AboutLisa Carlson Expertise Funeral Law. Having written a 640-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? . . . etc.
Question What options do I have for transporting the body to the crematorium and recovery of the ashes? I live in Iowa.
Answer The biggest problem will be finding a crematory that is willing to accept the body from a family member rather than a funeral director. If the FDs find out, they're likely to drive 200 miles in the other direction to boycott someone who does that. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the Iowa chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think a lot has changed in 10 years. lisa@funeralethics.org
