After a funeral firm is sold, who must notify the consumer who has money in trust?

• A. The new owner
• B. The former owner
• C. Both the new and former owner, or the estate of the former owner, or both the persons currently and formerly having control over such monies
• D. The department

Answer: (C)

When money is paid into a funeral trust, the person who controls those funds is responsible for keeping the consumer informed about who now controls them if ownership changes. After a funeral firm is sold, both the new owner (the one who takes over) and the former owner (or the estate of the former owner, if applicable) must notify the consumer who has money in trust. In other words, anyone currently or formerly having control over the trust funds has a duty to communicate that change to the consumer. This helps ensure the consumer knows where their funds are and who will handle them, maintaining transparency and protecting the consumer’s rights. The department isn’t the direct notifier in this situation; the obligation rests with the individuals or entities that control the trust monies.