How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Delaware?
Funeral homes in 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states charge a median of $6,393Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source for a funeral with a viewing and burial and $2,290Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source for a direct cremation. No Delaware price lists are in these figures.
Across 276Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of a funeral with a viewing and burial is $6,393Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from Delaware. The price covers the basic services fee, the transfer of the remains to the funeral home, embalming and other preparation, use of the facilities for the viewing and the ceremony, the hearse, and the lowest-priced casket the funeral home sells. A graveside service and burial with no viewing costs a median of $5,700Median of 709 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. Cemetery charges are separate.
Across 864Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of a direct cremation, a cremation with no viewing or ceremony, is $2,290Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from Delaware. One price list in ten charges $1,195Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source or less, and one in ten charges $3,655Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source or more. A memorial service and an urn cost extra.
Across 780Median of 780 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of an immediate burial, a burial with no viewing or ceremony, is $3,500Median of 780 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from Delaware. A graveside service and burial, with a hearse and the lowest-priced casket the funeral home sells, costs a median of $5,700Median of 709 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. Neither figure includes the cemetery's charges for the plot, opening and closing the grave, or the marker.
Yes. Under federal law, a funeral home must give a general price list16 CFR 453.2(b)(4)Verified Nov 9, 2026View source to anyone who asks in person about its goods, services or prices. The list is printed, shows the date its prices took effect, and is handed over at the start of that conversation. It prices each item separately, so the same items can be compared from one funeral home to the next.
A funeral home's price list covers only the funeral home's own goods and services. The cemetery charges separately for the plot, opening and closing the grave, and the marker. Anything the funeral home pays others on the family's behalf is added to the bill: a separate crematory's fee, clergy, an obituary and flowers. There is a public program in Delaware for a family that cannot pay: Indigent burial at public expense, ordered by the Delaware Division of Social ServicesDel. Code tit. 31, § 110Verified Oct 17, 2026View source. The Delaware burial and cremation laws page has the details.
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Learn moreForms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Delaware
Free Delaware forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for Delaware.
Renunciation of Executor
In Delaware, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveKent County Register of Wills Forms Library (Renunciation Form, Rev. 9.11.2025); 12 Del. C. § 1502(b)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Delaware, the Distribution Without Lettersdelcode.delaware.gov: 12 Del. C. § 2306Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $50,000delcode.delaware.gov: 12 Del. C. § 2306Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 daysdelcode.delaware.gov: 12 Del. C. § 2306Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Delaware, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysDel. Code tit. 12, §§ 1904, 1905, 1908, 1910Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Delaware, the personal representative is discharged by court order12 Del. C. §§ 2302(d), 2303(a), 2335, 2338(a)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Last Will and Testament
In Delaware, a will is signed before 212 Del. C. § 202Verified Oct 18, 2026View source witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimony12 Del. C. § 202Verified Oct 18, 2026View source.
Codicil to a Will
In Delaware, a codicil is signed before 212 Del. C. § 202Verified Oct 18, 2026View source witnesses, like a will, and the self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimony12 Del. C. § 1305Verified Oct 25, 2026View source.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Delaware
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in Delaware: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for Delaware.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Delaware costs an estimated $33,96412 Del. C. § 2305 (fees "as provided by rule of the Court of Chancery"; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 2.5%Modeled estimate under 12 Del. C. § 2305 (fees "as provided by rule of the Court of Chancery"; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.9%Modeled estimate under 12 Del. C. § 2305 (fees "as provided by rule of the Court of Chancery"; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Delaware, descendants divide what passes to them per stirpes12 Del. C. § 503Verified Oct 21, 2026View source, and an heir must survive the decedent by 120 hours12 Del. C. § 504Verified Oct 21, 2026View source to inherit.
What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
Delaware allows you to name your own agent in advanceDel. Code tit. 12, §§ 262, 265; Del. Code tit. 5, §§ 3401-3411Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Delaware levies no estate or inheritance taxNo state estate or inheritance tax. Estate tax (30 Del. C. ch. 15, §§ 1501-1507) repealed outright by 81 Del. Laws, c. 52, § 1 (HB 16, 149th Gen. Assem.), effective for estates of decedents dying after Dec. 31, 2017; inheritance tax (30 Del. C. ch. 13, §§ 1301-1314) repealed by 71 Del. Laws, c. 353, § 10, effective Jan. 1, 1999; gift tax (30 Del. C. ch. 14) repealed by 71 Del. Laws, c. 130, § 1.Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; only the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
Delaware imposes no inheritance or estate taxNo state estate or inheritance tax. Estate tax (30 Del. C. ch. 15, §§ 1501-1507) repealed outright by 81 Del. Laws, c. 52, § 1 (HB 16, 149th Gen. Assem.), effective for estates of decedents dying after Dec. 31, 2017; inheritance tax (30 Del. C. ch. 13, §§ 1301-1314) repealed by 71 Del. Laws, c. 353, § 10, effective Jan. 1, 1999; gift tax (30 Del. C. ch. 14) repealed by 71 Del. Laws, c. 130, § 1.Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 9 months to 12 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in Delaware take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces ordinary income tax at the state's regular rates30 Del. C. § 1102(a)(14) (graduated 2.2%–6.6% individual income tax)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Are the Estate Laws in My State?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Delaware costs an estimated $33,96412 Del. C. § 2305 (fees "as provided by rule of the Court of Chancery"; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source and takes 9 months to 12 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees of typically 2.5%Modeled estimate under 12 Del. C. § 2305 (fees "as provided by rule of the Court of Chancery"; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.9%Modeled estimate under 12 Del. C. § 2305 (fees "as provided by rule of the Court of Chancery"; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate. Estates under $50,000delcode.delaware.gov: 12 Del. C. § 2306Verified Sep 8, 2026View source can use a small-estate procedure instead.
Delaware Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Delaware probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
