Cremation Planning Checklist

March 7, 2017

When you lose a loved one, the last thing you want to try and remember all the details of planning a funeral service and scheduling events. That’s why we have compiled a Cremation Planning Checklist to reference in your time of need. Plus, we’ve put together a downloadable guide to help you navigate all the questions surrounding cremation.

The Decision

  • Talk to your family about cremation long before the time for decision arises. Knowing what direction a loved wants taken, clarifies the decision and shapes your plans.
  • Consider the benefits of cremation. When it comes to burial choices, cremation is actually very affordable. Cremation is a very streamlined process that allows for more choice when it comes to the disposition of the remains.
  • Choose a funeral home. Finding a funeral home with a crematory is best done far in advance. The funeral home’s funeral director can help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

The Preparation

  • Prepare necessary legal documents. Like every legal process, cremation requires certain documents. Typically, these documents will include the following.
  • Cremation Authorization Form is typically needed by your place of choice for cremation. This is to be signed by family members with legal authority.
  • A certified copy of a  Death Certificate.
  • Both of these forms are transmitted to the local coroner’s office and they will issue a  Cremation Permit .
  • Pre-fund your cremation . If you haven’t taken steps already, consider starting a separate fund for cremation and funeral costs or checking on your existing life policies to make sure there will be sufficient coverage in your time of need.

The Process

  • Schedule the cremation. You should be conscious that the typical time frame for cremation is between 5-7 days after the date of passing. Plans should be made for funeral and memorial services before entering into the process in order to fit the time frame.
  • Consider how involved you want to be. When a loved one enters into the cremation process, you should consider how involved in the process you want to be. Most facilities allow the loved ones of the deceased a last look before entering into the process.
  • Decide who will collect the urn after the process is finished.
  • Consider the timing of the memorial service . Some families prefer to have the urn present during their memorial services. Make sure to keep this in mind when scheduling the cremation.

Cremation Planning – Pre-Planning Makes it Easy

The cremation process is a streamlined and fairly simple process. Pre-planning the funeral and cremation can save your family from a lot of stress when they are trying to grieve. Choosing a funeral home ahead of time is essential to making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Our funeral directors will work with you to plan a fitting memorial service and to answer your questions about cremation planning.


Cremation




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