Rancho Mirage cremation dispute launches state investigation

Holding a picture of her deceased mother, Amanda Knobloch says this year, the holidays are especially hard.

67-year-old Karol Spohn passed away at home, in her sleep, on November 12.

“She was a very caring and loving woman that would do anything for people that needed help,” said Knobloch.

Before she died, Knobloch says her mother purchased a “pre-need arrangement package” with Trident Society in Rancho Mirage, which included cremation services, an urn, and a wooden box to store the urn.

After Karol passed, representatives for Trident picked up the body to burn her remains.

But, Amanda says the men were “joking” and “laughing” when they took her mother’s body from the house.

“I’m very disappointed in how they treated my mother, and myself, and my family,” said Knobloch.

After deciding she didn’t want Trident to cremate her mother, Amanda says she requested that Trident release the body to a different cremation services provider.

But Knobloch says a representative for Trident Society told her the body would not be released until she first paid $319 dollars for “transportation fees”.

However, under state law, requiring payment before a body is released is illegal.

Not knowing that at the time, Knobloch paid the money.

“i just wish i had done more research when i was trying to help my mom plan this ahead,” said Knobloch.

After learning about state laws regulating cremation service providers, Knobloch says she filed a complaint against Trident with the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, and a representative for the agency told us they are conducting an investigation.

Amanda says she also disputed the payment she made to the company, and the bank has returned her money.

She also wants Trident Society to take back its “memorabilia chest” and refund the $1,200 her mother paid the business.

We went to the Trident Society office in Rancho Mirage to give them a chance to tell their side of the story. However, a manager we spoke with would not comment on-camera but told us a company media relations representative would contact us.

The representative responded with an email, writing quote, “Trident Society strongly disputes the facts as presented. However, as part of our commitment to all of our client families, we guard their privacy, and because of this, we cannot discuss the specific details of these client arrangements with the media.”

Knobloch says she’s not sure if Trident will refund any money.

Even if they don’t, she says she wants to “get the word out” about her experience.

“I just want somebody anybody that is considering to go through Trident to consider what I’ve gone through, and to do their research,” said Knobloch.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs has posted a complete list of your rights, along with what you need to know, if and when you need to bury or cremate a loved one.

The list includes the following recommendations:

“When you contract for services with a funeral establishment, the law requires it to give you an itemized statement of your choices, including estimates of any costs that are unknown at the time.”

“To be sure that the funeral establishment, funeral director, crematory, crematory manager, private or fraternal cemetery, and private or fraternal cemetery managers are licensed by the State and in good standing, call the Department of Consumer Affairs toll-free at (800) 952-5210, TDD (800) 326-2297, or the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau office at (916) 574-7870. You can also check the license online at www.cfb.ca.gov/consumer/lookup.shtml.”

“You may want to make your arrangements in advance but not prepay for them. Keep in mind that over time prices may go up and businesses may close or change ownership. You may also move to another location or change your arrangements. It’s a good idea to review and revise your decision every few years, and you should make sure your family is aware of your wishes. Put your wishes in writing, give copies to family members and your attorney, and keep a copy in a place where it can be easily accessed.”

Click here to find the complete list of consumer rights in California.

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