Can I be my own "funeral director" if a family member dies as we (spouse and I) have made arrangements for a home wake/funeral. We have all of the directives written down, our caskets in the basement etc. In Iowa the FUNERAL DIRECTOR signs the initial death certificate. Unles it's a 'suspicious' death... am trying to get away from that.

Hi, bls46!

There is information that can be found via clicking on the following links that should be helpful to you. I hope that it is!

From what I have read, it would appear that you can be your own funeral director in Iowa, as long as certain conditions are met.

Caring for Your Own Dead (http://www.funerals.org/your-legal-rights/caring-for-your-own-dead)

Funeral Regulations in North America | ISNA (http://www.isna.net/Services/pages/Funeral-Regulations-in-North-America.aspx)

http://www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs/Documents/Publications/LegalAdvisory/Final_Disposition_Act.pdf

IFDA (http://www.iafda.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=147)

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rulemaking/funeral/comments/Merged%20ICFA-Exh%20A.pdf

Thanks!