Why Do I Need A Funeral Home If I Only Want Cremation?

Many clients who opt for cremation at Willowbrook Cemetery often ask whether they need the assistance of a funeral home. As direct cremation becomes increasingly common, some families wonder whether the services of a funeral director are necessary and what the other cremation options are.

Why Do I Need A Funeral Home If I Only Want Cremation?

The answer to this question varies depending on the state and cremation service provider, as it may depend on whether or not the provider has its own crematory. There are other reasons you will need a funeral home while choosing cremation options.

• While most states do not require a funeral director, some jurisdictions mandate their involvement in handling the death certificate, the necessary funeral service papers, plus transportation authorizations. This is because a funeral director is required to file the death certificate. They must also dispose of the body.
• Apart from legal requirements, working with a funeral home can be beneficial in many ways. For instance, direct cremation only involves the cremation process itself and does not include any viewing, visitation, or memorial service.
• After death, the transfer of the mortal remains to the mortuary or crematorium occurs, and the body will rest for a few days while the family completes the paperwork and gets the necessary licenses.
• Once the mandatory paperwork has been submitted, they can use a basic cremation container and the cremated ashes are handed to the decedents to the family in a basic temporary urn.
• The funeral director is responsible for organizing transportation for the deceased and assisting the family with the necessary paperwork for the coroner's report. A funeral home's cremation services offer the bare minimum required, as the cost of direct cremation is generally low. However, it's essential to inquire about any direct cremation packages available at the funeral home of your choice.
• Aside from direct cremation, some funeral homes offer concierge services, which include extra services like copies of the death certificate, obituary notices, and premium cremation urns. Therefore, while it may not be mandatory to work with a funeral home, it is advisable to do so to avoid any legal complications and to ensure that all necessary paperwork and arrangements are handled smoothly.

Please call the Willowbrook Cemetery team for any information about burial plots and cemetery options at our grounds. We can help you choose a serene final resting place for your departed loved one at our cemetery. You can contact us via the form or number on this page.