence of the deceased. The body may be either in an open or closed casket. The funeral service usually takes place within two or three days of the death.