Very interesting responses. Always amazed at how many people have the answers to funeral/ cremation laws. I have been and currently still am a licensed funeral director for over 30+ years. It is unfortunate, but over the past few years most funeral homes require funds/payment before any services are done (cremation or earth burial). Often times families do not have funds immediately available to pay for funeral/cremation expenses and this could ultimately cause a delay in the funeral process. I do not know of any funeral home that wants to hold a deceased individual for any length of time waiting for families to secure the proper funds or agree on what services are best for the family. Making these decision on "emotions" is not the proper time. The best piece of advice is to have an idea of what your final request may be and express that with your family. Although they can still do as they wish once you are deceased (unless you have a Authorization for Final Disposition Instructions signed and notarized). A deceased person does not have "any" legal rights, your family speaks on your behalf. For those of you who think a Will is the best choice, remember those are typically read well after a death occurs. Many decision will need to be made before any Will is read or found for that matter. As an owner of two funeral homes, I am not a big promoter of "Pre-Funding" funerals which many of my colleagues would disagree with me on. Everyone has different financial situations, pre-funding does have its benefits but I feel that is a personal choice. However, I am an advocate for understanding what you may want and what those services will cost and how they will be paid for. Educate yourself, this is certainly a very uncomfortable topic to talk about with spouse, children and friends, but I do not know of anyone that will get out of this crazy world alive.... you do not go to the grocery store, hardware store, doctor, ect... without having to pay for services rendered, why are funeral homes any different?
It is so frustrating to hear people say, "it's just so difficult to talk about" or "I'll let me kids make the decision when I die". Then when that time does come, people are "shocked" at what it costs and what is all involved in the process. Educate yourself and your families it will be a "little easier" when that dreaded day does come. Don't listen to your neighbors, they could be the "uneducated know it all"!!
retiredguy123..... takes 10 minute phone call to arrange a cremation??? You are definitely the "Uneducated Individual"! Waste Management might be your best option.
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