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Funerals/cremated remains to Ireland

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Expert: Lisa Carlson - 9/11/2008


Question
I am the executor of an estate in which the deceased wished to have the ashes placed in Ireland.  The Irish Consulate was not helpful.  My Post Office said the ashes could possibly be mailed but I can find no firm info on what forms I may need to either mail them or to accompany them to Ireland.  My airline said it had no restrictions on  them as carry-on, but that I might have problems with airline security. Would you have any information on what I might need to obtain?

Answer
I would think carrying them to Ireland the surest way to get there safely. Just make sure they're in a non-metal container so they can pass thro' the xray. It may be helpful to have a copy of the death certificate and cremation certificate with you, tho' that's unlikely to be needed until you get to the cemetery in Ireland. Such documentation might be requested there. Good luck.

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Lisa Carlson

Expertise

Funeral Law. Having written a 512-page book on funeral law for consumers with state-by-state information, I am very conversant with consumer rights in this regard: What are the laws on disposition of cremated remains? Is embalming required? Do I have to use a funeral home? Can I have a home wake? Is it a state law to buy a vault? I prepaid for a funeral but changed my mind. They won`t give me all my money back. What can I do? . . . If you have an immediate need for information because a death has just occurred or is about to occur, you may call me at 802-482-6021.

Experience

I have monitored the funeral industry on behalf of consumers for over 20 years. I have been a guest speaker to funeral trade organizations, consumer workshops, and social service professionals. I am regularly consulted by lawyers and legislators as well as journalists.

Organizations
Funeral Ethics Organization (www.funeralethics.org) Funeral Consumers Alliance (www.funerals.org)

Publications
Caring for Your Own Dead (1987) Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love (1998) I Died Laughing: Funeral Education with a Light Touch (2001) Final Rights: Reclaiming the American Way of Death (2011) with co-author Joshua Slocum

Education/Credentials
Masters degree in Administration and Special Education

Past/Present Clients
Available as an expert witness for funeral-related court cases.

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