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| Subject | Date Asked |
| home burial | 2/9/2012 |
| Q: I have 11.5 acres outside of town near Weaverville CA, in trinity County. I read some of the ... A: I know you didn't ask about pets but tho't you'd find it interesting. These are from the Health and ... | |
| Burial in Alabama | 2/9/2012 |
| Q: Is it legal to burial a person(family member on your private property or does the state require the ... A: No state laws either allow or prohibit home burial. Check with the local zoning. If you're in a ... | |
| Private Cemetery Care | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: We would like to know how to insure that family cemetery is cared for and protected for future ... A: One must be buried in an "established" cemetery in Indiana. Is there already a cemetery on your ... | |
| private burial missouri | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: When you bury a loved one on your private property in missouri, is a land survey showing the burial ... A: I don't think so. And I'm sure they don't want the responsibility for say mowing. :-) ... | |
| private burial missouri | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: When you bury a loved one on your private property in missouri, is a land survey showing the burial ... A: According to the statutes, land--not to exceed one acre--should be deeded in trust to the county ... | |
| moving a grave | 2/4/2012 |
| Q: Is it legal in north carolina to only move the head stone to another location in grave site move. ... A: WOW! Am I hearing right that the cemetery moved only a headstone -- *without* the family's ... | |
| Memorial Gardens | 2/2/2012 |
| Q: Our church has a small "memorial garden" with the cremains of approximately 35 members of our ... A: You could certainly use the members of your church, maybe on Memorial Day as a special activity. See ... | |
| caskets | 1/31/2012 |
| Q: do you legally have to have a casket for burial in OH-if I were to die at home it would be easier to ... A: No, a casket isn't required for burial by law, but the cemetery might require one. To get ... | |
| renting a casket | 1/31/2012 |
| Q: do they rent casket in Georgia A: There's no law saying they can't rent caskets in GA. Some probably do and some don't, hoping you'll ... | |
| Missouri burial laws | 1/26/2012 |
| Q: Do we have to use a funeral home/director in the state of Missouri? I would like to bypass the ... A: Yes, that would be permissible. Go to www.funerals.org--you can download the MO chapter for only $5 ... | |
| embalming for cremation | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: My mother is "in hospice" presently, but dying of gall bladder cancer. She is down to 90lbs. We live ... A: Most funeral homes require embalming for any public viewing. The state law is a little muddled on ... | |
| private family cemetary | 1/11/2012 |
| Q: What are the requirements to start a family cemetary on one acre of land? A: Georgia has no laws specifically allowing or prohibiting home burial. If your acre is in a rural ... | |
| Right to install Grave marker | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: My wife passed away 3 years ago and is buried along with her father and mother in one of four ... A: In some US states there is a probate court where such issues can be settled without hiring a lawyer, ... | |
| fetal miscarage | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: My wife past 7 years ago and was buried in a cemetery. I was just informed that my brother in laws ... A: At five months the state typically requires a fetal death certificate. But because the baby was so ... | |
| Right to install Grave marker | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: My wife passed away 3 years ago and is buried along with her father and mother in one of four ... A: How terribly sad for you and your family. I am not that conversant with Canadian law. That said, as ... | |
| Family Cemetery | 1/6/2012 |
| Q: Lisa, We have a small family cemetery in rural KY. It is very small (1/2) acre. My question is how ... A: Write them a letter saying that you need to limit burials because of the small size and ask that ... | |
| disinterment and reburial of father | 12/30/2011 |
| Q: My father dies in 1978 and now my step mother has died. My father was buried in the town he resided ... A: This is very much a gray area of the law, as the statutes aren't at all specific. A disinterment ... | |
| cemetery plot ownership | 12/17/2011 |
| Q: I live in Ohio. My great-grandfather owned 6 plots - 4 of which are used. His son, my grandfather ... A: Who owns the cemetery--a religious group, a municipality, a nonprofit organization, or a for-profit ... | |
| Cemetery installation fees and additional 'administration' fees | 12/17/2011 |
| Q: Carlson, I own and operate Midwest Monument Co. in Indianapolis, IN and have provided monument and ... A: Clearly that cemetery (Anderson? Maplewood? I'm guessing) is not only violating the state statute ... | |
| Plot mix up | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: my father had purchased 3 plots years ago....2 are already used and the last remaining one is for ... A: If my search is right then this is in Humble or Porter. By *all* means talk to the funeral home ... | |
| Plot mix up | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: my father had purchased 3 plots years ago....2 are already used and the last remaining one is for ... A: Who owns the cemetery? Do you by any chance have a copy of the original purchase documents or deed? ... | |
| How to stop a grave from being moved | 12/8/2011 |
| Q: My daughters father passed away two years ago, we visit his site often to pay our respects and tell ... A: No, but you might be able to get that information from the cemetery. If he were to be moved from ... | |
| How to stop a grave from being moved | 12/7/2011 |
| Q: My daughters father passed away two years ago, we visit his site often to pay our respects and tell ... A: Who paid for his funeral and the cemetery plot? I'm guessing if you weren't married that his family ... | |
| dad with cancer | 12/4/2011 |
| Q: hi i live in va and my 87 yr dad is living with me when he pases away what is the least cost to ... A: Is there a possibility that cremation would be acceptable? That would be the least expensive. You ... | |
| Refusal to bury | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: Carlson: My father passed away in May, 2011. His mother, sister, brother, and numerous other ... A: Alas, in all states, religious cemeteries are allowed to create their own rules and regulations. I ... | |
| FAMILY FUNERAL | 11/29/2011 |
| Q: WE ARE HAVEING ALOT OF TROUBLE FINDING OUT ABOUT A FAMILY FUNERAL HERE IN PADUCAH KY THE CORNOR ... A: How wonderful you found a funeral director to work with at a reasonable price. Send him my regards. ... | |
| Burial?? | 11/27/2011 |
| Q: My mother passed away in 1975, And since that time their isn't any room near her for me to be buried ... A: You could have cremated remains added to the same lot without a lot of digging. But for body burial, ... | |
| moving a buried body to a different funeral plot in a different cemetary | 11/27/2011 |
| Q: Ms. Carlson, I have a dilemma. When we buried my father 20 years ago, we purchased only one plot to ... A: It's likely to cost around $7,000 as a new casket will probably be needed after all these years ... | |
| Planning my final arrangements | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: I'm not ill, I'm apparently in excellent health, but I am going to be 65 in two months and have ... A: It sounds to me as if you need a new executor, your lawyer perhaps? Any best friend you could ask? ... | |
| FAMILY FUNERAL | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: WE ARE HAVEING ALOT OF TROUBLE FINDING OUT ABOUT A FAMILY FUNERAL HERE IN PADUCAH KY THE CORNOR ... A: Show all of those involved the KY chapter and that it was reviewed by the Attorney General's office. ... | |
| Can cremation ashes be divided?(Indiana) | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: Will the funeral home divide cremation ashes - larger part for burial and a smaller part given to ... A: Regarding the division of cremated remains, it really depends on who has control. That said, "who ... | |
| Stepmother is planning to have my mothers grave moved | 11/25/2011 |
| Q: My mother died in 1975. My father purchased two plots together at the time of her death. He had a ... A: I think your step-mother inherited the unoccupied spot your father intended for himself. But NOT ... | |
| Stepmother is planning to have my mothers grave moved | 11/24/2011 |
| Q: My mother died in 1975. My father purchased two plots together at the time of her death. He had a ... A: In TX, a disinterment may be done with the permission of the cemetery, of the lot owner (obviously ... | |
| Refrigeration of body | 11/24/2011 |
| Q: In Florida, must the body always be buried or cremated within 24 hours to avoid embalming, or can it ... A: YES! Refrigeration is a legal alternative to embalming. Some hospitals will hold the body, also. ... | |
| Open-Air Cremation | 11/15/2011 |
| Q: Carlson: I am a mortuary school student and I was wondering about the legality of what they are ... A: Many states have adopted the language suggested by CANA which says that "cremation must occur in a ... | |
| Laws in Kansas | 11/10/2011 |
| Q: I am not sure where to find laws about dying at home as well as family home funerals. I was hoping ... A: Yes, home funerals are permitted in KS. Go to www.funerals.org to download the state chapter from ... | |
| disinterment | 11/8/2011 |
| Q: My son is burried in Stuart, Fl. After the passing of my husband who preferred to be cremated, I ... A: You will have to use the cemetery for disinterment, but you can use any cremation service for the ... | |
| funeral | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: this morning i recieved a call stating my grandmahad passed this am.im not sure where to start and ... A: If your grandmother was on Medicaid, she may be eligible for a tiny amount of state or county ... | |
| Burying Cremains in 2 graves | 11/2/2011 |
| Q: I have the choice of being buried with a relative who passed on in childhood or with my one of my ... A: How very thoughtful of you. Yes, indeed, cremated remains can be divided and buried separately. New ... | |
| Fetal death 17 1/2 weeks | 11/2/2011 |
| Q: My daughter is 17 weeks and 3 days as of today. Her water broke and she is in the hospital. The ... A: How very difficult for your daughter. You are in a very interesting situation as a fetal death ... | |
| entitled to adult child's remains | 10/24/2011 |
| Q: My adult daughter was cremated less than 7 years ago. Also my 10 year old granddaughter was as ... A: Probably a court would favor the once-custodial parent. Since you don't want to see the ashes ... | |
| Body Donation | 10/22/2011 |
| Q: Do you have any information on problems pertaining to willed body programs? Here's the stripped down ... A: How very, very unfortunate. And, alas, there is no way to know what their policies would ensure in ... | |
| Can you reference exact Maryland Law? | 10/20/2011 |
| Q: You see, I work for a wonderful independent crematory in Maryland which does allow a family to ... A: Bless you for your efforts on behalf of families. Go to www.funerals.org and download the MD chapter ... | |
| Oklahoma laws regarding creamains | 10/17/2011 |
| Q: Our mother recently died and is being cremated. It was her wish not to have a funeral but to be ... A: That will depend on the cemetery. Some will insist they have to dig the hole to make sure it's in ... | |
| Indiana burial codes/laws | 10/12/2011 |
| Q: A friend is dying of cancer and has ordered a wood "casket kit". She does not want to be embalmed or ... A: Smart friend! In view of her prognosis, I'm guessing her involvement is very therapeutic for her at ... | |
| Burial on private land | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: I am asking this on behalf of my best friends family... We recently lost my best friend. His ... A: In VA, an "abandoned" family cemetery can be moved after 25 years with permission of the court. ... | |
| Burial on private land | 10/10/2011 |
| Q: I am asking this on behalf of my best friends family... We recently lost my best friend. His ... A: In what state? Is the farm owner willing to draw a map and file it with the deed showing where a ... | |
| grave on my property | 10/7/2011 |
| Q: I own some land in KY but live in another state. A neighbor to my land passed away and his children ... A: The *only* right they have is to visit the gravesite at reasonable times! You may by all means ... | |
| Brother cremated | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: My 2 sisters had my brother cremated with out my permission in Alabama ,the funeral home was aware ... A: While you are right about the law--that all siblings would have to authorize cremation--what do you ... | |
| Exhume | 9/29/2011 |
| Q: e died in 1971 was embalmed and buried in a state-of the art casket back then I am going to view ... A: In what state? The weather and humidity will have a lot to do with the conditions. But given the ... | |
| Moving infant to be buried with Mother | 9/27/2011 |
| Q: My great aunt (my 2nd mom) who is in the ending stages of dementia disclosed that she had an infant ... A: Contact at least three different funeral homes to get a price, as it can vary wildly. They will know ... | |
| Paupers funeral | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: My Brother in law we think is in Utah. when he passes away would his sisters be responsible for his ... A: If you don't have funds for a funeral, his next-of-kin can donate his body to either a medical ... | |
| moving a grave | 9/19/2011 |
| Q: Who can have a grave moved? My cousins are wanting to move my uncle and other cousin due to a ... A: A disinterment permit must be obtained from the state registrar in the Vital Records office of the ... | |
| recording a family plot on our land | 9/16/2011 |
| Q: why is our county giving us the run around about first getting a lawyer, surveyor to "mark" off our ... A: The laws are silent in Ohio about home burial. Don't say you can and don't say you can't. But have ... | |
| Public Cemetary Burials in Oklahoma! | 9/16/2011 |
| Q: Is a Vault and a Casket required for an embalmed person in a public cemetery RE: Resthaven Cemetery ... A: Most cemeteries do require at least a vault to keep the grave from caving in. It's a maintenance ... | |
| burying your on family member | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: i live in the state of indiana.can your family open and close your grave plot and also get you ... A: Indiana is one of only eight states where a dead body becomes a hostage of the funeral industry. You ... | |
| relocating a deceased | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: I recently learned that my grand mother's brother was buried in an unmarked grave, in a family plot ... A: You say he's buried in a family plot. Who is he buried next to? Just to let you know, it's likely to ... | |
| grave transfer | 9/8/2011 |
| Q: my uncle, 2 at the time of death, passed away in the early 1930's. he is buried in Perry, GA. My ... A: Cost will depend on a lot of issues but might run about $7,000. If he was buried in a vault and the ... | |
| private transporting of a body | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: We saw and answer to the question of transporting a body from ca to Ia. Are the rules state specific ... A: You should get the Oklahoma chapter from the bookstore at www.funerals.org --it's just $5 to ... | |
| Death in Washington/Transport to Texas | 9/3/2011 |
| Q: Can I take control of my father's body at death and transport him to his home in Texas to be buried ... A: Yes you may. You can download the WA chapter from the bookstore at www.funerals.org for $5. That ... | |
| TRANSPORTATION OF A BODY | 8/16/2011 |
| Q: I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ABOUT DONATING MY BODY FOR SCIENCE . THEY HAVE ... A: They also license transporters in FL. But it is going to be easier if you can find someone to do ... | |
| burial on my land | 8/11/2011 |
| Q: When I die I want to be buried on my own land I have 5 acres in butler county,pa. How do I go about ... A: Check with the zoning laws. They are likely silent, but you should check. Then draw a map of your ... | |
| Immediate cremation in Pennsylvania | 8/6/2011 |
| Q: I am interesting in reviewing the laws in PA regarding immediate cremation (no services). I ... A: You should go to www.funerals.org and "Find a Local FCA" to see if there is one of these nonprofit ... | |
| Can we take the 5 and 3 y.o. great-grandchildren to the great-grandmomás funeral? | 8/4/2011 |
| Q: My Mom died 2 days ago and when my daughter-in-law said that to the kids great-grandma died and they ... A: My children were 3 and 5 when their father died. It never occured to me that they might need to see ... | |
| disinterring cremains | 8/1/2011 |
| Q: We live in NY state. My father died and was cremated in 2001. The cremains were buried in his family ... A: I'd been so busy, I've lost track of issues. Will try to call tomorrow. ********** Mr. Fishman ... | |
| disinterring cremains | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: We live in NY state. My father died and was cremated in 2001. The cremains were buried in his family ... A: In every state, the spouse *always* gets priority in funeral decisions unless there is some evidence ... | |
| Graves on lot for sale | 7/26/2011 |
| Q: I am considering purchasing a 1 acre lot in a subdivision in Houston County, Alabama. There are 3 ... A: I would consider it a *wonderful* bit of history to have such on my property! And since it's already ... | |
| exhume a grave site on private land | 7/26/2011 |
| Q: We are considering buying 10 acres in New Mexico and found a grave site from 2001. How can we get ... A: Please don't! Consider it a wonderful asset and the beginning of a family graveyard for you and ... | |
| burial with relative | 7/25/2011 |
| Q: I had my brother cremated in one state but would like to take him back to WY. for his final stay. ... A: Yes, his urn can be buried with another, but the cemetery may want to charge you for a second right ... | |
| donating bural plot in MO. | 7/24/2011 |
| Q: My family has a plot in Everygreen Cem. in New Madrid, MO where my grandmother who died during ... A: What a *very* nice idea! Talk with the cemetery and see what they suggest. Certainly with infants, ... | |
| Who can put up the headstone? | 7/22/2011 |
| Q: My daughter passed away 4 mths at the age of 24. She was married and her husband received $100,000 ... A: Check with the cemetery to see if they will let you. Typically, they will require the permission ... | |
| Burried together in same casket? | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: During a conversation with my fiancé about our wishes in the event of death, we concluded that ... A: I had to laugh at your question. Are you planning to die together? Sensing your desire for ... | |
| Tansportation of remains to Knoxville Body Farm | 7/20/2011 |
| Q: My brother has terminal cancer of the esophagus and bowel,he has been given an estimate of a week to ... A: Contact a TN funeral home, the one that will meet the plane. The Body Farm may be able to recommend ... | |
| unused pre-paid funeral, spaces | 7/18/2011 |
| Q: My dad passed away in 2009 and was cremated. He had dementia and had not told us of any wishes. We ... A: You'll be lucky to get 40% of the prepaid funeral back. Florida has *terrible* preneed laws. If you ... | |
| Head stone | 7/17/2011 |
| Q: My mother and step dad bought graves and heard stones before my mothers death 17 years ago. I just ... A: A couple of questions: How did you find out he'd removed the head stone? How long ago was it ... | |
| exhuming a body in Indiana | 7/14/2011 |
| Q: My father recently died and we buried him. He wanted to be buried in a mausoleum and we were unable ... A: There should be no problem. Check with the cemetery. If disinterment and re-interment is done in the ... | |
| relocation of deceased | 7/14/2011 |
| Q: My husband passed away 14 years ago and his mother took over. We have a daughter together and we ... A: Yes, you probably do. Disinterment must be done with the permission of the cemetery, the lot owner, ... | |
| Returning a loved one home | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: My mother is to be buried at a private cemetery in Louisiana. She currently lives in Texas. Given ... A: Typically, you need to use a funeral director in the state of Louisiana. Not so in Texas. So if you ... | |
| headstone move edicate | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: There is a antique cemetery on our block (actually on the corner of my parcel). And since the Boys ... A: What is the matter with you?? A cemetery an eye-sore? It's part of local history that you should be ... | |
| donating my mothers body | 7/7/2011 |
| Q: Ok, my mother has some mental issues and will take this the wrong way. How can I go about having ... A: There is a list of med schools, including Louisiana, here--www.finalrights.org--with a website and ... | |
| Embalming | 7/6/2011 |
| Q: Is it against the law to embalm a person without consent of the family? My aunt recently passed and ... A: Kentucky has NO embalming requirements whatsoever, so the funeral director doesn't even have that ... | |
| Indiana law re: burial of cremains | 7/6/2011 |
| Q: My mother died here in PA, but we will return to Indiana (state) to place her ashes with those of my ... A: It sure makes my blood boil when the people in the funeral industry prove to be their own worst ... | |
| Iowa code on scattering human ashes | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: The family wants to scatter Mom's ashes this weekend over her parents graves in the Humeston ... A: You may do as you wish with cremated remains in Iowa as in most states. You should be aware that ... | |
| Funeral homes in East Calif Bay area | 7/2/2011 |
| Q: Do you know of any low cost funeral homes in the easy calif bay area that would be the most ... A: Yes, do join one of these nonprofit groups. Go to http://www.funerals.org/ and click on "Find a ... | |
| death certificate | 7/1/2011 |
| Q: We have been waiting over one month, for the funeral home to give us a copy of the death ... A: The mother can get one from the local county health department for $20 within two months of the ... | |
| Moving Father's Remains / Authority | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: Lisa, My Father was KIA in Vietnam in 1969 and was returned home and buried in a family plot in ... A: Your mother has ALL rights. No need to notify the uncle/brother-in-law. Simply find the funeral home ... | |
| Moving cemeteries | 6/26/2011 |
| Q: My husbands father died in 1977 in Indiana and was cremated. His wish was to have his ashes ... A: I don't believe the law was different in 1977 and that you were lied to. Here's what I wrote about ... | |
| Unkept cemetery in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia | 6/25/2011 |
| Q: I have 52 relatives buried in this cemetery and have worked for 8 years trying to document all ... A: I don't know if Cathy Cox could be of any help. She used to be Sec. of State and enforced ... | |
| embalming laws | 6/17/2011 |
| Q: I recently buried my sister in Il. My question is does a body have to be embalmed if it is to be ... A: Neither Illinois nor Wisconsin require embalming under any circumstance. Up until the law was ... | |
| Cremation Of A Parent | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: My Mother just passed away at a Kentucky Hospital she is actually a resident of Indiana, my father ... A: If your mother has left instructions of any kind or named an agent to handle her funeral ... | |
| Burial of cremains on private property in MI | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: My mother had requested her body be donated to "science", as she called it. When she passed in ... A: Yes, in all states cremated remains can be buried with the land-owner's permission. Or might you ... | |
| Rights to Mothers ashes? | 6/15/2011 |
| Q: My mother passed away 08/2010 and it has now been 10 months. She had 7 kids over age 21. All 7 of us ... A: In most states you can go to Probate Court without a lawyer. Check here for the situation in your ... | |
| who should own the cemetery plot? | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: We are going to buy a cemetery plot. Who should buy it, the younger generation or older generation? ... A: You never answered my question about who owns the cemetery. Which will tell me a lot about how much ... | |
| who should own the cemetery plot? | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: We are going to buy a cemetery plot. Who should buy it, the younger generation or older generation? ... A: If it is just two plots for the parents, then the plots should probably be in the parents' names, ... | |
| policies governing release of remains from hospital | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: My father recently passed away. We sat down with a nearby funeral home to make the arrangements. ... A: Yes, that is appalling. The hospital was at fault for not verifying with the family which funeral ... | |
| Cemetery & Burial Requirements | 6/10/2011 |
| Q: Good Day Lisa, First of all thanks for providing such a noble service. As a Muslim I have a couple ... A: What towns are giving you a hard time about Muslim burials? Is it because they want to require ... | |
| Disinterment & reinterment | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: My husband's stepfather recently passed away. My husband's mother is still alive and wants us to be ... A: It shouldn't be a problem, but does the mother have any positive contact with the paternal ... | |
| BURIAL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY | 6/3/2011 |
| Q: WHAT MUST I DO TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A BURIAL GROUND ON MY PROPERTY IN SOUTH CAROLINA ANSWER: How much ... A: Here's what I wrote about burial in the SC chapter-- There are no state statutes that specifically ... | |
| creamation | 6/3/2011 |
| Q: I have been told that in Indiana I would have to buy a expencive coffin to be creamated in. And that ... A: That is total hogwash, and if a funeral director told you that, you should file a complaint with the ... | |
| Mother is intending on moving my dad's cremated buried remains when she passes | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: My dad passed away in October of 2008 and was cremated. He is buried at the Great Lakes National ... A: She could be buried in her own plot in the VA cemetery. It sounds as if that would not bother you if ... | |
| Mother is intending on moving my dad's cremated buried remains when she passes | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: My dad passed away in October of 2008 and was cremated. He is buried at the Great Lakes National ... A: Do you have any brothers and sisters? Who else will be around to handle things when your mother ... | |
| Loved one no where to be found | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: What could you do? I buried my loved one in a vault and when services was rendered I was told the ... A: Did the funeral home make arrangements with the cemetery, not you? If so, ask the funeral home for ... | |
| Abandoned Cremated remains. | 5/26/2011 |
| Q: I have read the Texas Laws regarding abandoned cremated remains (716.302-304) but am unsure of the ... A: No legal requirements on storage of cremated remains. Since the crematory probably did not contract ... | |
| moving my husband's remains | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: My husband purchased 2 burial plots 30+ years ago in he and his wife's name. They later divorced, ... A: Tell the cemetery that as legal next-of-kin you have a right to move him and that you will sue the ... | |
| new Burial in abondoned cemetery | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: if the cemetery has been abondoned because of lack of someone to run it can a new burial still take ... A: I feel certain you could. Who do you think owns/owned it--town? church? set up by an organization? ... | |
| MY FATHERS ASHES | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: My father passed March 17th 2011. in 1993 my mother had passed and my father re-married in 2001. The ... A: Unless your father had written wishes to the contrary, the witch gets to prevail. Sorry about that. ... | |
| cremains transport by plane from Ca to Ok and then to Mo by car | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: I read on your website that to transport my deceased mother from Ca to Ok to her home town of ... A: CA has totally silly requirements regarding cremated remains. Yes, get the certificate of cremation ... | |
| My Fathers Passing | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: My Dad passed away in Jan. 2007 due to a gunshot wound to his head. There was a very poor ... A: If there was any question about the suicide, you are absolutely right that it should have been ... | |
| burial laws | 5/20/2011 |
| Q: Is there laws in Georgia for burial of ashes in a cemetery without permission. A wife's ashes on top ... A: No state laws. Cemeteries can make their own regulations in all states. Most cemeteries want to ... | |
| Wife vs Mother-in law (who also holds the deeds to plots) | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: I live in Ohio. My husband passed away on Dec. 26,2010. My Mother-in law bought plots for my ... A: When my last husband passed away, I swore I'd never marry again. But I did. (I also swore I'd never ... | |
| Holding ashes | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: My good friends sister is engaged to a gentleman who parents owned a funeral home some years back. ... A: You are undoubtedly right that these were unclaimed. So your friend's sister might have a little fun ... | |
| My Fathers Passing | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: My Dad passed away in Jan. 2007 due to a gunshot wound to his head. There was a very poor ... A: There is a 48 hour wait prior to cremation in NH. Yes, your mother is the legal next-of-kin, and ... | |
| Moving my Fathers remains to a Veterns Cemetary | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: My father passed away 28 years ago. He was buried at our local cemetery in plots he and my Mother ... A: I've guestimated such a disinterment to run about $7,000 as after all these years the casket will ... | |
| Burying cremains in Iowa | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: We have the cremains of both of our parents in a beautiful rosewood box, built by my husband after ... A: The cemetery may require an urn vault, but it is totally optional, not a law, that is. Yes, you may ... | |
| Personally transporting a deceased relative | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: Can a family personally transport a deceased family member from Texas to Illinois for burial and ... A: Yes, but there are some considerations. If there is no family member there to take care of filing ... | |
| responsible for funeral bill | 5/12/2011 |
| Q: Mom is in a nursing home in Ohio. She has a son and wife living in Ohio. Before mom went into home ... A: I am sorry to say, there isn't likely anything you can do other than to find the least expensive ... | |
| Alabama burial law | 5/11/2011 |
| Q: In Alabama do you have to use a funeral home when a family member dies? Can you take family member ... A: All crematories are owned or affiliated with a funeral home in Alabama. With careful shopping you ... | |
| responsible for funeral bill | 5/9/2011 |
| Q: Mom is in a nursing home in Ohio. She has a son and wife living in Ohio. Before mom went into home ... A: Probably nothing. I'm not totally clear on all the relationships. Are you a sister of the woman in ... | |
| Cremation requirements in Florida | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: Our mother has less than 6 months to live. We are trying to go by her wishes. We also don't have ... A: Have your sister get on the telephone and call all funeral homes in the Yellow Pages. They are ... | |
| Evicted from Family Plot | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: We have a confsing situation...my husbands Grandfather bought a family mausoleum in Florida many ... A: What a gawdawful situation for your family. If the grandmother still has all her marbles, *she* ... | |
| I have three daughters buried in one place | 4/27/2011 |
| Q: Two of them were stillborn and cremated. The other daughter was alive for 13days she passed in Sept. ... A: Talk to the cemetery. Is this a donated lot, as many cemeteries do for infants? Or is it a lot your ... | |
| Best way to do cemetary property resale? | 4/22/2011 |
| Q: 50 years ago my father bought 4 burial plots. My Father and Mother have since both passed away - ... A: It is very difficult these days to sell unwanted burial plots given the increasing cremation rate. ... | |
| my 16 week gestation baby | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: I lost my son at 16 weeks gestation. I want to know should I have been able to bring him home to ... A: I would have thought the hospital would have known better in this day and age. I bet they don't know ... | |
| Funeral services contract binding to both sides | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: In Hawaii I signed a contract for funeral services which involved direct cremation.funeral director ... A: The mortuary clearly screwed up, probably because they wanted more money than the direct cremation ... | |
| Cremains | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: The question I have concerns laws / regulations for scattering of cremains in Wisconsin. Are there ... A: You may do as you wish. As for public lands, don't ask, don't tell. The Park Service is afraid that ... | |
| Indiana Burial Laws | 4/17/2011 |
| Q: My question is very general. Where can I find Indiana Burial Regulations and Laws? Specifically, I ... A: It sounds as if you've already done most of your homework. There are a few nonprofit consumer groups ... | |
| my 16 week gestation baby | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: I lost my son at 16 weeks gestation. I want to know should I have been able to bring him home to ... A: How terribly, terribly unfortunate for you. I don't know how long ago this was, but most hospitals ... | |
| Burial of cremains in LA | 4/14/2011 |
| Q: My mother and father bought side by side burial plots in LA, specifically in Gretna, LA (Jefferson ... A: No legal issues, although cemeteries are allowed to make up their own regulations. The ethical ... | |
| how to find owner/owners of an old cemetery | 4/14/2011 |
| Q: I want to find the owners of La Piedad #2 cemetery in Raymondville, Tex. My stepfather is buried ... A: Wow. This is a doozy of a question. You might do a title search on a neighboring property, as the ... | |
| Burial on Private Property | 4/13/2011 |
| Q: Recently my grandmother died and was buried in a public cemetery but afterward was moved to private ... A: In what state? Generally, the rights of next-of-kin to visit are protected, either by statute or ... | |
| cremation burial on own land | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: I have read most of your answers, but to be absolutely clear, I want to know if each family member ... A: In all states, cremated remains can be buried or scattered--rural or urban--with the land-owner's ... | |
| buried with creamains | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me in which states you can be buried with cremains? I heard that it was different in ... A: I take it that it is your preference to bury the cremated remains in a cemetery. Maine town ... | |
| planning for cremation | 4/9/2011 |
| Q: My husband and I are wanting to be cremated and we have no idea who to contact or how to start ... A: Sorry to be tardy in answering your question. I was at a funeral education conference on an Indian ... | |
| Casket /funeral | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: I am caregiving for my mother with progressive dementia. I am considering building a casket for her ... A: NO state has regulations about casket dimensions. Home-made caskets tend to be too large. One foot ... | |
| buried with creamains | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me in which states you can be buried with cremains? I heard that it was different in ... A: In all states you can do as you wish with cremated remains. Do you have someone else as next-of-kin ... | |
| build a cemetery | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: I have approximately 3 acres that I want to sale so that they can be converted into a cemetery. What ... A: Sorry to be tardy in answering your question. I was at a funeral education conference on an Indian ... | |
| Burial of cremains in LA | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: My mother and father bought side by side burial plots in LA, specifically in Gretna, LA (Jefferson ... A: Sorry to be tardy in answering your question. I was at a funeral education conference on an Indian ... | |
| Burial Mounds and state law | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: I'm a soldier about to deploy for the first time and I'm making some plans for just in case. I would ... A: Here's what I wrote in the NC chapter regarding burial-- Burial There are no state statutes that ... | |
| burial on my land in s.c. | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: could you please e-mail the old chapter for SC on a homestead cemetery? A: The new state chapters will be available via download, hopefully within a week or so, for a modest ... | |
| Home Funerals | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: I heard there are some states that do not allow home funerals. Can you tell me which ones? Also if ... A: You can have a home funeral in all states, but eight require you to hire a funeral director to file ... | |
| Funeral on hold | 3/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a friend who's brother passed away last week from complications due to dementia and ... A: One of his kids can go to Probate Court (without a lawyer) to ask to be assigned as the ... | |
| Disinternment in Florida | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: I spoke with you earlier this morning regarding the removal of my grandfather's wife's remains from ... A: Here you go-- FUNERAL, CEMETERY, AND CONSUMER SERVICES 497.005 Definitions. (39) “Legally ... | |
| Family cemetery | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: You ask me for copies of the family cemetery deeds. I will call the court house tomorrow and get ... A: Actually, I *love* this kind of detective work or research. You say no cemetery was mentioned in ... | |
| Family Cemetery Ownership | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: We have a family Cemetery that was established over 100 years ago by my Great Grandparents. This ... A: Usually the deeds will have some sort of description as to the boundaries. That or the deed will ... | |
| Family Cemetery Ownership | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: We have a family Cemetery that was established over 100 years ago by my Great Grandparents. This ... A: Are you saying that when your great grandfather divided the land among his children, he left out the ... | |
| cremation urns & vaults | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: My mother is in the last stages of cancer and wants us to figure out her cremation and funeral for ... A: Ah, ha! Floral Hills is owned by SCI, the largest funeral conglomerate in the world and which ... | |
| cremation urns & vaults | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: My mother is in the last stages of cancer and wants us to figure out her cremation and funeral for ... A: No, you don't have to buy the urn and vault from the funeral home. In fact, you don't have to have ... | |
| Not my Husbands wishes | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: Last year my husband passed away. All the 33yrs we were married he was not been that close to his ... A: What an unfortunate situation. As spouse, however, your rights are primary backed up by the written ... | |
| body donation and transport | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: I wish to donate my body to "The Body Farm" in Knoxville, TN. I want to pre-arrange as much as ... A: What a generous idea, and how ironic. I am currently reading Bill Bass's great book "Death's Acre." ... | |
| Family Cemetery Ownership | 3/19/2011 |
| Q: We have a family Cemetery that was established over 100 years ago by my Great Grandparents. This ... A: Have you looked at the deeds that would include the land that the cemetery is on? Is the cemetery ... | |
| establishing a ?public or cemetery in Texas | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: What other kind besides family, church or perpetual care? Plus, on my 160 ac. farm in crop land, ... A: A good guideline for a cemetery is at least 150 feet from a water supply and 25 feet from a power ... | |
| Custody of child remains | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: About 9 years ago, my daughter passed away at the age of two months, I was not married to her ... A: In other states, such matters would be handled by the Probate Court. I just glanced through the OK ... | |
| Child remains | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: A small portion of my daughters remains was given to my sister-in-law, without our consent or ... A: Absolutely not legal. That funeral director should be hung by the you-know-what. That was breach of ... | |
| Transportation of deceased from Florida | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could give me some help or advice. My grandfather is currently living in the ... A: Whoever told you the body can't be driven across state lines is full of horse pitooey. Who was it? ... | |
| home burial in Seattle, WA | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: I'd love to be buried in my own backyard. I've looked online for answers but haven't found out ... A: You can bury cremated remains anywhere. Here's what I wrote in the WA chapter re body burial-- ... | |
| Moving our son to a new cematary | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: We buried our infant son 29 years ago. Since then, we have moved 30 miles away. We would like to ... A: I am guessing that he was buried in a combo unit that serves as both a casket and a vault. In that ... | |
| my moms funeral | 3/10/2011 |
| Q: My mom left her husband 5 weeks before she died. She even pressed rape charges and obtained a ... A: What a dreadful situation. You have my sympathies. If your mother succeeded in changing the ... | |
| moving cemetaries | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: My nephew was killed in 2002 and was burried in Pennville Indiana, our family would like his grave ... A: I would call at least three funeral homes and ask for an estimate, as it could save you $1,000 or ... | |
| r.e. theft of human remains | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: The decedent (my friend's brother) opened a joint account having funds to pay his own funeral costs. ... A: The funeral home should not have given the cremated remains to anyone but the person who contracted ... | |
| burial laws in SC | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: In the state of SC,can a person be buried with or without being embalm and wrapped up in a sheet and ... A: You do not need to be embalmed in SC or use a casket. But you will have to check with the cemetery ... | |
| Disinterment | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: My grandmother has been widowed for 42 years, her husband's body has been buried locally since. ... A: What a dreadful experience for your grandmother. How selfish of the others. And I can't believe a ... | |
| r.e. theft of human remains | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: I have a friend whose brother recently died in Arizona and an ex-girlfriend of his talked the ... A: Are you saying that your friend arranged for and paid for his brother's cremation but then the ... | |
| transporting body from GA to Arkansas | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: What would I need to have my husband transported from Georgia to Arkansas? Do he need to be ... A: No, he does not need to be embalmed. You will probably be most comfortable if you have some kind of ... | |
| rights of the body | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: My mother was with a man for 14 years. They never married,but he had given her power of attorney ... A: The Declaration was a new document in 2009, if I remember correctly. When did he start paying for ... | |
| rights of the body | 2/28/2011 |
| Q: My mother was with a man for 14 years. They never married,but he had given her power of attorney ... A: I'm not at all sure the FD is "angry" at all. A burial will be more money in his pocket. Did your ... | |
| rights of the body | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: My mother was with a man for 14 years. They never married,but he had given her power of attorney ... A: Call me if you want--802-482-6021. The funeral director is WRONG in most states, especially if he ... | |
| moving husband grave | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: what would I have to do to move my husbands grave from McDowell county to Davidson county NC? A: I am assuming you will be using a funeral director. A disinterment permit will be required from the ... | |
| cremains buried on top of existing grave | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: my mom recently died and we would like to bury her cremains on top of my dad's grave in a Pa ... A: I don't know what part of PA you are in, but the Catholic cemeteries in the Pittsburgh area have ... | |
| Transportation of Cremation ashes | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: My mother's ashes are with my brother in Florida. We wish to have them returned to UK. What is the ... A: I wouldn't put them in checked luggage for fear of getting lost. They can be carried on an airplane ... | |
| buring my fathers ashes | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: My father(who was poor and homeless) recently passed away. I am his middle child and the executor of ... A: No such law in Ohio. I'm wondering if this is a for-profit cemetery. Go right ahead and sprinkle the ... | |
| burial plot | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: my family burial plot was bought in 1970 with the intention that it was for any of the family ie ... A: I don't know the laws in the UK, but I agree with you. Does the council know she's estranged? I ... | |
| buring my fathers ashes | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: My father(who was poor and homeless) recently passed away. I am his middle child and the executor of ... A: I'm curious. If he was poor, why were you needed as an executor? Or were you designated as an ... | |
| Muslim funerals in Louisiana | 2/20/2011 |
| Q: muslim community in shreveport bought cemetry and want to take care of the dead muslims according to ... A: You will have to change the statutes. Do you know a friendly legislator? In the public health ... | |
| Burial | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: If my brother owns the deeds to my fathers plot,who pays for the funeral? also if the deeds state a ... A: I see that you are in the UK, so my answers may not fit your situation. Typically, the funeral is ... | |
| NJ buiral on private farm | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: Is it legal in New Jersey to bury one's body on one's own 100 acre farm? A: NJ is one of only eight states where a body becomes a hostage of the funeral industry. In other ... | |
| Having a Family Cemetery on private land | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: I would like to buy a piece of property to retire on, maybe build a cabin. And I am increasingly ... A: Indiana is one of eight states where a dead body becomes a hostage of the funeral industry, as you ... | |
| Adult child, who has custody rights of the remains | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: Ms Carlson, thank you for your time. My 29 year old son was cremated in the state of Oregon after ... A: Both parents have equal rights, but the funeral home had no way of knowing the other woman was not ... | |
| Plot question | 2/13/2011 |
| Q: My father passed in 10/10 in New York State. He is survived by my brother and I, as well as our step ... A: You will need to check with the cemetery to see what they will allow. If the cemetery says the wife ... | |
| transporting bodies | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: Which 43 states allow a person, not a funeral home to delivery a dead body? I'm thinking about ... A: If you're doing that as a business, you would need to be licensed as a transporter (in VA) and in ... | |
| New Funeral Trends and Existing Laws | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: I have been following the new funeral trends for about 4 years, green burial, funeral celebrants and ... A: You're stuck in TN, as you have to have the one year of mortuary school and two years ... | |
| For Profit Cemetery Creation - Minnesota | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: Can you create a for profit cemetery in Minnesota? What information/books are available in an ... A: There are no state agencies regulating cemeteries. Your local zoning board would be the place to ... | |
| Mother-in-Law's Cremains | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: My mother-in-law passed away in Tennessee where she lived for 21 years. Her caretaker has her ... A: If the funeral policy was "funeral insurance"--which is very different from regular insurance--then ... | |
| Creating a Family Cemetery | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: Lisa, We live in Mississippi on a farm isolated from any town limits etc. We would like to form a ... A: Here's what I wrote in the MS chapter of my book-- Draw a map of your land showing where a family ... | |
| Mother-in-Law's Cremains | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: My mother-in-law passed away in Tennessee where she lived for 21 years. Her caretaker has her ... A: Who was her caretaker and what was your mother-in-law's relationship to him/her? Did your ... | |
| starting a cemetary in Alabama | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: Do you have to be a mortician to own a cemetary in Alabama? What are the requirements and who do I ... A: No, anyone can own a cemetery, and there is no state agency regulating cemeteries. Your local zoning ... | |
| HOME BURIAL | 2/7/2011 |
| Q: Can you be buried on your own property in Pennsylvania? A: Here's what I wrote in the PA chapter of my book: There are no state statutes that specifically ... | |
| Burial Expenses | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: I have a friend whose brother has been dead for two weeks in Louisiana. His brother is 46, ... A: I don't know of the possible contributions by the parish, but I'm guessing it's minimal. And if the ... | |
| death in NC: burial in AL | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: My parents live in NC currently. They own their grave sites in AL, in fact the tombstone is already ... A: When you say they have "a contact" with the AL funeral home, what do you mean? I can't tell you what ... | |
| home burial | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: My wife and I would each like to have a 'natural', home burial on our ~7-acre residential property ... A: I am guessing the reason you are having problems getting answers is because the laws are silent, ... | |
| family cemetery | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: I have some land in N.C. that I recently decided to build on. The land has what is an old cemetery ... A: Now that it is your land, you can certainly limit any future interments. That said, you do need to ... | |
| disinternment of indigent and reinternment | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: this is going to sound crazy, My mother passed away several years ago at the time she was buried as ... A: In what state? From your mention of Tarrant County, I'm guessing Texas. Yes, you may transport the ... | |
| Indiana Burial Question | 1/28/2011 |
| Q: My brother, who was single, died in North Carolina. We had his body cremated and plan to bury him ... A: Indiana law is absolutely ridiculous! "Human remains" include cremated remains, for starters, ... | |
| cremation transportation | 1/27/2011 |
| Q: My Monther-In-Law is passing shortly and she will be cremated in Florida where she lives. I will ... A: If you are driving or flying back, there is no problem at all. You can actually mail by registered ... | |
| moving grave | 1/26/2011 |
| Q: My mother in law died recently, and already had a grave plot and a headstone with her name on it ... A: It is possible the Probate Court would let you move her after he dies, especially with a headstone ... | |
| moving grave | 1/26/2011 |
| Q: My mother in law died recently, and already had a grave plot and a headstone with her name on it ... A: What a sticky wicket. The spouse always gets to call the shots if not estranged from the deceased. ... | |
| Cremation ashes | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: How does one go about taking cremation ashes to another country? My parents were born in Santiago, ... A: Just make sure they aren't in a metal urn, as it won't scan, and the TSA won't open it. Avoid heavy ... | |
| Personal Needs Account | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: My father passed away a few days ago. He was in a nursing home in Tennessee. He had medicare and was ... A: I'm astonished the nursing home didn't know. To the best of my knowledge, you may certainly use that ... | |
| viewing deceased body | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: If you are having your deceased cremated in Florida, can they stop you from seeing the body to say ... A: It makes my blood boil when funeral homes pull that kind of insensitive dirty dealing! Furthermore, ... | |
| viewing deceased body | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: If you are having your deceased cremated in Florida, can they stop you from seeing the body to say ... A: That depends on a lot of things. Did the deceased have prepaid funeral plans? Some places charge ... | |
| creamated remains | 1/20/2011 |
| Q: I am the person in my parents advance health care directives and post death directives designated to ... A: You don't need a lawyer to go to Probate Court. Let your sister know that that's what you're ... | |
| AZ. laws | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: I have a friend in AZ.who recently was telling me his wishes to be buried on his own property.I ... A: Here's what I wrote in the AZ chapter-- There are no state statutes that specifically permit or ... | |
| deplacement d'un corps | 1/15/2011 |
| Q: je voudrais savoir si les héritiers d'une personne ont le droit de demander après inhumation le ... A: I do not speak French very well at all. I am not sure in which country you live, and there may be ... | |
| Burials and Exhuming | 1/11/2011 |
| Q: I'm a writer based in South Africa and one of my stories is based on an incident that happened in ... A: Actually, in addition to bones, the clothing is likely fragile but intact. And depending on the ... | |
| deceased veteran brother | 1/11/2011 |
| Q: Am i responsible for my veteran brothers funeral. I was told he had nothing and that I would have to ... A: In what state? Only a few require relatives to foot the bill. Are you in the same state? They can't ... | |
| Embalming in Missouri | 1/8/2011 |
| Q: Lisa, Thank you for being so committed to this work! You are making a huge contribution. Is ... A: Here's what I wrote in the MO chapter-- For families handling a “normal” death on their own, there ... | |
| marker but no body | 1/8/2011 |
| Q: My son passed away and I buried him next to my grandparents in one cemetry in another county, His ... A: Undoubtedly, they're grieving the loss of your son, too. I think your son was lucky to have so much ... | |
| Brothers ashes | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: My brother passed away on Christmas day. He was indigent. His son who is paranoid schizophrenic, ... A: It's a bit of a sticky wicket, but I believe he gave up his rights and that you are now entitled to ... | |
| Moving remains | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: New construction project at a Church is commencing. There is a plot of ground which CHurch is ... A: The law says a disinterment permit is required from the local registrar along with a new burial ... | |
| Transporting a body from Texas to MO | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: My mother-in-law will need to be moved to MO when the time comes, from Texas (my wife and I are in ... A: You will need to file the death certificate in TX and get a burial transit permit. E-mail me ... | |
| transporting cremated ashes to the UK | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: I have the paperwork and my husband's ashes. I would like to take the ashes to the UK, where our ... A: Just make sure they're not in a metal container. The box must go thro' the scanner and be visible. ... | |
| Miscarriage in PA | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: After 2 month of bleeding, cramping and multiple hospital visits, I had a miscarriage at 16 1/2 ... A: While it's the law to issue a fetal death certificate after 16 weeks, the hospital doctor may have ... | |
| Remains of cremation | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: After cremation what is the law of scattering or burial of the ashes? Can you bury a loved one in ... A: Only a few states have stupid laws about cremated remains, So. Dakota being one of them. But there ... | |
| transporting body from texas to louisiana | 12/26/2010 |
| Q: My parents have moved to S TX to be near me, but have their burial plots in S. LA. How do I go about ... A: Once you have a death certificate and burial transit permit, it would be legal for you to transport ... | |
| no money for funeral | 12/26/2010 |
| Q: myfather suddenly died last night after christmas shopping.He was 56 and disabled,he literly left ... A: I think your sister will continue to get her ss check, tho' I don't know the details. Did you ask ... | |
| no money for funeral | 12/22/2010 |
| Q: myfather suddenly died last night after christmas shopping.He was 56 and disabled,he literly left ... A: In what state did your father live? You might be able to donate his body to a med school at no cost. ... | |
| home funeral and medicaid | 12/21/2010 |
| Q: How do I pay for a home funeral and not have it count as an asset with medicaid? I am in Colorado, ... A: What expenses to you expect to incur with a home funeral? Is cremation or burial the choice of the ... | |
| florida cremation | 12/20/2010 |
| Q: MY SISTER JUST CALLED AND SAID MY AUNT HAS DIED IN FLORIDA. HER WILL STATES THAT SHE BE CREMATED. ... A: Florida law says that the written wishes of the deceased should prevail. It sounds as if your sister ... | |
| Transporting humans remains within the state of AZ | 12/16/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the process of creating a handicap shuttle business to the border with Mexico. I want to be ... A: Talk to a local funeral home. The body will need to be embalmed with paperwork in Spanish, I ... | |
| shipping body to indonesia | 12/12/2010 |
| Q: A close friend has just suffered her father's death in Casper, Wyoming while they were returning ... A: Will the family want the body present in the home for services before being shipped? If so, there ... | |
| shipping body to indonesia | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: A close friend has just suffered her father's death in Casper, Wyoming while they were returning ... A: I would advise them to get prices from at least three funeral homes. The service they should be ... | |
| funerals | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: In the state of Utah do you have to be imbalmed, or buy a vault? Are there any good reference books ... A: Cemeteries make their own rules about vaults. No state law requires one. Utah has no embalming ... | |
| Procedures for burying ashes | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: What are the procedures for burying ashes in North Carolina (Wilkes County)? Can we bury them in an ... A: Cemeteries get to make their own rules. Many will tell you you have to pay for a second right of ... | |
| Burial Charges | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: My Father passed last year and was cremated/buried in one of 12 plots purchased by my grandparents ... A: I'm wondering if these lots are in the Catholic section. The Catholics are pretty mercenary in their ... | |
| Cremation questions… | 12/5/2010 |
| Q: I have two diagnoses that, according to the doctors, can end my life in as few as five years. I ... A: You can be cremated in a cardboard casket, often called an alternative container. Embalming is not ... | |
| Declaration of Death Not Completed and filed | 11/28/2010 |
| Q: Can an Alabama funeral director refuse to complete the Declaration of Death form for a death ... A: Absolutely not! #1, a body may not be held for debt. (I can find the exact statute if/when you need ... | |
| Memorial Service Requirements | 11/26/2010 |
| Q: We just had a relative pass in Indiana, Having them cremated and the services are to be at our ... A: No such law. Ask him to show you the law. Here's what I wrote in the Indiana chapter-- The ... | |
| sisters death | 11/24/2010 |
| Q: my sister just passed away my mother and i want to bury her. but she was married 20 years ago but ... A: Here is a link to probate ... | |
| At home cremation | 11/21/2010 |
| Q: My mother has given me instructions for her final rites as she calls it. She is 48 years old and has ... A: The home funeral part is easy to manage. E-mail me directly for the SC chapter from my book. ... | |
| PRIVATE CEMETARY VISITATION LAW | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: IS THERE A LAW IN KY FOR A PRIVATE OR FAMILY OWNED CEMETARY STATING THAT AT ANYTIME SOMEONE CANNOT ... A: Sorry it took the state of KY a long time to get back to me but I do have the answer now. Yes, you ... | |
| Reinterment | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: My grandmother's daughter (my aunt) died in 1915 when she was 5 months old. She is buried in ... A: In Wisconsin a disinterment must come from the medical examiner or coroner. It is possible that ... | |
| Burial Service Contract - SCI-Corp. | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: My mother bought a pre-paid Guardian Plan funeral contract for $1775 in 1981 from I. J. Morris ... A: Because you did not label this "private" I will forward this complaint to the GAO that is now ... | |
| Funeral / Burial laws in Louisiana | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know more about the laws concerning burial, and funerals in Louisiana. Could you ... A: A dead body becomes a hostage of the funeral industry in Louisiana. You'll need a funeral director ... | |
| disinterment | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: My Mother died 10 years ago, we have her remains cremated and with my Father’s authority interned ... A: They are all full of horse-pitooey. You only need a permit from the local health department, and you ... | |
| burial on private land | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: I live in Wisconsin. Can my husband and I bury our bodies on our own 100 plus acre piece of land? Do ... A: There are no state statutes that specifically permit or prohibit home burial. It is also unlikely ... | |
| Home Wake in New York | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: May one have a home wake in New York? We realize that we must use a funeral director, but perhaps ... A: Yes, you may have a home wake in NY. You need a funeral director to file the death certificate and ... | |
| exhumation | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: My husband's 1st wife passed away 12 years ago. She is buried in the cemetery of the church they ... A: I am astounded that the cemetery committee refused your right to be buried next to your husband on ... | |
| moving a grave | 11/4/2010 |
| Q: Well, my fathers sisters and mother and father are all from DR. He recently passed away and it was ... A: Is his wife still living? If so, she has the right to decide where burial is to be. If all or a ... | |
| Burial on land in PA | 11/4/2010 |
| Q: I belong to a 501(c)7 that owns 40 acres in Crawford County PA - is it possible that we can start a ... A: Check with the local zoning about starting a cemetery for your members. Also, there are no state ... | |
| Two Questions | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: 1. In Texas, does the law require that the casket be placed in a concrete vault? 2. In Texas, can ... A: No state requires a vault. E-mail me directly for the TX chapter of my book so you will have all ... | |
| burial plot on deed | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: We have buried my father on family property. Public health has sign off. We are down to recording ... A: Yes, draw a map of the land showing where the "Norton Family Cemetery" is and pay to have it ... | |
| natural burial on private land | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: I want to know all the specific laws on giving myself a natural burial on my private land in ... A: Is your land in a rural area? How much land do you have? E-mail me directly for the OH chapter. ... | |
| Pre-paid cemetery | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: My sister in-law has been paying for her mothers cemetery plot for the past 7 years. She liked ... A: If the purchaser defaults on payments, the seller may cancel the contract and refund the 60% in ... | |
| Rights to ashes | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: My father-in-law passed away a few months ago. He lived and passed in Holland, where he lived...as ... A: In this case, possession is 9/10ths of the law, since the cremated remains are coming from outside ... | |
| Burial vault | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: Earlier this ear my mother passed away and we had her casket placed into a Wilbert Bronze vault. ... A: I bet the funeral director who served you was smiling all the way to the bank. By the way, I ... | |
| re: Body as Hostage | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: I AM mad as hell about my rights taken away. How can I fight for this? A: In which state are you? There may be a Funeral Consumers Alliance group there to work with to get ... | |
| Home Burial | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: I live in Arkansas and am interested in direct burial on my place. What is required to do this ... A: All burials must be in an established cemetery. Family graveyards are exempt from taxation and must ... | |
| Provisions for minor children in burying a parent | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: My aunt just died, leaving behind a 12-year-old daughter. Are there any provisions in the state of ... A: I'm sorry I don't know the answer to that. If your aunt had any assets like a house or car, those ... | |
| Body as hostage | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: I have read in one of your answers that LA is one of eight states that take the body as hostage. I ... A: In all of the following eight states, a family must hire a funeral director--whether they want one ... | |
| florida regulation? | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: Lisa Carlson: In Florida how deep is the grave from the top of the outer burial container?. The ... A: The problem isn't Florida law. The problem is a cemetery trying to figure out how to get more money ... | |
| burial laws okla | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: I have buried many relatives and have been told by the funeral home directors that vaults were a ... A: Yes, you were lied to. NO state law requires burial vaults in any state. That said, all states ... | |
| Death by acute alcoholism | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: The coroner said cause of death was "acute alcoholism". My brother died outside, apparently on his ... A: You're absolutely right. I've heard from Vital Records folks all across the country that doctors ... | |
| Missouri law on burial expenses | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: I am married but have not lived with spouse in more than 5yrs. if my spouse dies will I be held ... A: Here's the problem. Under MO law, there is no provision for estrangement, and as spouse, you get to ... | |
| Missouri law on burial expenses | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: I am married but have not lived with spouse in more than 5yrs. if my spouse dies will I be held ... A: If your spouse has some assets, they would/could be used to pay funeral expenses. Are there adult ... | |
| Burial Rights | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: The local township(operator of the township cemetery ) is looking to terminate previously owned ... A: A number of other states deem a burial plot abandoned after 50 years. 25 years seems a short time to ... | |
| Iowa Laws on burial | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: My Mother wants a natural burial but to be buried in a cemetery next to Dad in a pine box, which I ... A: Yes, you may build the casket, but the cemetery may require a vault. Ask. One mid-west farmer used a ... | |
| funeral director at a mass | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: My dad was cremated a few days ago. My mom is having a mass said for him but not having him buried. ... A: Total bullshit and a complaint should be filed with the state Funeral and Cemetery Board. You can ... | |
| Disinter then Cremation | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: I will try to sum up a very long story into short. My parents were never married and no longer ... A: What a sad situation. You may want to contact the Vital Records office in Florida to correct the ... | |
| moving my moms body | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: been gone just over 6 months l want her in the cemenrty by me lm aslo havin trouble off my uncle ... A: I don't know the laws there, but if it is typical of U.S. laws, the spouse--unless estranged--gets ... | |
| natural burial | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: if you own your own property in North Carolina can you have a natural burial with out casket or any ... A: If you are in a rural area outside the village or city limits, you can likely set up a family ... | |
| Church Cemetery for Infants | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: My wife's father remains are in a church cemetery. Recently our new born granddaughter pass away ... A: In years past, the purchase of a cemetery lot was considered a "deed" to the land. In fact, families ... | |
| burial plot ownership | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: When our mom died all of her 4 children helped pay for the burial cost the majority was paid by ... A: Your father's wife gets to decide where he will be buried if she survives him. I'm guessing she ... | |
| Child's right to ashes | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: My niece in Indiana has recently lost her father and is having some difficulty dealing with his ... A: I'm not sure of that question, to be honest. But one of the advantages of cremation is the option of ... | |
| Child's right to ashes | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: My niece in Indiana has recently lost her father and is having some difficulty dealing with his ... A: Being a minor makes it difficult. If she is a mature 15, she might get the court to say she should ... | |
| cremated remains | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: My family has cremated remains we wish to spread on top of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, NM. ... A: Follow the don't ask, don't tell policy. If you ask, they're likely to say "no" because they don't ... | |
| CREMATED REMAINS | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: I live in texas, mt mother was cremated over 11 years ago. She left no will or directive as to her ... A: You have no way of knowing whose remains you'd be getting if you paid the bill now. It doesn't pass ... | |
| cemetery abuse | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: I live in Indiana and my parents and one sibling is buried in a Catholic cemetery. My siblings and ... A: How do you know who did it? What does the plaque say? One plaque or three? You certainly have ... | |
| Relocating a Grave | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a question about Disinterment and Reinterment - relocating the remains of someone from one ... A: Sorry to be so tardy. My computer has been in the doctor's office for two days. Write a letter to ... | |
| funeral | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm a Missouri resident. Mine are probably pretty basic questions. But since I am concerned about ... A: No, you do not have to be embalmed. Regulations--not statutes--require embalming OR refrigeration ... | |
| burial laws and the "pine box burial" | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I am the responsible one of a "unwealthy" family tying to look ahead at two funerals possibly close ... A: You don't have to use a funeral director at all in Ohio or WV. E-mail me directly for those two ... | |
| Relocating a Grave | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a question about Disinterment and Reinterment - relocating the remains of someone from one ... A: How many children are there? Would a majority agree to the move? You can go to Probate Court without ... | |
| CA Home burial | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: My father past away unexpectedly and has always said he wanted to be buried on his property. My ... A: Burial must be in an "established cemetery" in CA. The towns govern cemeteries, so go to some town ... | |
| Moving dad's cremated remains in Ohio | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: My dad was recently cremated and his ashes buried in his father's grave in Ohio (my grandmother owns ... A: This is a sticky situation. You are legal next-of-kin, not your grandmother. But the cemetery may ... | |
| 2 caskets in one plot | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: I work for a City in Texas that has a cemetery. I am trying to amend our cemetery ordinance to ... A: Two in one casket is likely done if you've got two children, not two adults. In Louisiana where ... | |
| Burial on privately owned land near Hiawassee, GA | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: I read your email to a questioner from MN asking about the same issue. You referred her to an ... A: E-mail me directly for the GA chapter for the next edition of my book-- lisa@funeralethics.org ... | |
| florida guarantee | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: We are considering a prepaid burial.Is fl. one of the 9 states that protect(guarantee) our ... A: Florida is one of the WORST states in which to prepay for a funeral. If you are still healthy enough ... | |
| Autopsy | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: My sister is treated by a specialist for Cystic Fibrosis and is nearing the end of her life. She ... A: Yes, get her under hospice care. In PA, there are coroners who want to be in charge of every death, ... | |
| Mortuary transport | 9/8/2010 |
| Q: I am a Paramedic and live near Pittsburgh PA. I am interested in starting a Mortuary transport ... A: There isn't any need for a transport service in PA. There are three to four times too many funeral ... | |
| my mother | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: My mother passed away two years ago she was cremated by her wishes. My father had a tree planted in ... A: Please re-read what I wrote earlier. If siblings can't agree, then a Probate Court can be asked to ... | |
| my mother | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: My mother passed away two years ago she was cremated by her wishes. My father had a tree planted in ... A: All adult children have equal rights, and I can't imagine any Probate Court changing things from ... | |
| Exhuming rights | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: My husbands father passed away when my husband was only 4 years old. His mom and dad were separated ... A: This is surely a complicated issue on the one hand but may not be too difficult to solve on the ... | |
| private burial | 9/4/2010 |
| Q: My son is buried on my private property, it is recorded and surveyed as a cemetery I am in the state ... A: I'm not sure why he thinks he needs an "easement." Probably just to make your life miserable and ... | |
| COST OF | 9/4/2010 |
| Q: My family lives in the State of Florida. My father and mother have purchased vaults for their ... A: I am stunned. I find it appalling that this is a city cemetery. Is it perhaps being managed by a ... | |
| Who pays for a single fathers funeral | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: The father was 41, has 3 children, has parents, elderly are still alive. 1 child just turned 18. ... A: Unless the 18-year-old made the arrangements, she is NOT obligated to pay a penny. $10,000??? Yikes! ... | |
| funerals transporting body.... | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: .. dad,husband passed away no money for funeral..local f- home want $6,500 to bury him...or else ... A: Yes, you may do all those things. Title 20-18-601(b): The funeral director or person acting as the ... | |
| embalmimg, vault, burial -Massachusetts | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: I own two burial spots in a family plot in Quincy,MA and would like to know if I can be buried ... A: There are no state laws that would interfere with your wishes, but all cemeteries are allowed to ... | |
| moving a grave from ohio to pa | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: hi i am wondering what i can do to move my daughters grave from Hamilton Ohio to Elizabeth pa she ... A: Talk to the cemetery to see what they require for paperwork. Unless you are going to transport the ... | |
| Crossing Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota state lines with unembalmed body | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: Is it legal to cross Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota state lines with an unembalmed body? Can a ... A: No embalming is required to cross state lines in any state but Alabama. If the death were to occur ... | |
| Missouri Info | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: Who do I contact to start the process of approval in Missouri, St.Charles county. Thanks ANSWER: ... A: E-mail me directly for the MO chapter from my book. lisa@funeralethics.org In the meantime, go to ... | |
| Transporting my Aunt's body for burial from Pa. to Md. | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: I called a funeral parlor near me and asked if my Aunt needed to be embalmed to be taken to Md. for ... A: Crossing state lines has nothing to do with it. In PA, a body must be embalmed, refrigerated, or in ... | |
| 2 caskets in one plot | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: I work for a City in Texas that has a cemetery. I am trying to amend our cemetery ordinance to ... A: My guess is that in the case of the older burial, if the casket is not in a vault, the casket will ... | |
| Gay Couples rights | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: My life partner of 15 years just passed away after 9 months battling cancer. We had our wills, ... A: In some states, the written wishes of the deceased are to prevail. So your rights will be or are ... | |
| indigent burial/cremation | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: Does Florida (Specifically Taylor County) provide for indigent burial/cremation? A: I don't know the answer to that. That said, a body can be donated to a bio-tech company that will ... | |
| Miscarriage | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: My daughter-in-law was 4 months pregnant when they discovered there was no heartbeat. They had to ... A: A fetal death certificate is required after 20 weeks of gestation or when the weight is 350 grams or ... | |
| my brother passed, do I have any rights as a biological sister | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: My brother & I were born in Colombia, we were adopted at 6 1/2 and 3 1/2. The parents were horrible ... A: If your brother did not have a spouse, it is usually the parents who have all the rights, not the ... | |
| Responsibility of Payment for Burial | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: My ex-husband died very recently (has not yet been buried). He disinherited our three adult children ... A: Title 20, Chapter 3, Subsection 305 gives the decedent the right to name someone other than the ... | |
| Shipping my husbands ashes from UK to USA | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I came back to the USA to get my 'settlement visa' to return to my husband and our flat in ... A: There is no problem here in the U.S. They aren't even likely to ask. It's just not an issue. From ... | |
| legality of burial of ashes | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: We live in Martin County Florida. Is it legal to have a persons ashes buried in a Memorial Garden ... A: The state has NO interest in what one does with cremated remains. The cremation process itself is ... | |
| Disinterment forms needed to file non atty | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: My name is P. King and I am requesting my father be disintered he was burried in fl against his ... A: Here's the law-- 497.384 Disinterment; transportation; authorization and notification.-- (1) The ... | |
| moving cremated remains | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: My daughter recently passed away. We had her cremated and are considering having her cremated ... A: I'm sorry for your loss. It doesn't usually take a court order to move cremated remains. That said, ... | |
| Green Buriel in Arkansas Rural | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: we own 7 acres in Marion Co./Yellville, Arkansas. I want to have a 'green buriel' either here on our ... A: Here's what I have in my AR chapter for the next edition of my book on funeral law-- All burials ... | |
| disinter and reinter | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: Can a body be disintered and reintered in the same cemetery without going to probate? All of our ... A: Here's the law for municipal cemeteries, and it's written as if one is moving a body out of the ... | |
| layout of church cemetery(plot designation) | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: Our church has a cemetery established with 7 people already interred. We now have a cemtery board ... A: You are pretty much free to design it any way you wish, depending on how you want your cemetery to ... | |
| Dis-interring cremated remains | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: My mother and I are both very unhappy with the rampant neglect we see at the cemetary where we ... A: This should not be a problem at all. Your mother has all the rights to decide what to do. She simply ... | |
| Michigan funeral director required? | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: I read your September 2008 comment that funeral directors are legally required in Michigan. Is that ... A: Yes a dead body is a hostage of the funeral industry in Michigan until consumers get angry enough to ... | |
| Transporting deceased across the country | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: My grandmother recently moved to Los Angeles to live closer to me and my husband. However, when she ... A: Will there be services for here in CA where you would want the body present? If not, then the least ... | |
| opening of grave | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: In the state of Pennsylvania my mother left 8 graves and her wishes were that the siblings and their ... A: When you say your mother "left" 8 graves, did she mention this in a will? Or did she simply tell you ... | |
| Oklahoma Burial Regulations | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: I am attempting to locate state regulations on burials in Oklahoma. I am curious about laws ... A: There is no state cemetery board. Talk with your local zoning folks regarding starting a cemetery, ... | |
| Requirements for multiple state crossings | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: In order to set up a 48 State hearse (acclimatized Van/Truck) service and be able to transport the ... A: If you live in one of the 8 states that require a funeral director, then you would have to become a ... | |
| burial laws | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: what are the laws regarding burial on your own property in the state of Virginia? A: Here's what I wrote in the VA chapter-- Although family graveyards are mentioned in the laws, there ... | |
| Funeral legal question | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: What states do not let you have your own do it yourself funerals and why? A: These states require the use of a funeral director to file the death certificate and oversee ... | |
| ownership of cremains | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: I have been a lawyer in MA for 35 years. For the first time I had a client ask me, who own's my ... A: Sorry to have been so tardy answering you. The legal next-of-kin would have ownership rights, ... | |
| Hearse service | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: I am in the developmental stages of establishing a motorcycle hearse service in Upstate New York. ... A: You would need to get the burial transit permit from the funeral director. A funeral director is ... | |
| Moving from one cemetery to another | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: My father passed away last month and was buried somewhere we have never heard of. There was a woman ... A: The Health Dept. regulates disinterment in TX. Call the cemetery first and tell them what you are ... | |
| Moving from one cemetery to another | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: My father passed away last month and was buried somewhere we have never heard of. There was a woman ... A: Then, depending on the state, you will likely need to go to the Probate Court to get a disinterment ... | |
| Hearse service | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: I am in the developmental stages of establishing a motorcycle hearse service in Upstate New York. ... A: Find a funeral director or a few of them to work with. Any within the radius you're willing to work. ... | |
| Burial Depth of Cremation Urn | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a friend who recently became the sexton of his church cemetery. He has no idea if there is a ... A: There is no "proper" depth for cremated remains to be buried. In fact, they can be scattered. The ... | |
| Transporting and storing the deceased | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: I work for a fire department in Summit County, Ohio. We have a growing problem with the disposal of ... A: Body donation to the med school in Rootstown would be a generous and worthwhile cause. They claim to ... | |
| Home Funeral Law for Alabama | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: My brother-in-law is expected to die within the next week or 2. He is indigent and his wife is in a ... A: E-mail me directly for the Alabama chapter. You may certainly order or build a casket yourself. ... | |
| transport remains to other state | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: I'm not dead yet...but I want to leave as few loose ends as possible. What is required by law to ... A: If there will be no services in California, then it will be MUCH less expensive to work through a ... | |
| Funeral law | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: A recent story about a woman getting in trouble for keeping and apparently "abusing" the corpses of ... A: Next-of-kin have only quasi-rights to corpses, and that for the purpose of burial or cremation. ... | |
| What is required for a fetal demise | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: I am working with a couple who just lost one of their twins at 21 weeks gestation. They are ... A: There is no requirement to have a funeral at any age. At 21 weeks gestation, there will be a fetal ... | |
| Disinterment followed by cremation | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: My husband died 34 years ago and was buried in a cemetery in Miami. Since our family and I have been ... A: By all means, shop around among all the funeral homes in say a 30-mile radius of the cemetery. WATCH ... | |
| Acquiring a cemetery via foreclosure | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: We are a mortgage company located outside of Pennsylvania. We made a loan on and are likely to ... A: Who owned or created the cemetery is important, as statutes or other regulations rarely cover ... | |
| funeral, embalming, home funeral | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: My mother is dying and myself and my two sisters will be paying for her funeral as my mother has no ... A: I have no idea how to find out if she owns a burial plot. Where is your father buried if he has ... | |
| NH self burial | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: Would you please address home burials in NH? Can someone be buried on their own property without a ... A: The answer is yes, no embalming or casket required. Here's what I wrote in my book in the NH ... | |
| Idaho burial times | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: How long can you take from time of death before are required to put a non-embalmed body ... A: A regulation of the Board of Morticians requires embalming or refrigeration after 24 hours. That ... | |
| Unpaid cremation | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: My cousin died 4 months ago. Her daughter asked that the remains go to the funeral home and she ... A: The cremation likely has taken place, with the funeral home holding the cremated remains. Then ... | |
| home funeral and home burial | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I live in Louisana and do not want to be embalmed or creamated or handled by strangers that I don't ... A: You'll have to change the law. Louisiana is one of eight states where a dead body becomes a hostage ... | |
| Cremation & burial | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: There is only one space left in our family cemetery lot in Iowa. If my husband and I both choose ... A: That certainly makes sense. The cemetery may want to charge you for a "second right of interment." ... | |
| Cremation | 6/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a friend of mine who lost their brother about 7 months ago in the state of new jersey. Since ... A: I am surprised the FH did anything without a proof of payment. No, state laws are mute on this ... | |
| help for my mom | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: can u help me to find a way for my moms funeral she has nothing saved and she is 83 in very bad ... A: If she is on Medicaid, contact the local welfare people to see if there is any state or county help. ... | |
| Movement of cremains | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: My sister passed away some months ago in Georgia. She was divorced (she was in an abusive ... A: Her parents would be the legal next-of-kin and would have a right to refuse. That said, if he is ... | |
| my mother | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: My mother passed away from cancer two years ago. By her request she was cremated. My brother has her ... A: How did your brother end up with the ashes? Did your mother have any funeral wishes in writing? If ... | |
| transferring remains from one syate to another | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a relative that is gravely ill. The person resides in MN.; and also in a nursing home. I have ... A: The least expensive will be body donation to a med school Mayo Clinic in Rochester pays for ... | |
| Arkansas home funerals | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: Can home funerals be performed in the state of Arkansas by private citizens, without the use of a ... A: Yes, families may care for their own dead in Arkansas. E-mail me directly for the AR chapter for the ... | |
| Notification | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: When a parent dies,how soon should a child notify all the other siblings?How soon should pallbearers ... A: Unless the parent has expressed other wishes, preferably in writing, all siblings have equal rights ... | |
| clothing for a deceased woman | 6/6/2010 |
| Q: Dressing a woman should include what clothing? Do you start with underwear including bra and ... A: It is totally a personal preference. The effect of a bra may be pretty much lost when lying down. ... | |
| Single plot burial | 6/6/2010 |
| Q: I am burying both of my parents' cremated remains in Illinois. I live out of state and have had to ... A: There are new laws on the books in Illinois after the Burr Oak scandal, and probably no one is sure ... | |
| fetal burial rights | 6/5/2010 |
| Q: I miscarried my baby at 12 weeks and I'm wondering if it is legal or not to bury my baby on property ... A: Yes, you may handle everything yourself. There is no paperwork required until after 20 weeks ... | |
| Cremains | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: I was considering starting a non-profit company which would accept cremated remains which have been ... A: Different states have different laws about what a FH can do with abandoned cremains, and some states ... | |
| Reputable Donor Organization? | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: How do I know if a donor organization is reputable, i.e., that they don't or won't give tissue to a ... A: If you are concerned about organs and tissues being take for the profit business, I'd talk with your ... | |
| Reputable Donor Organization? | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: How do I know if a donor organization is reputable, i.e., that they don't or won't give tissue to a ... A: I believe the Donor Network of AZ is affiliated with some of the for-profit companies. I have not ... | |
| Private property burial | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: What are Oklahoma laws pertaining to burial on my farm. We have 42 acres. Also, what are rules on ... A: There are no state statutes that specifically permit or prohibit home burial. It is also unlikely ... | |
| Home Funeral and Organ Donation Questions | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: How does organ donation work in conjunction with a home funeral? Is it possible to have a home ... A: There are two levels of organ donation. To donate a heart or kidney, one must be in a hospital on ... | |
| Moving Siblings graves in Kentucky | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: My father (71) has been taking care of a small country cemetery back in the mountains of rural ... A: A disinterment permit must be obtained from the state registrar. It shouldn't be a problem to get ... | |
| Burial in same plot | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: In Virginia, how many people can be buried in the same plot? If one is with a casket and vault, can ... A: The major issue is that most cemeteries will charge you for a second-right-of-interment that may be ... | |
| Funeral decisions | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I live in Ohio. If my father were to pass away I am wondering who would be in charge of his ... A: Here is a link to Funeral Consumers Alliance page on Personal Preference laws. Go to the bottom of ... | |
| Funeral decisions | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I live in Ohio. If my father were to pass away I am wondering who would be in charge of his ... A: In Ohio, your father can designate you to make funeral arrangements, or anyone else, for that ... | |
| next of kin | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: What is MN law regarding succession of family plot ownership? ANSWER: 525.14 DESCENT OF CEMETERY ... A: All would have equal rights unless some kind of estrangement were documented. How many are there? Is ... | |
| cemetary plot ownership | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: What is MN law regarding succession of family plot ownership? A: 525.14 DESCENT OF CEMETERY LOT. Subject to the right of interment of the decedent therein, a ... | |
| Funeral Director in TX | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: A Texas funeral home said that a funeral director is required in Texas. The TX Funeral Director ... A: Some hospitals may be reluctant to release a body to the family until they are educated by the ... | |
| Burial of cremains | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: Is it legal in Kent County, Michigan to bury cremains which are in an urn with a person who will be ... A: The short answer is "Yes, that would be legal." Alas, some cemeteries will want to charge for a ... | |
| Private land burial | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: I have 40 acres in Chelan County, Washington. What steps are required to have a family burial area ... A: State law says that burial must be in an "established" cemetery. Too bad it's so restrictive. Go ... | |
| Book availability | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: What is the name of the book, where is it available and what does it cost? Is it in paperback? ... A: The last edition (1998) was "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love." 640 pages, $29.95. Now ... | |
| Fetal burial rights | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I had a miscarriage at 16 weeks. My Midwife is trying to petition the Depart of Health to obtain a ... A: Is the cemetery requiring a death certificate? Ask to see the cemetery regulations. I bet there is ... | |
| Interment on our property | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: we live out of any township in Falls county Texas.Our land is just "in the county". We have three ... A: The 2006 Attorney General’s opinion (GA-0448) states that a family may bury on their own property ... | |
| Memorials held by an ex-spouse and estranged family | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: My spouse of 30 years with failing health has told me that he wants to be cremated and no funeral or ... A: You'll have the cremated remains. Let the others do as they wish. You don't have to go. No way to ... | |
| Moving Buried Ashes | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: My father served 20 years in the military, and then 18 years as a corrections guard in Michigan. ... A: That should be no problem at all. Alas, the cemetery may charge you an "opening and closing" fee. ... | |
| Can I have my grandfather moved to another cemetery? | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: My (step) grandfather had a stroke. We hired caretakers (2-1/2 yrs)to care for him and my ... A: E-mail me directly. This sounds like a complex situation, but I have a lawyer friend in TX who may ... | |
| Indiana Cemetery Law | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I have studied Indiana Cemetery laws for 10 years now and I am fed up with them. Every time I find ... A: Sorry I'm not able to help you more. I certainly laud your efforts and hope you can get some clarity ... | |
| Grandmother does not want embalmed | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: There are several other similar questions to this on your board but I am still unsure of the answer ... A: Talk to a funeral director in Indiana. (Where in Indiana does your mother live? I may have some ... | |
| Indiana Cemetery Law | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: I have studied Indiana Cemetery laws for 10 years now and I am fed up with them. Every time I find ... A: I need to let you know that I am not a lawyer, but I've been reading funeral law for 20 years. I ... | |
| Burial in same plot | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: My parents bought side by side burial plots in the 1970's in Stuart Florida. My father was buried ... A: Most cemeteries will not buy back a cemetery plot, so your mother might donate it to a church or ... | |
| Move parent | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: My father died (2) years ago....his live in girlfriend insisted he be buried next to her....she won ... A: If there is no legal spouse and if your father did not have written wishes to the contrary, then the ... | |
| Body Donation | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: My sister recently informed me that she has decided to donate her body to the Forensic Anthropology ... A: If you're willing, there is no reason you can't transport her body to the body farm. E-mail me ... | |
| funeral planning with second wife | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: What are the rights of the adult children in planning the funeral of their father? Our family ... A: How very sad for all of you. Unfortunately, she has every legal right to make you miserable. Nice ... | |
| Help with Louisiana laws | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: My mother has already prepaid a funeral in MS and is currently living in LA. What papers will be ... A: LA is one of the states that require a funeral director to be involved (at least for filing the ... | |
| home funerals in VA | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: How do you convince a hospital that it's your right to take possession of a body if you are next of ... A: Here is the VA law. Show it to the hospital-- Title 32.1-263-B. The licensed funeral director, ... | |
| cremains disposal on public land | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: My wife and I have a sentimental attachment to a local county park and would like to have our ... A: Here's what I wrote in the '98 edition of my book for Wisconsin. Am just about to update the "W" ... | |
| Urn Burial in Grandmother's Plot | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: In January, my 34 year old step-daughter was killed in an auto wreck in Ohio. She left behind a 7 ... A: GOOD for you!! And thanks for letting me know. I'm guessing some jerk tho't they could get you to ... | |
| grave desecration | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: jan of this year my husbands father passed away we had the service started going on with the ... A: Unfortunately, religious churches are not regulated by the state, but what they did was totally ... | |
| Cemetery regulations | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: Illinois resident. In 2007, I became a board member and subsequently in charge of a rural cemetery ... A: I'm guessing you didn't talk to Mary Formeller directly. You might try again. Or you might contact ... | |
| Cemetery regulations | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: Illinois resident. In 2007, I became a board member and subsequently in charge of a rural cemetery ... A: Being a church-related cemetery, state laws likely do not apply. That said, Mary Formeller in the ... | |
| Urn Burial in Grandmother's Plot | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: In January, my 34 year old step-daughter was killed in an auto wreck in Ohio. She left behind a 7 ... A: EXCELLENT letter. Now send a copy to the highest Catholic officials in Michigan. I'm not Catholic ... | |
| Transporting a Relative's Body | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: my grandparents are snow birds who winter in Yuma Arizona but their home and burial plots are in ... A: You have every right to transport the bodies yourselves. You will need to make sure the death ... | |
| Burial on Private Property | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: My home is on 13 acres in Becker Township, Sherburne County, MN. I am wondering if I can choose to ... A: If you e-mail me directly, I can send you the MN chapter. lisa@funeralethics.org Here's what I ... | |
| Sister with holding brothers wife ashes | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: My aunt had my uncle (her brother) and his wife put in a nursing home. The wife has passed away, ... A: Unless there are written wishes of the deceased to the contrary or there is some kind of ... | |
| Family burial costs | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: My mother-in-law is 86 and in failing health. She lives well below the poverty line in Indiana, and ... A: You should check to see if the cemetery requires a vault or grave liner. $300 to $1,000. Also check ... | |
| Family burial costs | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: My mother-in-law is 86 and in failing health. She lives well below the poverty line in Indiana, and ... A: I'm guessing that with a house as an asset, your mother-in-law may not be eligible for state or ... | |
| Cremation burial | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: We built a nice wooden box to hold our fathers ashes for burial. I was told that we must purchase a ... A: It is not a state law in any state! Sounds to me as if the cemetery involved is a for-profit ... | |
| burial | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I've had my pets that have passed away cremated and I would like to have their ashes buried with me. ... A: That shouldn't be a problem at all, although it's possible a few cemeteries have such a restriction. ... | |
| Burial by funeral home without notice | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: This is a private family cemetery in MO, although many different families have been buried there ... A: An "endowed" cemetery is likely to also be called a "perpetual care" cemetery. It means it has a ... | |
| My Dad | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: My Dad passed away on Nov 21,2009. My Dads remains are still at the funeral home and they will not ... A: Here's what I wrote and what I got back. Sounds as if you might need a lawyer, however. > Messy ... | |
| transporting | 4/11/2010 |
| Q: My father has requested to be buried with in 24 hrs after his death and not to be embalmed. We live ... A: E-mail me directly and I can give you the KS chapter that has all the details. You'll need to get ... | |
| Burial by funeral home without notice | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: This is a private family cemetery in MO, although many different families have been buried there ... A: I can't believe the gall of this funeral home! Do you have a lawyer in the family who can send a ... | |
| spousal rights of deceased husband | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: Do I as a spouse have a right to decide when I would like my husband's life celebration service? I ... A: Yes, the spouse gets to call the shots, make the plans regarding the actual funeral arrangements. ... | |
| Disinterment of Father-in-Law's Remains | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: My wife's father passed away in 2006 and was buried in Birmingham, Alabama in a plot owned by the ... A: Contact a funeral director in Birmingham. Jed Nagel at Abanks Funeral Home is a very decent guy. He ... | |
| legal situation | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I have been living apart for 3 years, I live in NC and he has been in FL with his ... A: I agree with you. Unless they can give a good reason, I'd hold on to them. Does he perhaps have a ... | |
| cremain rights as surviving spouse | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: A public administrator has been appointed to an estate due to an intestate death, but only after the ... A: You sound like you are being very reasonable and thoughtful. Did your husband have anything in ... | |
| cremain rights as surviving spouse | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: A public administrator has been appointed to an estate due to an intestate death, but only after the ... A: Not at all. Unless the deceased left written wishes for some other disposition or named an agent ... | |
| ownership rights of cremated father | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: Son wishes knowledge of father's cremated remains; location of urn, or of burial location, from his ... A: Alas, the spouse gets to call all the shots. How very selfish of her. The son might ask the state ... | |
| Cremation requirements | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: Is it required in Indiana to have a casket even if the body is going to be cremated? A: In no state may a funeral home require you to purchase a casket. The funeral home must offer a ... | |
| tn burial requirements and transporting across state lines from Ark to Tn | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: what are the requirements to transport a body from arkansas to tn and if i have an acre that is ... A: E-mail me directly for the AR and TN chapters from my book which will answer those questions in ... | |
| sercret funeral/secret burial site | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: Can a 2nd wife bury her husband without notifing his 4 adult sons? Can she also keep where there Dad ... A: I take it the sons didn't accept the second marriage very well, which surely must make you ... | |
| cremated remains | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: My mother passed away in 2008. She was a German citizen and always wanted to go home. My sister was ... A: Unfortunately, Germany is the only country I know of that requires a funeral director to be ... | |
| Official Documentation | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: You may not be the right expert....but I couldn't find a more closely matching topic. I wish to ... A: They may or may not be the same. A Medical Examiner is typically a pathologist who has been ... | |
| transportation texas to arkansas | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: My father has a prepaid funeral and burial policy in Arkansas although he now lives in Texas with ... A: Do you know if the money is in a trust or insurance? Do you know if it's irrevocable, which may have ... | |
| Disposition of Cremated Remains | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: My wife died in Dec. of 2008. It had been her wish to be cremated when she died and according to ... A: Absolutely. Get a lawyer. It's breach of contract and personal injury. In what state? I'm available ... | |
| transporting unenbalmed body | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: MY MOTHER WANTS TO DIE AT HOME, AND WE AS HER FAMILY ARE WANT TO HONOR HER WISHES, I AM AN EMERGENCY ... A: You will have to hire a funeral director to file the paperwork in NYS. Where in NY are you? I may be ... | |
| funeral expenses | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: I live in Wisconsin is there any state or federal help with paying for a funeral for low income ... A: I don't have that information, as it's sometimes by county. Your funeral director would know. Ask ... | |
| cremation remains | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: Nancy and I want to pre arrange for cremation in private, ie no funeral service Ashes to be ... A: You will have to use a funeral home in Indiana, but the simplest, least expensive is called a ... | |
| transporting the deceased | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: An ederly woman dies in Texas. She is at a funeral home and has been embomed. The funurel home in ... A: Yes indeed the family may transport the body themselves. If there is any difficulty in the funeral ... | |
| Ashes across State lines | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: My brother-in-law has terminal cancer. He has asked my sister to cremate him and then take his ashes ... A: Once the body is cremated, you can pretty much do as you wish with the cremated remains. Nebraska ... | |
| Transporting | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: What is the procedure to transport a deceased loved one from Missouri to Kansas? A: You will need to file the death certificate and get a burial transit permit. If the cemetery in KS ... | |
| private cemeteries | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: Are there laws or requirements to put a private cemetery in the state of idaho. Thank you A: Private family burial grounds are mentioned in the laws, but not how to set one up. So if you have ... | |
| Cremation expense help | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: My Mother died today at 95 yrs old. She was in a Care Home/Rehab Facility, using Medicare and Blue ... A: Go to www.funerals.org which is the website for Funeral Consumers Alliance. Then go to "Find a local ... | |
| Advanced Directives | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: If a person has advanced directive done when that person passes do family members such as children ... A: It depends on the state. If state law allows a person to name an agent for body disposition (or ... | |
| Exhuming | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: I want to know what rights i have they want to exhume my dad for paternity testing when they lived ... A: This is not an area of the law that I've studied. If there is some reasonable likelihood that your ... | |
| Cremation Burials | 3/10/2010 |
| Q: We live in Iowa,how many cremation remains can be buried in one plot? It is the wishes of a loved ... A: The cemetery is likely to have regulations about how many can go in one plot. And if you want to put ... | |
| Refund of Funeral Expenses | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: If an individual decides to go ahead and spend money on a burial and this spending was not approved ... A: In what state, as it varies a little. Did the deceased have written wishes regarding a funeral or a ... | |
| brother's burial | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: My mother and her ex husband buried their son (3 years old)in Illinois. My mom remarried (to my dad) ... A: You have a *very* complex situation there. Since both were married at the time the young son was ... | |
| family owned land | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: We own 412ac.of property in washington Ga. and would like to know if we can have a family plot on ... A: There is no state law that says you can or can't. It is unlikely that any local zoning laws mention ... | |
| burial | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: My neighbor wants to be buried on his Indiana farm. He does not want to be embalmed. He wants to ... A: Alas, he needs to get some legislators riled up about this. Indiana is one of only six states where ... | |
| information | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: Where can I find out about the requirements of a nj burial? How much can be contracted out yourself ... A: E-mail me directly for the NJ chapter from my book. Alas, we're having problems there with ... | |
| Private burials in Hays County, Texas | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: Please send cy of information relating to private burials in TX. A: If your land is rural, there probably won't be any zoning laws against a family cemetery. In that ... | |
| Prepaid Funeral | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: My parents bought a prepaid funeral plan in Iowa with the understanding the full amount of their ... A: My fax number is 802-304-1005 unless you'd rather scan and send by e-mail. Be SURE to include all ... | |
| Prepaid Funeral | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: My parents bought a prepaid funeral plan in Iowa with the understanding the full amount of their ... A: This sounds like terrible mischief on the part of the funeral home to me. I have sent a copy of this ... | |
| Moving remains & headstone | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: My husband passed away 6 months ago and I am thinking of moving away but I cannot leave him here, I ... A: As the surviving spouse, you don't really need "permission" from anyone, unless your husband had ... | |
| pre-planning funeral arrangements | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: From your experience is it cost effective to use the services of one of the national companies? ... A: The national companies typically have the highest prices, according to consumer surveys. You might ... | |
| private burial | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: I am in Missouri and I have buried my son on my property as my son had requested verbaly to myself ... A: How too bad they don't realize that if the county owns it, anyone can be buried there and crowd the ... | |
| burial without permission | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: Is it legal to bury someone and have a funeral for them without the beneficiaries' knowledge? ... A: I'm guessing that whoever arranged the funeral posed as a surviving spouse even if not legally ... | |
| Legal rights to ashes of an adult child | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: My 45 year old never married daughter died recently, leaving no will or other instructions. Her ... A: Being in different states certainly makes it difficult. Which of you was the last custodial parent, ... | |
| Burial in Family Cemetery | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: I'm a retired U.S. Army veteran, living in Spain. There is a "DAVIS FAMILY" cemetery, south of ... A: I am not at all familiar with cremation practices in Spain, so you'll have to figure out how to ... | |
| crematory start up | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: In PA can I start a crematory w/o a funeral director involved? I have told I can and had a funeral ... A: Funeral directors are the biggest source of legal misinformation. Crematories are not regulated in ... | |
| Family cemetery in Alabama | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: We live in Georgia but have purchased my husband's "old family home place" in Alabama consisting of ... A: How wonderful. Alabama laws don't say you can and don't say you can't. So assume that you can. With ... | |
| keeping funeral info from drama loving relative | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: Can you require funeral home director and employees to sign secrecy oath for privacy, in an attempt ... A: The "secrecy oath" is a bit of drama on your part, as all funeral directors are required to maintain ... | |
| Can remarried step-mother move my father's remains? | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: My father passed in 1996, was cremated, and his ashes were buried in his family cemetery in Alabama. ... A: The Department of Health must give a permit for disinterment, although you should check with the ... | |
| burial of cremains | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: Is a person allowed to dig in a cemetery? Can a person bury cremains in a paid for plot with out ... A: Typically most cemeteries will want to oversee such a project--to make sure they go in the right ... | |
| transportating body from IL to WI | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: What are the laws concerning transporting a body from IL to WI for burial? Can the family do this, ... A: At the moment you will need a funeral director to file the death certificate in IL. Check ahead of ... | |
| OPENING OF GRAVE FEES | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I LIVE IN PA. AND I WAS WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY REGULATIONS THAT ADDRESS HOW MUCH CAN BE CHARGED ... A: Yes, it is highway robbery. Undoubtedly you're dealing with a for-profit cemetery. That or the ... | |
| transportation of deceased in OREGON | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: Due to financial difficulties, I am going to have to cancel the life insurance policy that I have ... A: That's too bad about your insurance because the cash value is so diminutive compared to what you ... | |
| Home cremation. Little Rock,AR | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I live on 16 acres outside the city limits of Little Rock, Arkansas. Could you please tell me if I ... A: In most states--which are copying suggested cremation laws from the Cremation Assn. of No. ... | |
| Burial on Private land in Texas | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: Can you be buried on your own property in Texas and what needs to be done to do so. A: If you are outside the city limits, most likely. If you have zoning there, read through the zoning ... | |
| disinterment in PA and reinterment in MO | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: My father was buried in PA in 2006. My mother bought a dual plot at the time. She now wants to ... A: It could be about $7,000. It would be considerable less if she was willing to have the body cremated ... | |
| transportation | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: If my mother passes in Florida? Can we the family transport her body to her final resting place in ... A: The short answer is yes. Florida requires embalming or refrigeration after 24 hours, and it's ... | |
| embalming | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: We want to bury my brother as quickly as possible and have a memorial service at a later date. We ... A: Embalming OR refrigeration is required after 24 hours. Dry ice or frozen gel packs can be used, but ... | |
| burial for my grandpa | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: What happens if we cant come up with all the money for funeral we only have some A: No funeral director should sell you a funeral for more than you can afford. There should also be ... | |
| Scattering ashes in Long Island Sound | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: I want to scatter my uncle's ashes in Long Island Sound on a sailing charter boat. Is this possible ... A: I don't know of any such restriction. The EPA talks about "three miles out." But that's because the ... | |
| inheriting a burial space | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: Does Iowa law specify the depth that cremations must be buried? If so what is the depth? ANSWER: ... A: Most states have a law that says that if a burial space is unused or unclaimed in any way after 50 ... | |
| Casket rental | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: I have a friend in PA who has a relative whose mother died in FL. She is having some sort of ... A: You're right. That's bullshit, plain and simple. Rental caskets ARE available IF the funeral home ... | |
| cremation | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: Does Iowa law specify the depth that cremations must be buried? If so what is the depth? A: No, no state regulates the burial of cremated remains. It galls me that some cemeteries are now ... | |
| Family cemetary establishment | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: Can I establish a family cemetery in Indiana? Where would I find the needed to be legal, etc? We ... A: Alas, a dead body becomes a hostage of the funeral industry in IN as you will have to hire a funeral ... | |
| Transportation of deceased family | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: What are the necessary steps in order to transport a deceased loved one from Massachusetts to New ... A: E-mail me directly for the Mass. chapter from my book. You will need to file a death certificate and ... | |
| Death on the highway while out-of-state | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: If my husband and/or I should die in a traffic accident while traveling in Florida (on a ... A: Yes, you can be cremated at the place of death, with cremated remains shipped back. Very ... | |
| Outstate transport / Funeral Home | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: I would like information about how to have a burial funeral without breaking the bank. My mother is ... A: Even if you do a lot yourself, you will need to go through a funeral director to get the vault if ... | |
| home burial | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: We have a little more than an acre of land in Fort Worth, Tx. It is within the city of Fort Worth. ... A: It is unlikely that being inside the city limits that zoning would allow body burial, but you can ... | |
| Disintering My Father's Cremated Remains | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: My father passed away 2008 in Pueblo, Colorado. He was not married, I am his only child. I am 28 ... A: As the Personal Representative, you may certainly go ahead with your plans. Check with the cemetery ... | |
| Obtaining ashes | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: My name is Marc I 28 years of age and i had a question pertaining to my Mothers ashes. She passed ... A: I just checked the MO laws. Not totally clear that Probate Court is the place to go with ... | |
| burying cremated remains | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: my family owns 2 cemetery lots in Howard Co. MD and my Mom wants to give one of them to a cousin to ... A: Do you own a shovel and a flashlight? ;-) Typically, the cemetery will want to do the digging to ... | |
| burial | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: I live in Missouri.. the mo law 214.090 says any person desirous of securing family burial grounds ... A: I'm not sure why you're having such a hard time understanding this. To keep control of the family ... | |
| Gravemarkers | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: My brother was buried 3 months ago and his grave is still not marked with anything but a flag that ... A: First of all, you need to find out what the cemetery regulations are as to who can place markers on ... | |
| Transporting the deceased | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: Lisa, I feel so fortunate to have found someone with your knowledge and background that is willing ... A: Only a few states--such as Florida and Vermont--license body transporters. So if you are thinking ... | |
| burial | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: you have someone buried on your private property, if you donate the land to the county, what rights ... A: The county may not want to accept it because of maintenance costs. Why wouldn't you want to keep a ... | |
| funeral planning- no money, family will not help. | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: How can a funeral for my mother be planned when there is no help? My step-sister and her husband ... A: Check to see what the county will pay. I think it's about $1,000 if your mother is on Medicaid. It ... | |
| Plan mothers funeral. | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a sister & two brothers,all living in the same area.The funeral home wants the four children ... A: There are likely to be things like the obit and flowers or clergy honorarium that have not yet been ... | |
| Plan mothers funeral. | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a sister & two brothers,all living in the same area.The funeral home wants the four children ... A: There is almost never only one way to do things. Here are some questions: Is your mother still of ... | |
| Church Wants to Build On...but there is a cemetary in the way | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: In our small town, the church wants to build on due to increase in member size...they want to move ... A: Here is the law-- *********** 68-3-508. Disinterment and reinterment. — (a) Authorization for ... | |
| private burial ground | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: How is it that a person that has buried there love one on their property can make sure that the land ... A: That should be enough. Certainly with town and county finances in trouble in most places, I'm sure ... | |
| private burial ground | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: How is it that a person that has buried there love one on their property can make sure that the land ... A: Is the county asking for money? How much? Here are the relevant statutes I found-- Family burying ... | |
| transporting deseased relative in texas | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: My Grandmother has a burial plot paid for in panhandle area but is currently in nursing ... A: Yes. With the warmer climate in the south, you may want to have her embalmed before leaving TX. If ... | |
| intestate death | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: My mothers niece, I'll call her alice, was in an accident over 30 years ago that left her unable to ... A: Given the estrangement of the other next-of-kin, I would think the Probate Court will decide in your ... | |
| Changes to preplanned arrangements in Missouri | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: My mother has made "pre-arrangements at a local Missouri funeral home. She has no money, but ... A: That shouldn't be a problem at all. If her insurance policy isn't enough, the funeral home certainly ... | |
| Burial of Cremains | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: My mother shares 160 acres with her sister-in-law, my aunt. Last year my aunt buried the cremains of ... A: Since your aunt was co-owner, it's a pretty murky issue. In all states, it's legal with the ... | |
| what can we legally do when mom dies | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I have questions, as to just what I have to do when my mother passes. She is 84 and her worker ... A: Alas, you are required to use a funeral director in Louisiana to file the death certificate and ... | |
| Alabama Cremation Authoriation Law | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: Lisa - I also emailed you as I didn't realize this Q&A option (sorry for the duplicate as I thought ... A: Unfortunately, legislators in AL are afraid to stand up for honoring what a person wants. The ... | |
| Transportation of remains | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: My husband will so go to a hospice.When he passes I want to drive him myself to Chicago,IL in a ... A: E-mail me directly for the NC chapter-- lisa@funeralethics.org Do you have kids or friends or ... | |
| Transportation of remains | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: My husband will so go to a hospice.When he passes I want to drive him myself to Chicago,IL in a ... A: In what state will your husband die? You need only to file the death certificate and get the burial ... | |
| Who'd be responsible for my funeral? | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: What happens if I die? Who is financially responsible? I am a female 27yrs old and I don't have any ... A: Let's certainly hope you out-live all your unfriendly relatives! In what state do you live? In many ... | |
| transporting from VT to RI follow-up | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: We have a family who are going to want to transport a body from VT to RI. I am thinking that they ... A: In what area? Some of the town clerks are already quite knowledgeable. You can download a PROD form ... | |
| moving one parent to rest beside the other | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: One parent of 9 children died in 1958; the other in 1969. One child did not want the two buried ... A: Most courts will side with a majority unless there is an awfully good reason. That said, the courts ... | |
| Burial on private land | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I own land in the county of Delnorte, Ca. It is zoned FP-1 with @ 5-7 acres above the ... A: Here's what I wrote in the CA chapter about burial. E-mail me directly for the full chapter-- ... | |
| disenterment | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: My former husband and I lost our son and my son was buried on my private property, now former ... A: Can you talk with a local law enforcement person to let him/her know what's going on? Are you close ... | |
| messed ova badly... | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: ok, im 19 yrs of age my father had some problems in la i was staying in il at the time me and my ... A: Paige, Your aunt had no authority if there were adult children (and no spouse). Unless any were ... | |
| Transporting from Nevada to California | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: My sister passed away this morning and she is in Las Vegas. Are we able to move her ourselves, after ... A: Yes you may. You will need a removal permit from the health department. Embalming is not required ... | |
| disenterment | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: My former husband and I lost our son and my son was buried on my private property, now former ... A: It is very unlikely that your husband can succeed in having him moved. The siblings have no say. The ... | |
| Long lost Sibling Death | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: I live in California and my family was recently informed my uncle died. We have not been in contact ... A: Although the statutes say next of kin are responsible, I do not know of any situation in which the ... | |
| funeral expenses | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: My brother's wife passed away unexpectedly night before last. He has no financial resources and is ... A: How very tragic. I don't know if the ground is frozen yet there, but if your brother can find a ... | |
| exhuming a body | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: I am the mother of twin boys born in July of 2006, one of them passed away at 17 days old and we had ... A: You certainly may. The funeral home you used can help you. I am wondering if the other twin will ... | |
| disinturnmeny | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: My Dad is in NY with us and not well. My mother is in Cape Coral, FL at a cemetery with her urn ... A: I'm wondering if you can get a monument dealer to pick it up and perhaps purchase it for a song. ... | |
| Burial of a trisomy fetus | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: In the state of Florida any baby over the gestational age of 20 weeks has to be buried. What are ... A: In almost every other state, a fetal death is counted over 20 weeks of gestation. In Georgia, ALL ... | |
| Arizona, Home Care for the deceased | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: My mother is 90 yrs old and wants to be buried in CA with her husband. Can we take care of all the ... A: Yes. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the AZ chapter from my book. If the cemetery in CA ... | |
| Rights to cemetery Plot | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: My mother died in an accident in June of this year. My father was in the hospital for the week ... A: I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother. Your dad should have a FIRM and candid talk with the ... | |
| wrong plot | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a plot with a number and it was on my check but the plot was used 1 week later so I ... A: Is there room for you next to where your husband is buried now? If so, does it make sense to leave ... | |
| family rights | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: I do think the spouse is legally responsible for their deceased spouse here in Mississippi. My ... A: I don't find an *obligation* for anyone to pay. Here is the exact statute as to the right to control ... | |
| burial regulations | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: In Dauphin County Pennsylvania is anyone permitted to bury pet remains in the same plot on top of an ... A: I'm quite certain there are no state laws that answer this, but even if there were they would not ... | |
| Ohio's laws on home burial. | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: As a part of a research assignment I was asked to find information regarding Ohio's laws on burial. ... A: Ohio laws are silent, as are most states, re home burial. No statutes say you can and no statutes ... | |
| Transporting Body to Mexico | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, how do we go about finding a reputable place about taking care of the process to transport my ... A: Call all the funeral homes in the Yellow Pages of the city where your grandmother is and ask for an ... | |
| Missouri state regulations | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I was not able to find any cemetaries in the state of Missouri that offered the option of natural ... A: Check with some of the small-town cemeteries. That said, home burial is permissible in MO. Land not ... | |
| Moving remains. | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: My father has been buried in an Illinois cemetery for over 40 years. I just discovered a private ... A: I've been asked such a question so many times that I'll simply jump to the guestimate of $7,000. The ... | |
| least possible cost for death in Indiana | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: What are the rock bottom costs for funeral/burial in Indiana? What are the minimum ... A: The least expensive would be donating your body for medical study. The university would cremate the ... | |
| RIghts over family member | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: My sister passed away 18 yrs ago. She left a husband and son. My family purchased the grave plot ... A: Someone should really come down hard on the cemetery for even allowing this to happen! The cemetery ... | |
| Burial of ashes with another family member | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: My brother who was a veterab died several years and was cremated. The plan (verbally) was to place ... A: If you want a VA marker for your brother on the same plot, then the funeral director is correct ... | |
| TN burial | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: We moved to TN & would like to be buried on our acreage. Can we be buried on our property without ... A: Family burial grounds are permitted in TN. I'm assuming you're in a rural area when you say ... | |
| funeral transportation | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what it takes and how much it cost to have my body transferred from Tacoma,WA ... A: If you are planning to use a funeral home to oversee the event, then you should contact the funeral ... | |
| Disinternment | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: My grandson's ashes are buried with his father in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, ... A: Here is a link to the disinterment form you will need to file with Bushnell. I am guessing that with ... | |
| Pre need Burial Contracts in Missouri | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: My Mother purchased a pre-need burial contract from a local funeral home for herself and me her ... A: In the state of MO, the funeral homes are allowed to take all interest and pocket 20% right off the ... | |
| can cemetery legally charge an entrance fee | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: We purchased two plots in Stanly Garden Of Memory in Albemarle, NC. We purchased them from friends ... A: I don't know how effective the relatively new Cemetery Commission is in NC. Here is contact info ... | |
| law requirements the | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: My husband is the executor of this fathers will. He passed away last May. My mother-in-law passed ... A: If the insurance policies were the only assets, then probate would not be needed. The only other ... | |
| Burial Plots | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: In 1975 my husband & I purchased 2 burial plots in what was then known as Colonial Memorial Gardens, ... A: I know of no such law to forbid you from selling a plot. Ask the cemetery to show you the statute ... | |
| home funeral | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: My dad is in critical condition following a car wreck. It is unlikely that he will survive the next ... A: See if the hospital will release him to the family. You'll need a death certificate and medical ... | |
| cremation problems | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I live in Southern Vermont and we used a well known local cremation service for my grandmother. It ... A: I know the outfit you mentioned. They get very mixed reviews, some good, some definitely not so ... | |
| cremation problems | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I live in Southern Vermont and we used a well known local cremation service for my grandmother. It ... A: You can certainly file a complaint with the Office of Professional Regulation, but they have been ... | |
| QUESTION: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to be cremated and does not want to have any type of service. Can you contact a crematorium directly? | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: My sister told them which of the two funeral homes to take him to. The funeral home is Hemer ... A: Ooooo, honey! I'm guessing that your sister has ALL cause to not only file a complaint but request a ... | |
| Natural Burial in Mississippi | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I live in rural Mississippi and want to be buried on my own land, with no embalming and no casket. ... A: If you have a lot of land outside the village or city limits, then home burial is likely ... | |
| QUESTION: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to be cremated and does not want to have any type of service. Can you contact a crematorium directly? | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: My sister told them which of the two funeral homes to take him to. The funeral home is Hemer ... A: Pretty funny. I called and said I didn't see any prices on their web site. I started to say "How ... | |
| Cremation | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to ... A: Who picked the funeral home? What is the name of the funeral home? I'd like to get a copy of the ... | |
| Transporting a body in Texas | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: My uncle broke is neck over the summer and now he is not doing well at all. We are trying to get ... A: Yes. E-mail me directly for the TX chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think a lot has ... | |
| Cremation | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to ... A: You don't have to use a funeral home to transport the body to the crematory, but many crematories ... | |
| Spreading of cremains in new york state | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: What laws does new york state have in regards to the spreading of humain cremains? A: In any state, you may scatter cremated remains with the land-owner's permission. If you are talking ... | |
| Moving the remains of a loved one to another county | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: My nephew was 8 years old when he passed away. He was buried in another county, same state. My ... A: Here is the law. You can see that you need to do it at least 30 days prior to any plans. A local ... | |
| Moving the remains of a loved one to another county | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: My nephew was 8 years old when he passed away. He was buried in another county, same state. My ... A: In what state? You don't need a lawyer to go to probate court, and that may be necessary to get a ... | |
| funeral law: the book | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: i would love to own this book on Funeral Law. i am in the process of trying to start a consulting ... A: There are already people in Maine starting this on a volunteer basis. Check with the state FCA ... | |
| home funerals | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: Some time back I watched a film called a family undertaking. I had no idea that this could be done ... A: E-mail me directly for the PA chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think a lot has ... | |
| cremation in michigan | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I am 70 years old. I live in the uppe peninsula of michigan. I have no family or anyone to take care ... A: Small airports may not have planes large enough to accept a crated body, so I'm guessing ground ... | |
| cremation in michigan | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: I am 70 years old. I live in the uppe peninsula of michigan. I have no family or anyone to take care ... A: Who will find your body if you die at home? Who will clean out your apartment or house? Do you ... | |
| Transport of cremated remains to Germany from the U.S and final disposition | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: I was appointed the personal representative of my good friend's estate when he passed away this past ... A: I am not at all familiar with German laws in this regard. I do know that Germany will not ship ... | |
| 'green' burial | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: When I die I want a 'Green' Burial. No embalming, no vault, no conventional casket...I want either a ... A: Check with the cemetery directly. There are no state laws that would interfere with what you want, ... | |
| burial laws in Utah | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: We are trying to find out the legal requirements for burial in state of Utah...about embalming, ... A: Joyce Mitchell in Orem is a wonderful resource for you, especially if you want to handle everything ... | |
| new oregon law | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: I've been wading through the legal jargon of the new law passed in Oregon regarding death care and ... A: The new law is so badly worded it's no wonder you don't know what it means. I don't think anyone ... | |
| burial on private land in new york state | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible to have a burial on private land in New York state. If so how would a funeral ... A: Yes, you still need a funeral director to file the death certificate and to hide behind the apple ... | |
| natural death at home--procedure | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: my mother is quite elderly and will most likely die at home one of these days of medical problems. ... A: If it is a relatively expected death, do NOT call the ambulance or 911. Call your mother's doctor, ... | |
| Cemetery Deed | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I live in a rural farm area in Michigan. I understand that I can establish a family cemetery in ... A: Here it is, and you were on top of it to wonder how to word it, tho' anything easily understood ... | |
| Cemetery Deed | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I live in a rural farm area in Michigan. I understand that I can establish a family cemetery in ... A: Family graveyards under one acre outside the village or city limits are permissible and exempt from ... | |
| executor discretion | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: I am executor of my brother's estate. I am required to liquidate assets and distribute the net cash ... A: I am sure you have the discretion to make a responsible decision. The Probate Court in your state ... | |
| Father's Cremation | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I just learned that my biological father passed away this past weekend. I have not seen him since I ... A: Actually, this is pretty standard. All states are hard-up for funds, so if the family has money to ... | |
| Cemetary Plots that were passed down | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I have been divorced for over three years. In 1997, my former mother-in-law decided to opt for ... A: I think your interpretation is probably close, but--alas--I think it means whoever dies first. ;-) ... | |
| international transport cremated remains | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: Hey Lisa, When my grandfather who lives in Germany passes he wants to be cremated and be sent to the ... A: I don't know anything about air freight outside of shipping companies like UPS and FedEx that use ... | |
| international transport cremated remains | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: Hey Lisa, When my grandfather who lives in Germany passes he wants to be cremated and be sent to the ... A: The one thing I know about Germany is that they will not ship cremated remains to the family, only ... | |
| Burials on private land in Ohio | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, first I would like to ask what is the name of your book? My other question is, I would like to ... A: "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love." But it's out of print, while I work on a new edition. ... | |
| Unknown Location of Deceased | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: Good Day Ms. Carlson, I lived in North Carolina from 1995-1997 when my stepfather passed towards ... A: From what you write, I'm guessing this is not a veterans cemetery. More likely a town cemetery? The ... | |
| Help with understanding legal rights to remains | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: I live in the state of Maine. My husband died in an accident in Montana at age 22. His mother, whom ... A: YOU have the legal rights unless he left other instructions in writing. The funeral director was in ... | |
| death midwifery | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: Carlson, Two questions really...1. I am quite interested in becoming a death midwife. Any ... A: In what state? If you are planning to charge for your services, you will be nailed by the industry ... | |
| Funeral Pyre | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: My son has informed me that he wants to be cremated on a funeral pyre upon his death. Is this legal ... A: How too bad. Colorado has some Hindus doing outdoor cremations. But it's a terrible waste of ... | |
| burial without permission | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: Is it legal to bury someone and have a funeral for them without the beneficiaries' knowledge? ... A: A few more details would be helpful. Who did arrange the funeral and why do you think the funeral ... | |
| embalming | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: Are there any state or federal laws that says a body must be embalmed before crossing state lines? A: State laws only--Alabama and NJ. But it is often ignored, such as a GA funeral director going into ... | |
| burying cremains | 10/13/2009 |
| Q: Do cremated remains need to be buried in a licensed cemetery by licensed people in California? Can ... A: CA laws are a little screwball. You may legally keep cremated remains at home on your mantel, and ... | |
| funeral | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: i live in florida. but would like to be buried in new jersey with my family. i've received many ... A: Whoooooooa! Your original question was not at all clear about what your plans were or what you ... | |
| Burial | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if a person can be buried on their own property in the State of Michigan. A: Michigan has one of the best home burial statutes, but until consumers get angry enough to get the ... | |
| cemetery trust | 10/8/2009 |
| Q: My family cares for a family cemetery in Texas. It was established in the early 1800's. Until ... A: Basically any bank can help you set up a "trust." You will probably want to decide on an investment ... | |
| Cremation Vaults | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: My parents want to be cremated but they would like their ashes to be buried in the ground. The two ... A: You are absolutely right that there is no state law, simply another way for the cemetery to make ... | |
| death midwifery | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: Do you know what type of licenses or courses need to be taken in order to become a death midwife? ... A: At this time, no state regulates this field except Oregon which is trying to, as is CO. As for ... | |
| burial expense within the law | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: I am concerned that when I die there won't be enough money left for my burial. I am looking to do ... A: No, you don't have to be embalmed prior to cremation. One low-cost option might be body donation to ... | |
| opening a grave | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm hoping that you can help. My mom died seven years ago. She was buried in her family's plot ... A: Who owns the cemetery--church, town or other municipality, a nonprofit association, or a for-profit ... | |
| Estimate Home Funeral Costs | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm from Massachusetts. I'm a young guy with no foreseeable plans for losing a loved one, but I ... A: E-mail me directly for the MA chapter from the '98 edition of my book. Not a lot has changed. ... | |
| Who has the right to ashes, 18 yr old son, divorced parents or fake fiancee? | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: A very good friend of mine passed away recently under questionable circumstances. The person who ... A: What were the questionable circumstances of death? I still don't understand how the woman he was ... | |
| Ttransport of the dead | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: My 91 year old mother lives in TN with us. She wants to be buried in FL by her husband of fifty ... A: What kind of services will you want for your mother and where? Legally, you can transport the body ... | |
| follow-up; identifying inurned remains | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: You accurately predicted that they would want to assess a very high fee to open the niche, identify ... A: 50 years ago they really weren't well organized. So don't blame yourself. I'm reasonably sure they ... | |
| Who has the right to ashes, 18 yr old son, divorced parents or fake fiancee? | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: A very good friend of mine passed away recently under questionable circumstances. The person who ... A: Unless there were wishes of the deceased in writing, the adult son is the legal next-of-kin. It ... | |
| Cemetery Ownership & Plot @ Cemetery | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: 1.How do I find information about who owns a cemetery? 2.My aunt purchased 6 spaces at the cemetery. ... A: The town should be able to tell you who owns the cemetery or if you give me the name of the cemetery ... | |
| funeral procession | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: When driving, what is proper to do when you meet a large funeral procession? Pull over and stop out ... A: How courteous of you. When you say "met," was it coming toward you or did you catch up to it? In ... | |
| who to call when a family member dies at home with DNR | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: My mother has a preplanned funeral in Ky but lives with me in Ga.This is an anticipated death with ... A: If you are not planning to transport her body to KY, then you should call the KY funeral director, ... | |
| transport | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: what is the best way to transport my mom from washington to minnesota when she dies...she wants to ... A: If you wish to do the transport you may. You would need a casket or other box and the burial-transit ... | |
| creamated remains burial? | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: My father-in-law was creamated in Claifornia in February. The family plans to take the ashes to him ... A: There is no practical reason to have any fancy urn-vault for burying cremated remains unless you ... | |
| transporting remains | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: My father died 50 years ago and at the time was cremated and his remains (in an urn) were placed in ... A: Having a letter from your mother should do the trick. And yes you may transport the cremated remains ... | |
| dying husband | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: My husband has about 2 months to live and he has left me and our home in FL and went to Iowa with ... A: Rather strange, to say the least. How old are each of you? How long have you been married? Children? ... | |
| Transport of Human remains | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: I first want to commend you and your associates, I have not found the answer to my question browsing ... A: Yes, you may transport the body yourself without embalming. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the ... | |
| general life insurance and funeral expense | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: A family member died leaving 4 people as beneficiaries on his life insurance policy. There is no ... A: I would NOT sign the insurance policy over to the funeral home. Funerals have a strange way of ... | |
| Legal resources for identifying pauper expense obligations in Texas | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: What are the resources for me to find out who is ultimately responsible for determining the method ... A: TX lawyer friend sends this-- REPLY: The following pretty much exhausts any Texas provisions ... | |
| cemetary plots | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: My parents are buried in a cemetary that is owned by a corporation. The family of the man that is ... A: Who owns the cemetery? Sometimes a complaint to the corporate headquarters from someone like me will ... | |
| Legal resources for identifying pauper expense obligations in Texas | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: What are the resources for me to find out who is ultimately responsible for determining the method ... A: I believe in TX indigent burials are handled county by county. I am guessing most funeral homes know ... | |
| funerals | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: In Connecticut, if I am an organ donor, and I die, and an organ is harvested, is there any cost to ... A: The short answer is "yes," usually. When most people check off on their license that they are an ... | |
| legal next of kin | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: My Father had remarried about 30 yrs ago in PA. My Stepmother has two children by a previous ... A: A spouse, unless estranged, is always the legal next-of-kin. That said, a Durable Power of Attorney ... | |
| disposal of stillborn in Massachusetts | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: What are the laws regarding disposal of fetus in MA? Can a hospital dispose of a stillborn 23 weeks ... A: At 23 weeks a fetal death certificate is required. Some hospitals may offer a service to have the ... | |
| Transporting Remains | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: My father is in critical care in a Maryland hospital and expected to pass soon. We plan to have him ... A: You have every right to transport your father's body yourself. Just make sure the funeral director ... | |
| Relocation of burial. | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: How would I move my husband from one location (city) to another location (city), same state. What ... A: The expense could vary widely depending on your particular area and how long your husband has been ... | |
| Cremated remain ownership | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: My father and mother purchased a plot at Rose Hills for him and my Mom. This plot was purchased so ... A: Rose Hills is owned by SCI (Service Corporation International), the largest funeral conglomerate in ... | |
| Cremated remain ownership | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: My father and mother purchased a plot at Rose Hills for him and my Mom. This plot was purchased so ... A: Actually, people don't really "own" a cemetery plot these days (as they did in old cemeteries). All ... | |
| Cremated remain ownership | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: My father and mother purchased a plot at Rose Hills for him and my Mom. This plot was purchased so ... A: The children have no rights, I'm sorry to say. And typical a current wife can call the shots for her ... | |
| death midwife and funeral laws on Georgia | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in becoming a Death Midwife. Are there laws in Georgia that regulate Death Midwives? ... A: If you are doing what funeral directors are doing--bathing and transporting bodies, filing ... | |
| rights over the gravestone .. | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: My ex-fiance passed away and his family could not pay for his funeral. I paid for everything ... A: Here is the actual law. Show this to the funeral director and/or cemetery. Since the family failed ... | |
| cremation | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: My estranged sister recently contacted me and told me I am the executer of her will and was ... A: The executor of a will gets to use the assets to pay for any reasonable funeral arrangements. You ... | |
| headstone | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I were married almost 7 yrs. He died unexpected from pneumonia. We have 2 small ... A: I gather that his parents are not particularly close to you. That's too bad. Is the plot next to him ... | |
| Minnesota | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I just found your site, and appreciate your willingness to share your expertise, thank you. We live ... A: E-mail me directly and I can send you the MN chapter from the '98 edition of my book, now out of ... | |
| burial on my property | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: I would like to make a cemetry on my property for my family my father has cancer and isnt expected ... A: Burial in WA must be in an "established" cemetery. How much land do you have? Is it in a rural area? ... | |
| Next of Kin Burial Rights | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: Both of my grandparents are over 100 yrs old and will be passing on soon. My grandmother's next of ... A: #1, be sure the nursing home knows that you are one of the next-of-kin and that there are competency ... | |
| Question about burial in the wrong plot | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: When my mother passed in 2005 her cremated remains and those of my father (who died in 1988) were ... A: File a complaint with the Funeral and Cemetery Board asking that your parents urns be disinterred in ... | |
| Wife left out of will | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: I live in Texas. I was not put in my husband's will as he had it drawn up before our marriage and I ... A: I would QUICKLY go to the local Probate Court. You don't need a lawyer. Ask them for advice. They ... | |
| burial of ashes | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: My Mother and Father have purchased a plot. My mother has passed and my father is in his last ... A: If you ask the cemetery, they are likely to want to charge you for a "second right of interment" if ... | |
| Wife left out of will | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: I live in Texas. I was not put in my husband's will as he had it drawn up before our marriage and I ... A: Just for your information, my last husband committed suicide, too, so I am sympathetic to some of ... | |
| Wife left out of will | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: I live in Texas. I was not put in my husband's will as he had it drawn up before our marriage and I ... A: There are a lot of additional questions to be asked before you'll get the answers you need. A TX ... | |
| Adult Death | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: Is there money available to an adult with no money or assets? A niece died in her mid 20's, the ... A: That will vary with the county and state. Was she eligible for Medicaid? That is usually the test. A ... | |
| burial | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: Should a man be buried by his first deceased wife (died of natural causes) or his second wife (who ... A: I don't see how she can "trade" anything if her name isn't on it. I'd give the cemetery a call and ... | |
| burial | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: Should a man be buried by his first deceased wife (died of natural causes) or his second wife (who ... A: There is no right answer in this situation. One might ask, "What would the kids want?" as they might ... | |
| death midwife and funeral laws on Georgia | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in becoming a Death Midwife. Are there laws in Georgia that regulate Death Midwives? ... A: Families in GA may care for their own dead without a funeral director. If you are planning to ... | |
| cremation burial requirements for Illinois | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: My mom will be passing soon. As per her wishes she will be cremated here in New Mexico and her ... A: There are NO state laws on such containers--urns or vaults--in any state. Alas, some cemeteries, in ... | |
| deed to cemetary plot | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: My brother died in Feb. 2009. My sis-in-law has been difficult through the whole ordeal. We (the ... A: Boy, you are in a pickle, as spouses are given all rights unless the deceased left instructions in ... | |
| next of kin verses a child | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: My mother was left out of a will for a reason. I am the grandaughter who was raised and court ... A: Find out who owns the CA cemetery, as suing the cemetery to get the cremated remains returned might ... | |
| next of kin verses a child | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: My mother was left out of a will for a reason. I am the grandaughter who was raised and court ... A: Here are some pertinent laws-- CALIFORNIA CODES HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 7500-7502 7500. ... | |
| rights to place headstone | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: My father died in May. His wife of two years had him cremated and buried in his plot next to his ... A: Spouse gets to call all the shots unless the deceased had something in writing. Given how young she ... | |
| rights to place headstone | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: My father died in May. His wife of two years had him cremated and buried in his plot next to his ... A: The lot owner has the say. Did your father have any wishes in writing? You might have to worry that ... | |
| home burial in Missouri | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: for a number of reasons (nature lovers, concerned that the future use of our property be limited, ... A: Home burial is permissible in MO. Land not to exceed one acre must be deeded in trust and the deed ... | |
| cost to open/close a grave | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: What is the cost to open a grave in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania? I have buried both my parents ... A: A for-profit cemetery will likely charge a lot more than a town or religious cemetery, tho' not ... | |
| transport body to Mexico | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: Where do I start when I am looking at transporting my parents body back to Mexico? What all is ... A: Mexico will require that he be embalmed prior to crossing into Mexico. A local funeral director can ... | |
| Home funeral business | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: After reading an article in the NY Times re: Home Funerals, I was fasinated to learn this can be ... A: My book is currently out of print. I find it ASTONISHING that you would think of starting some kind ... | |
| Home burial in another state | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I read your reply that it's legal to do a home burial on a large parcel in Texas if you record the ... A: Recording the map of your land with the deed is not law but good practice to "establish" your ... | |
| burial same day as death | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: A man in our community died while being flown to the hospital after his bush-hog supposedly flipped ... A: You are right about the autopsy or medical examiner. 406.11 Examinations, investigations, and ... | |
| Ashes | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: My Father-in-law died in June. Before he dies he met with his children and wife and told them he ... A: Unless he had something in writing or a designated agent for body disposition (in only half the ... | |
| home burial without a vault or embalming | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: Can a person be buried on their rural farm in Texas, without embalming, being put into a ground ... A: Draw a map of the land showing where the family graveyard will be and pay to have it recorded with ... | |
| rights over the gravestone .. | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: My ex-fiance passed away and his family could not pay for his funeral. I paid for everything ... A: Alas, state laws do NOT apply to religious cemeteries. That said, you have every right to tell the ... | |
| Do I quatify for military funaral | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: I spent 18 years in the Navy reserves.This is complete service. I retired E5. A: You are eligible for a limited number of benefits. I'm not sure why I can't get a direct link, but ... | |
| Why so long before mom can be cremated? | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: My Mom died July 25 and had a viewing and sevice July 27 and 28. She is suppose to be cremated, but ... A: Contact the St. Petersburg Times. That is an EXCELLENT newspaper. They will surely do a story ... | |
| Cremation in Michigan | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: I wish to be cremated and have my ashes scattered (or used as a starting fertilizer for a tree) and ... A: Do you think your next-of-kin are unlikely to honor your wishes? Michigan laws are a mess, as you ... | |
| Wills Respected for Interment Arrangements? | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: Wife read an article today which upset both of us. We live in Alabama and want our remains to be ... A: Yes, that is true. There is no law that says the written wishes of the deceased should prevail nor ... | |
| establish family cemetery in Georgia | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: How do I establish a family cemetery on my property? not in city, no zoning laws, not near waterway, ... A: Georgia laws don't say you can and don't say you can't. Draw a map of the land showing where the ... | |
| Peaceful exit | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: In Boise Idaho do I have to use a funeral home,and get embalmed? Can I have a home wake? How quickly ... A: There are only six states that require the use of a funeral director--CT, IN, NY, MI, NE, LA. ... | |
| Cremation | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: I live in Wisc and was told I have to have a casket to be buried in. It could be a wooden casket but ... A: Will you be buried or cremated? If cremated, the funeral home is required by federal law to offer ... | |
| cremation | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: Can a husband cremate his wife if her child is the beneficiary? Is it true if you have an child the ... A: It depends on the state to some extent. If the wife has written wishes or has designated someone ... | |
| Burying Ashes... | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: My Grandfather past away three weeks at which time he was cremated. We have his ashes in our house ... A: You said no one "owns" the cemetery, but I'm guessing that it's a town cemetery from what you wrote. ... | |
| Moving Mother's Remains From Florida to North Carolina for Funeral Services | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: My mother is terminally ill and we are making plans for her funeral services. She currently lives ... A: I would contact the doctor she was seeing when the tumor or mass was diagnosed and see if the doctor ... | |
| Moving Mother's Remains From Florida to North Carolina for Funeral Services | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: My mother is terminally ill and we are making plans for her funeral services. She currently lives ... A: If it is an anticipated death, do NOT call police or a medical examiner. The doctor will sign the ... | |
| Disinterment disaster | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: my father in law was to be disinterred and relocated to another cemetery. he died and was layed to ... A: How awful. Indeed, get a lawyer. A lawyer can do a lot more than the state can anyway. I am ... | |
| Moving Mother's Remains From Florida to North Carolina for Funeral Services | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: My mother is terminally ill and we are making plans for her funeral services. She currently lives ... A: Unless you are planning to drive the body yourself, the most economical way is to deal ONLY with a ... | |
| Arizona Revised Statute 36-326 | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I want to collect a body from the hospital and take it home for 2 or 3 days before taking it to the ... A: "Registrar" is in the Health Dept., which may be city in large metropolitan areas and county ... | |
| probate court | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: He lives in Greenland, MI and that's also where the cemetary is located. Any idea how much probate ... A: Give me your direct e-mail, Aimee. Mine is lisa@funeralethics.org Looks like I was wrong about ... | |
| Arizona Revised Statute 36-326 | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I want to collect a body from the hospital and take it home for 2 or 3 days before taking it to the ... A: Yes, you should request a transit permit. No big deal. It is sort of a travel record of where the ... | |
| Grave Marker/monument | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: My brother is burried in a Texas cemetery. Before his children could come up with the money to buy ... A: Who owns the cemetery? Do you know the name of the monument dealer who erected the stone? If the ... | |
| Home Burial in Tehama County, CA | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: Tehama County says that a home burial is not legal because of the California Health and Safety ... A: A local municipality--a city or county--has jurisdiction over local cemeteries. California law says ... | |
| dis-interring buried ashes | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: The widow of a man whose ashes are buried in our church's memorial garden wants them back. I have ... A: There is no legal obstacle to disinterring cremated remains, as the cremation process itself is ... | |
| burial vault | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: MY BROTHER WAS MURDERED 13 YEARS AGO AND WAS BURIED IN THE STATE OF OHIO A POLPERS GRAVE I LIVE IN ... A: Probably the casket has rusted out by now and a new casket will be required. It is not easy to lift ... | |
| "opening" or digging the grave | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I live in WI, and there is a cemetery near me that admits "green" burial. Plots are still available ... A: I see no reason a funeral home has to open the grave. I bet they farm that job out to someone with a ... | |
| Cremation for a brother with no siblings | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: My single brother has no children, only 4 siblings, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. I have all General ... A: Unfortunately, funeral directors can be the biggest source of legal MISinformation! Probably hoping ... | |
| Opening of a Grave and moving the remains to another state | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: My father was buried in Savannah, Georgia in July 1962. His wife, my mother is now deceased in Dec ... A: Under the circumstances you describe, I don't think it should be too difficult. And it turns out to ... | |
| Remains of a fetus | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: My daughter in NC learned the 15-16 week fetus she is carrying has no heartbeat. She will go to the ... A: How difficult for your daughter. A fetal death certificate is issued for gestation of 20 weeks or ... | |
| Selling pre need insurance | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, I have been approached by a friend to join in a family connection to sell Pre Need Insurance ... A: GOOD for you for being suspicious. Preneed sales, as well as funeral homes and cemeteries, are ... | |
| Burial laws/regulations in Wi. | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: I plan on building mine and my wife's casket. Could you point me in the right direction for ... A: E-mail me directly and I'll send you the WI chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think ... | |
| Casket removed from Oregon and brought to Calif | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: I want to move My Nana (buried in banks Oregon since 1976) to California as it is my desire to be ... A: You need to know that after all this time it will be expensive and smelly with excessive ... | |
| Transporting from IL to WI VA spouse | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: My mother is 92 yrs old and buried my Dad in a VA plot in Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward WI, 25 years ... A: You obviously are being very thoughtful and thorough. If indeed your mother's body will need to be ... | |
| Is it legal to spread ashes in a public park | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I have recently decided that I would like to be cremated and have my ashes buried with a new tree on ... A: Generally speaking, the don't ask, don't tell policy works well for public parks. Those folks are ... | |
| cremains removal authorization dispute | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: my mom was adamant to us kids and my step-dad, before she died, that she was to be cremated with ... A: Your step-dad had the legal right to decide what to do with the cremated remains UNLESS your mother ... | |
| death certificates | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: Does one call the coroner, to obtain death certificates, and then make arrangements for cremation? ... A: My book is out of print while I work on the next edition. If it is an expected death, DO NOT call ... | |
| Georgia Home Burials | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: What is the law regarding Georgia home burials? Thank you. A: Georgia state laws are silent in regard to home burial. Bibb County is a problem area. Otherwise, ... | |
| home funeral and burial | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: What are the specific laws and procedures in New York state for a home burial? Can the casket be ... A: You may dedicate land to be used as a family cemetery if it is less than three acres and more than ... | |
| embalming | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: Hopefully my demise is still a long way off, but it can happen at any time, and lately I've been ... A: The only time a body is required to be embalmed in Nebraska is when it is being shipped by common ... | |
| Michigan home-private burials | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: What is the name of your book on how to handle a funeral without a funeral director? We are ... A: Michigan is one of six states where a dead body becomes a hostage of the funeral industry until the ... | |
| FL rules for death | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: Does FL require a death certificate for someone who dies at home and is buried privately? If so, ... A: A death certificate is required in all deaths. If it is an unexpected death, then the medical ... | |
| Memorial Services | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I want to be cremated-A local funeral home can do that so we can have proper death ... A: Your family may absolutely arrange for any memorial services the family might want without the ... | |
| i need help | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: our friend just recently passed away and my friend who was the closet one to him even closer than ... A: It depends on the state. And probably the deceased person didn't fill out the right paperwork to ... | |
| burial on private land | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: My father owns and resides on 19 acres of land about 4 miles outside of Crivitz, Wisconsin. He has ... A: State laws are silent on home burial, so unless there is a local zoning problem (unlikely), home ... | |
| father passed no money to bury him | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: My step dad died yesterday. My mother estranged herself from him about eight years ago. My step ... A: Did your step-dad have any assets (car or bank account or insurance) or was he eligible for ... | |
| Moving my son's body from Ga. to TN | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: My son was buried in Georgia in 1992. I have since married and live in Tenn. Since it is over 150 ... A: I am guessing it might run about $7,000, as a new casket is likely to be needed after all this time. ... | |
| Indigent cremations | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: My neighbor just told me of the death of a man that we kind of know that is indigent. I imagine that ... A: Someone will have to authorize the cremation. It would be that person's decision on what to do with ... | |
| My Uncle's remains | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: My Uncle passed away on 7/4/09 in Sarasota Fl. He was being taking care of by another person in FL ... A: The Living Will in Florida does NOT provide for a designated agent for body disposition. The power ... | |
| My Uncle's remains | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: My Uncle passed away on 7/4/09 in Sarasota Fl. He was being taking care of by another person in FL ... A: Florida laws honor the written wishes of the deceased. So if your uncle wanted cremation and ... | |
| Planning ahead for Conservation Burial | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: What is the name of your book on how to handle a funeral without a funeral director? My family is ... A: The '98 edition of my book is out of print. The next edition, with any luck, will get finished and ... | |
| Plot ownership | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I live in Illinois. I want to know how long a grave is "owned". Can it be reused after some period ... A: Once a person is buried, the person should remain buried forever unless there is a court order to ... | |
| Moving remains | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: My father died in 2005 and was buried on the farm in which we lived at the time. My parents were ... A: I wonder if she lied to the court. As an adult, you had the legal rights to make the funeral ... | |
| Burial on private land in Texas | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: Is burial permitted on private land in Texas? If so is this arranged through a funeral home? Can ... A: If your land is in a rural area, then home burial is likely permissible, as most local zoning laws ... | |
| PA law re time limit after death for burial, transport of body from MD to PA. | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: The funeral director nearest my farm in PA says there is a recent PA law that if a body is not ... A: Yes, you are essentially correct. I answered a little too quickly, as the second page of the death ... | |
| Transporting Body out of Texas | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I am a social worker at a hospital in Texas - We have had several instances lately where parents of ... A: How wonderful that you are so sensitive to this. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the TX chapter ... | |
| PA law re time limit after death for burial, transport of body from MD to PA. | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: The funeral director nearest my farm in PA says there is a recent PA law that if a body is not ... A: NO. A body must be embalmed OR refrigerated after 24 hours. Nothing about burial in the law that I ... | |
| Body relocated - Wisconsin | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: My twelve year old son passed away suddenly in May, 2009. A family member suggested to bury him in a ... A: I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. Ask the cemetery what information they will need before ... | |
| Disinterment & Reinterment | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: My first baby was buried 13 years ago in San Mateo County, California, where we have lived for over ... A: Talk to the cemetery where she is buried. If she was very young, she is likely buried in a ... | |
| Family member's body exumed and relocated | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: My entire family on my father's side has been quarrelling for years. This past week it was drawn to ... A: The spouse has all the rights, so the aunt doesn't have a leg to stand on unless there was something ... | |
| Cost of Burial and Probate | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: My father passed in Feb 09. I have 5 sisters and none of them will contribute to the cost still ... A: If there are few or no assets, how does the lawyer think he'd going to get paid? How dumb of the ... | |
| Help for my friend | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: I wondered if you could advise me on behalf of a friend who has just lost his son aged 37 in a ... A: I would urge your friend to go to the town or county where deeds are recorded and get a copy of the ... | |
| Direct cremation legal proceedure | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: What options do I have for transporting the body to the crematorium and recovery of the ashes? I ... A: The biggest problem will be finding a crematory that is willing to accept the body from a family ... | |
| Help for my friend | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I wondered if you could advise me on behalf of a friend who has just lost his son aged 37 in a ... A: It depends on how the deed was written-- tenants-in-common or joint tenants with right of ... | |
| Dispersal of Ashes by Air Over Land | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I wrote you several days ago but did not receive a confirming email, nor did I expect one. I sent ... A: You are correct. I never got your first question, so I'm glad you sent it again. I just answered the ... | |
| burial laws | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: In the state of Colorado, do you have the right to be buried on your private property? A: No state laws that say yes or no. If you are in a rural are outside the village or city limits, it's ... | |
| Grandparent | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: I recently learned that my great great great great grandparents are buried on what is apparently ... A: In what state are they buried now? Also in Iowa? Given how long ago they were buried, there won't be ... | |
| transporting cremated remains to UK | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: My mother was born in Scotland but was a US Citizen at death. She has been cremated, no urn. What ... A: Just make sure there is no metal urn as it needs to go through the scanner. Wood, cardboard, or ... | |
| Transporting an unembalmed body for burial in Utah | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: My father just passed away. He lived in Los Angeles county, CA, but wanted to be buried in northern ... A: If you are doing the transporting he does NOT need to be embalmed. Use frozen gel packs or dry ice ... | |
| Cremated Remains | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: My grandmother passed away last year and we had her cremated. She had an insurance policy that paid ... A: Is your grandmother already buried in the family plot? Even tho' he was married to her, I don't ... | |
| Deeds destroyed by sexton | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: For several years I have been trying to get our township cemetery folks to help me identify the ... A: With a town-owned cemetery you have no choice but to deal with the local officials. Is there an ... | |
| 1800's family graveyard on property of a house we would like to buy, | 6/26/2009 |
| Q: It is fairly close to the house and I would like to know how easy or hard it would be to have it ... A: I will do some further checking but I think NH laws are silent on this issue. Will post again when I ... | |
| My daughter's funeral expenses | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: She died May 7, 2009, married 7 months I paid all costs - ins. gave $5,000. I came from out of state ... A: The spouse has all the rights to make funeral arrangements unless the deceased left other ... | |
| Burials | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: What are the rules regarding burials on private property in VA? A: No state laws say you can or can't. If you have some acreage, say at least five acres, and are ... | |
| Transporting across country | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: My mother-in-law is very ill. As the family discussed various issues, should she die, the discussion ... A: It should be legal to transport her body by a family member. You will need to file the death ... | |
| Legal rights | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: My wife was crematated. I did not pay for the cremation.A non-family member did pay for it. Do i ... A: Yes, you absolutely as the spouse have all rights (if you were not estranged, in some states). How ... | |
| body | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: Does Florida law require next-of-kin to claim a body or can the nearest relatives refuse to shoulder ... A: To my knowledge, Florida is not one of the states that requires next-of-kin to foot the funeral ... | |
| Widow Rights to Plots purchased before marriage | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: My husband obtained 3 burial plots in Florida.. He mentioned it to me in our 11 years together and ... A: Contact the cemetery to make sure they are in your husband's name and not shared with anyone else. ... | |
| Burial in Madison County, Ohio | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: Can you open an existing grave site to add ashes of a second person. If so, who has the rights to ... A: Next-of-kin would have the rights or give permission. The cemetery is likely to want to charge you ... | |
| No burial insurance | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: My nephew died yesterday in an accident. He had no insurance. Is there any help in the State of ... A: None that I know of. If he was eligible for Medicaid, there may be a small amount of state or county ... | |
| Fathers Ashes Taken From Me By Sheriff... | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: Parent passed last June without a will. Sibling and I agreed to cremate deceased and scatter ashes ... A: You said "successfully petitioned the court for a hearing to remove her." But apparently they left ... | |
| Fathers Ashes Taken From Me By Sheriff... | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: Parent passed last June without a will. Sibling and I agreed to cremate deceased and scatter ashes ... A: I am guessing any legal fees would cost you more than any satisfaction you might get out of suing ... | |
| Fathers Ashes Taken From Me By Sheriff... | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: Parent passed last June without a will. Sibling and I agreed to cremate deceased and scatter ashes ... A: I don't think "tangible property" has anything to do with it. Unless there were written wishes of ... | |
| the cost of digging hole for cremation remains | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I will be burying my moms remains in a cemetery next to my dads BUT the cost is OUTRAGEOUS $675 for ... A: Even the small town cemetery here in VT wants $100 to dig that hole, which I think it too much, too. ... | |
| burial rights | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: In California, is it legal to bury human remains on personal rural property? A: Towns are given the right to govern this in CA. No state laws say you can or can't. If you have land ... | |
| remains across state lines | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: My parents have funeral arrangements already made in Oklahoma. But for now, they live with me in ... A: What a thoughtful daughter! What have your parents already paid for? It would be helpful for you ... | |
| private family cemetery in Kentucky | 6/12/2009 |
| Q: What is the law on establishing a private family cemetery on private property in state of Kentucky? ... A: If your land is outside the village or city limits and if there is no local mention of family ... | |
| Texas and Burial Laws | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: From what I have researched in Texas there is no law to buried on your own land as long as you ... A: If your land is outside the village or city limits and there are no zoning laws, you're right. Yes, ... | |
| Private Property Burials | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: I would just like to know the stipulations on a burial on your own private property? I heard that ... A: The 24 hour business has nothing to do with home burial. There are no state laws that say you can ... | |
| burial without major funeral expenses | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: I have terminal cancer and have been given 1 to 2 years. I hate the ridiculously high cost of ... A: You have every right to limit funeral costs as you see fit. That said, it is very important to talk ... | |
| Moving an interred body from FL to LA | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: My husband's mother was buried in Florida, where she was staying with his younger sister. The sister ... A: If the mother left written wishes, those would prevail in FL according to FL law. But if she didn't, ... | |
| My Moms remains | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: My mom died suddenly a few weeks ago (age 50) and due to financial reasons we had to have her ... A: It makes my blood boil when cemeteries do that kind of money-grubbing sales pitch. I've been known ... | |
| SCI | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: I heard from a funeral director in our area that SCI offered to buy them out, but when he refused ... A: There is a Funeral Consumers Alliance in Chicago. I'm not sure if they do a regular price survey or ... | |
| Moving a body | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: Does my sister in law have legal rights to move my brothers grave from Colorado to Kansas. They were ... A: Since the wife was in the hospital and unable to assert her rights at the time, any Probate Court ... | |
| burial sites | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: Lisa-we own a large piece of land in Green Lake county Wisconsin, we have it legally added to a LLC ... A: No state laws regarding home burial, one way or the other, so you should have no problem. Draw a map ... | |
| Engraving Headstone without Burial | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: My dad is buried in a cemetery in NY. My mom died recently and was cremated. The cemetery wanted ... A: You're a woman after my own heart! Don't ask the cemetery to fix the marker. Get another monument ... | |
| Ohio Burial | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a question about what the laws are pertaining to Greene county as far as being buried on the ... A: If your land is outside the village or city limits, then there should be no problem. (There are no ... | |
| Death Certificates | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: My Wife works for a Cemetery / Funeral Home. She is constantly writing checks to one individual who ... A: Only the Department of Vital Records can issue death certificates, and those come with a raised ... | |
| disinterment | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: My sister committed suicide 28 years ago to escape an abusive husband. He recently died and now the ... A: As siblings, you probably don't have any legal weight regarding funeral plans if there are other ... | |
| Oklahoma interrment | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: Can private land, out in Pittsburg county, in Oklahoma, be earmarked for a family cemetery and what ... A: If your land is outside city or village limits and if you have a fair amount of land, say five acres ... | |
| requirements for burial in sarasota fla. | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: what permit is needed,and is a vault required to have a person buried on his family home land in ... A: You should check what the deed restriction says, as that might change your possibilities. If that ... | |
| requirements for burial in sarasota fla. | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: what permit is needed,and is a vault required to have a person buried on his family home land in ... A: Unless you are in a rural area with a lot of land, say five acres or more, zoning is not likely to ... | |
| Death Midwife training | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: I live in WY and wonder where I could get Death Midwife certification. I am interested in this. ... A: At the moment, there are no standards for "certification" as a death midwife. You would find a class ... | |
| Should my dad have to pay for estranged brother's cremation? | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: My dad and his brother have not spoken in years. My dad's cousin contacted him this week to let him ... A: TX does have a law that requires the next-of-kin to arrange for and pay for disposition, as do one ... | |
| cremains | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I have two grave sites in a small cemetery in Indiana. My husbands cremains were interred this ... A: This sounds like a for-profit cemetery trying to raid your pocketbook! Either that or some ... | |
| home wake in Alabama | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: Can I have my wake at home & bypass the funeral industry entirely? I want to be cared for by family ... A: You do not need to use a funeral director in Alabama at all, so, yes, you can have a home wake, home ... | |
| home burial | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I live in NW Florida I own 2.4 acres can I be buried on my property and have it be a home (green) ... A: If your land is in a really rural area, you could possibly set up a family graveyard. If you are ... | |
| Relocated Remains... | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: My Grandma died in 2001. She was cremated. At the time, my Grandpa and I were in shock, it all ... A: Maybe when you contact the lady you should ask her who has the legal rights to determine funeral and ... | |
| Exhumation and Reburial | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: I have a friend that has a child buried in one state and would like her moved to her home state. ... A: If the child was an infant, it was likely buried in a combination casket-vault that should still be ... | |
| Relocated Remains... | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: My Grandma died in 2001. She was cremated. At the time, my Grandpa and I were in shock, it all ... A: Your grandfather has ALL RIGHTS to determine his wife's burial location and memorial marker. The ... | |
| Cost Cutting funerals | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: My grandma ma let her ins policy lapse so now with her hanging on by a thread we are un sure how we ... A: If you e-mail me directly, I can send you the GA chapter from my book on how to handle a funeral ... | |
| Disinterment-Reinterment/Family Plot/Affidavit | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: (Question from Michigan) I have visited my father's grave a few times a year, and always on the ... A: What a gawd-awful mess! How unkind! You don't need a lawyer to go to Probate Court. I would start ... | |
| Rights over parents plots | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: My mother passed away in Feb 2008 and me and my father were the one's who went to the cemetery to ... A: First of all, no one OWNS a plot, simply the right of interment, and both plots have been used in ... | |
| winter burials | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: I am our townships Planning Commission chairperson. We are working on our Cemetery Ordinance. I ... A: I believe NY is the only state requiring winter burials. Here in VT, most cemeteries have a "winter ... | |
| Iowa law | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: Where can I go to find out if embalming is required, if I can make my own casket, and so forth in ... A: E-mail me directly and I can give you the Iowa chapter from my book, now out of print. It's 10 years ... | |
| Idaho home burial | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: My mom wants to be buried on her property in North Idaho. I can't find laws against it and the ... A: If you e-mail me directly, I can send you the Idaho chapter from my book that will give you helpful ... | |
| scattering field | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: Can I charge individuals for scattering cremains on my farm the way cemeteries do? What are the ... A: That is clearly a gray area if you aren't allowing burials. Charging folks makes it a commercial ... | |
| embalming and cremation | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: I'd like to know about embalming and cremation in OH. I have been to several memorial services and ... A: You can certainly be embalmed prior to cremation, though you might not choose it if you knew what ... | |
| Burial Vaults | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: I plan to start building all steel burial vaults but the problem I keep running into with funeral ... A: I'm not sure why you would even want to make steel vaults. Like steel septic tanks, they'll ... | |
| law reguarding age of burial | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: How old does the fetus have to be before the law requires you to have a funeral. In the state of ... A: After 20 weeks, a fetal death is recorded on a fetal death certificate. You don't have to have a ... | |
| home burials | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I are looking for a place to retire, and are looking at property in CO, CA, WY, MT, ... A: California makes it difficult to "establish" a family cemetery. Local municipalities are given ... | |
| Home Funerals in San Diego | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I'm a journalist at a local station in San Diego CA, and would very much like to do a story about ... A: Abbie, thanks for your interest. You have some folks in that area who are active in assisting ... | |
| Scattering Cremains in Gulf of Mexico | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: My husband passed away 16 yrs ago. His wish was to be scattered in the Gulf. Because I could never ... A: Go right ahead. If some funeral director says it has to be three miles out, ignore it. The EPA has ... | |
| body relocating | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: My mother-in-law passed away in 1995, now my father-in-law would like to move here to another ... A: Is where she's buried now near any of the daughters? How far away from the daughters is the new ... | |
| body relocating | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: My mother-in-law passed away in 1995, now my father-in-law would like to move here to another ... A: Did your mother-in-law have any wishes in writing? If so, that should prevail. Otherwise, alas, the ... | |
| Bury me in a pine box | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: My parents live in Ohio and own sixty acres out in the country. When they die they would like a ... A: Starting a family graveyard in OH should be no problem. Draw a map of the land showing where the ... | |
| moving burial plot | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: My husb died in rural VA-in our home and was buried on property. He was buried in biodegradable ... A: How very unfortunate, Nancy! I'd be happy to talk with someone at the bank as it may ADD value to ... | |
| body transport | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: I am thinking of a body transportation system to serve folks who die out of state or many miles from ... A: There are already body shipping services such as Inman Nationwide as well as local ones that ... | |
| Right to refuse body | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: I live in a small town with one funeral home and no others for 20 miles. I work in a nursing home ... A: I doubt very much that a funeral home is obligated to pick up a body. In what state? Usually, the ... | |
| Private Property burial | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: Simple: I want to build a concrete mausoleum. My spouse chooses not to be buried or cremated. Can ... A: Before you decide on a mausoleum, you might want to find out more. It is a crock-pot for a smelly ... | |
| to be buried on my property | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I WANT TO BE BURIED ON MY PROPERTY. I live in southern Oregon. I live up on a mtn with acreage and ... A: Oregon laws are mute on home burial. That said, there is a DREADFUL bill in the Senate--SB 796--to ... | |
| Wakes | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: can we have my mothers wake at home in pinellas county FL.34684 A: Yes you may. If she dies at home, you could bathe and dress her yourselves and have visitors before ... | |
| Concrete Burial Vault | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: Does PA require coffins or urns to be buried in a concrete vault? Do most states require this to be ... A: No state requires vaults for either caskets or urns. In fact, NY forbids cemeteries from requiring ... | |
| Home burial | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: I went to the library and looked through your book concerning home burial for the state of Ohio. ... A: No marker is necessary, but I would strongly recommend that you draw a map of your property showing ... | |
| who has the say so? | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: my father remarried and is the hospital not doing good.his now wife wants him burried by her and ... A: Unless your dad has written instructions for his final disposition, then his wife gets to call the ... | |
| Beneficiary and Ownership of Insuarance Policy | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: I am employed at a Funeral Home where I frequently assist in making Pre-need arrangements. While ... A: Your funeral home MAY be named the beneficiary. Statutes: 30-2-13-12 (c) and 30-2-13-12.5 (b) ... | |
| Cemetery Property | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: My grandparents bought 5 cemetery spaces in 1948 and both are now deceased and used 2 of the 5 ... A: Here's the law-- Sec. 711.039. RIGHTS OF INTERMENT IN PLOT. (a) A plot in which the exclusive ... | |
| Columbarium | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: In Ohio, what are the laws, regulations regarding the building of a columbarium? We've searched and ... A: If this is strictly private and you are not selling space, go right ahead and build it. The state ... | |
| Can you tell me if there is funding in the state of missouri that will help with a funeral | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Her daughters and son doesnt have the money the funeral home is wanting up front to begin the ... A: If the aunt was on Medicaid, there may be some state assistance. The funeral director should know ... | |
| Creamation Remains | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: My brother passed away a year and a half ago, he laft behind his parents, wife, 6 brothers and 1 ... A: Where does she want him buried? Would you agree to that? How much would that cost? You could ... | |
| Ohio Burial Laws for Cremated Remains | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: We no longer live in OH, but my aged mother asks to be cremated and returned to OH. Is there any ... A: If it is a for-profit cemetery, they're likely to want to charge you for a second right of ... | |
| Michigan, 1 acre, Cremated remains. family Burial plot | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: MS Carlson, I wish to establish a family burial plot for cremated remains only. What are the rules ... A: Family graveyards are permissible in MI outside village or city limits. Such land is exempt from ... | |
| Creamation Remains | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: My brother passed away a year and a half ago, he laft behind his parents, wife, 6 brothers and 1 ... A: The wife gave up some of her rights when she didn't pay for the funeral arrangements. How generous ... | |
| moving cremains across state lines into an existing grave | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: The property on which my Dad's grave is located is being sold.(in MA) I want to move his cremains ... A: You don't need a funeral home at all. The U.S. Postal Service is the only way to ship them. FedEx ... | |
| Transporting a body across state lines | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: What are the laws regarding transporting a body from Tennessee to Virginia? The current proposal is ... A: Yes, a family member may transport the body provided you have the burial transit permit. FYI, if ... | |
| probate | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I am being sued by a step brother for the ashes of our parents and I just received a subpoena duces ... A: What will you be doing with the ashes after? Would you object to sharing them with any who want ... | |
| probate | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I am being sued by a step brother for the ashes of our parents and I just received a subpoena duces ... A: This is a sticky wicket, to be sure. If I understand you correctly, this is a half-brother born to ... | |
| probate | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I am being sued by a step brother for the ashes of our parents and I just received a subpoena duces ... A: The court procedures (subpoenas) are outside my area of expertise. That said, perhaps I can be ... | |
| Transportation of deceased relative | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: What are the laws and regulations on transporting deceased relatives? My Dad wants to know if he ... A: E-mail me directly and I'll send you the CA chapter from my book that's now out of print. He will ... | |
| legal resposibility for Father's funera; | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: My father has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. He has a girlfriend of 30 years and had taken ... A: In only a few states are you obligated to participate in planning or paying for a relative's ... | |
| Casket requirements | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: Can you be buried in Carroll County Ga. in a home made wood casket and can you establish a burial ... A: Yes, you can be in a home-made casket anywhere, in any cemetery. Home-made caskets tend to be too ... | |
| disposition of adult child remains | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: adult son died without a will, his adult children cannot agree on disposition of cremated remains, ... A: Splitting up the cremated remains is one way to resolve the issue. Otherwise, someone should go to ... | |
| Cremation in Alabama | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: My sister just passed away in Anniston, AL. She was divorced and had three grown children. Her body ... A: The only good news I have is that you can probably get a copy of her death certificate from the ... | |
| Disinternment of Grandparents | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: My grandparents died in 1986 and 1988 and are buried in Alabama. My uncle has some land in ... A: After all this time, the caskets have either rusted out if metal or fallen apart if wood. It will be ... | |
| Cost of cremation for estranged father of grown children | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: He has no health insurance, no will, no living relatives,and no money. He left our 2 boys (now ... A: Diabetes should not be a problem in being accepted by the Anatomy Board, but you should be able to ... | |
| Cost of cremation for estranged father of grown children | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: He has no health insurance, no will, no living relatives,and no money. He left our 2 boys (now ... A: Yes, it does seem rather cruel to contemplate being hit with funeral expenses for someone who was ... | |
| Cost of cremation for estranged father of grown children | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: He has no health insurance, no will, no living relatives,and no money. He left our 2 boys (now ... A: There are only a few states that require the next-of-kin to pay for funeral expenses. In what state ... | |
| moving cremated remains | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: My infant daughters cremated remains are in Seattle WA. I would like to move her to Tucson AZ. What ... A: Simply call the cemetery and let them know you will arrive to pick them up on such-and-such a day. ... | |
| insurance policy no good | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: my half sister died and left a $10,000 policy and $1,000 policy with her 15 year old daughter as ... A: Gawd, what a mess! A probate court might be able to force a release of the insurance since the ... | |
| Funeral expenses of an Aunt | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: My Aunt passed away in September, 2008. For the last year of her life I had Power of Attorney for ... A: Beverly, One of the reasons I asked so many questions is that the funeral home is REQUIRED by ... | |
| insurance policy no good | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: my half sister died and left a $10,000 policy and $1,000 policy with her 15 year old daughter as ... A: What kind of evidence do you have that the funeral home checked on these policies? Do you have ... | |
| Funeral expenses | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ... A: You don't need to use a funeral home at all. The family can to the paperwork and transport the body ... | |
| My Son's cremains | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: My Son was murdered almost two years ago. His remains were cremated. He had no wife, so his Father ... A: The laws in most states are not at all clear about this, with both parents typically having equal ... | |
| Cremation Authoration | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: My brother who lives lives in Scottsboro Al.wants to be cremated, and was told by the local funeral ... A: Alas, Alabama is not one of the states that allows one to name a designated agent for body ... | |
| Disinterring and moving a child | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: My daughter's first child was born premature 3years ago and died within hours while they were living ... A: Talk to the cemetery where the child is buried. Typically an infant is buried in a casket-vault ... | |
| cemetray plots | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: My mom and dad divorced and my mother remarried. She and her husband are now both deceased but at ... A: Cemeteries love this kind of mess because after a given number of years they get to resell something ... | |
| Caskets | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: Is there a law as to what a casket or coffin should be built? Can they be built out of wood and do ... A: No state has laws about how a casket is built. No seal needed. Home-made caskets tend to be too big. ... | |
| Home Wake | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: I live in Pennsylvania. Is it possible/legal to have a funeral with a viewing or a home wake ... A: Yes. You don't even need to use a funeral home at all in PA. The family may file the paperwork, ... | |
| Delayed Burial | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: The funeral director was to ship my nieces remains to Ohio from Texas for burial. She died on 3/5 ... A: By TX law, the death certificate should have been filed within 10 days. Sometimes doctors take a ... | |
| Selling Land with Family Graves | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: If we sell a piece of land with a family cemetery: 1) Do graves negatively affect a land sale? 2) ... A: It may or may not affect a sale. Many people find a family graveyard a charming bit of history. ... | |
| prepaid funeral and embalming | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: I prepaid my funeral 20 years afo and have changed my mind and they wont give all of my money back ... A: If you prepaid in KY, then 100% should have been put in trust, and 100% of what you paid and all ... | |
| 2nd rights | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: My mother passed in 1985 and after the shock of being drug through the burial system my father ... A: This sort of thing makes my blood boil!! They're getting paid twice for the same plot of land. ... | |
| burial rights | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: if my friends mother wants him in charge of where shes buried does he have the right to carry out ... A: Written and witnessed wishes of the deceased must be honored in WA. The law says: Right to Control ... | |
| Who can legally attend a funeral? | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: My father and I are bitterly estranged. My grandmother (his mother) most likely will pass away very ... A: If the funeral is announced in the newspaper, then it is a public event and you should be able to ... | |
| Grave ownership | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: My Mothernlaw bought 3 graves in 2/1989 when her husband died. about 14 years later she dies and we ... A: The city made the error and needs to fix it. Once a body has been buried, it should be allowed to ... | |
| Who can be buried in a family cemetery? | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: We live in Michigan and plan to have a (green) family cemetery on our farm. I've read your answers ... A: Yes, if you are not charging any money, then you'll be fine. GOOD LUCK! By the way, are you ... | |
| start a family cemetary | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, Can you tell me how find out if you can start a family cemetary in Muhlenberg County, ... A: There are no laws one way or the other. So if you have rural land outside the village or city ... | |
| Cremation with minor children | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: Does Florida have a law stating a person cannot be cremated if there are minor children? A funeral ... A: That is total bullshit! No such law. The minor children can visit the grave for cremated remains. ... | |
| Burial placement order | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: Is there a typical protocol for placement of husband and wife in burial plot? Is the wife to the ... A: It really depends on the cemetery. And which is the "right"--what you see lying down or standing up ... | |
| Burial Plot Rights Parents vs. Widowed Wife | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: My mom recently attempted to order a vase to place at my brothers grave site,however she was told ... A: Are there children that the rest of the family will have or want to have contact with? Regardless, ... | |
| Disinterment & Reburial | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: Our father died in 1985 and is buried in FL. Our mother died Feb 2008 and is buried in MD. Four of ... A: For some reason I'm having trouble bringing up Florida statutes on my computer to check the ... | |
| Moving My Fathers Body | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: My father is buried in a National Cemetery (He was in the army) in Nashville, TN (because his wife ... A: I would start with her, with a nice note in writing so you have some documentation. If she refuses, ... | |
| Pre-arrangements for Mom - Complicated | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: Ms. Carlson, First, Thank you for this wonderful service - I'd never felt so victimized until trying ... A: John, Sign up your mother as a member of the Los Angeles Funeral Consumers Alliance -- ... | |
| Moving My Fathers Body | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: My father is buried in a National Cemetery (He was in the army) in Nashville, TN (because his wife ... A: Would his wife object to the move? I think she still gets to call the shots even though she's ... | |
| Maiden names on headstones | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I live in Calgary, Alberta and my sister passed away almost two years ago in England. She was ... A: I certainly understand the genealogical desire to have all pertinent names on a head stone. If the ... | |
| Cremains in Church Garden | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: Our church is thinking about adding a memorial garden in the back where people can scatter (not ... A: Yes, that would be legal. One is supposed to notify the state where the disposition of cremated ... | |
| Rights to Ashes | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I have two nephews ages 6 and 11 whose Mother just passed away. Her Mother who who disowned her and ... A: I would think there is some state agency to oversee the kids' welfare and that someone would ... | |
| Disinterment & Reburial | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: Our father died in 1985 and is buried in FL. Our mother died Feb 2008 and is buried in MD. Four of ... A: It sounds as if you may have asked at the wrong court. You need a PROBATE COURT for these things, ... | |
| Rights to Ashes | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I have two nephews ages 6 and 11 whose Mother just passed away. Her Mother who who disowned her and ... A: The minor children have no rights, I'm sorry to say. Was there a husband, even if estranged? How was ... | |
| Opening of graves | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I recently learned that to open our graves purchased 52 years ago will now cost $1050, 7 times the ... A: Yes, you can bury cremated remains anywhere with the landowner's permission. But there might be ... | |
| Stillbirths | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: Are all stillbirths required to have a death certificate issued in the state of California? Are ... A: A fetal death certificate is required in CA after 20 weeks of gestation. That is typical of most ... | |
| disposition of cremains | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: My parents have a cemetary plot in PA. I contacted the cemetary regarding putting my parents' ... A: This sounds like a for-profit cemetery that has made up its own rules to raid your pocketbook. ... | |
| Family Burial Plot on Your Land in Oklahoma | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: What do you need to do to have a family burial plot on your own land in Oklahoma? A: I am assuming you have a lot of land in a rural area outside the village or city limits. If so, draw ... | |
| casket transportaion | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: The nursing home where my mom resides in Philadelphia PA, has asked us to have funeral arrangements ... A: Will there be any services with the casket present other than perhaps a graveside service? If not, ... | |
| who's responsible for funeral cost | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: My oldest son passed away October 2006, he left behind two children and an ex-wife,mom&stepdad& ... A: The son's estate should have paid the funeral costs. A car or house, for example, or any other ... | |
| exhuming a body | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: Our step-dad has threatened to move our mom's body to another state. Mom has been gone almost a year ... A: Unfortunately, unless your mother had her wishes in writing, her spouse gets to call the shots. That ... | |
| TX TO MO TRANSPORT | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: Our grandfather is near death and we will have services in Rosenberg, TX w/the actual burial in ... A: One of you could transport the body. That would be entirely legal, even if you had to rent a van. ... | |
| body transport | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to locate a body transport business to move a body and casket from Venice Fl. to Tampa ... A: Ask the Mass. funeral home to make arrangements, not the FL one. And tell them you expect them to ... | |
| transporting body from alabama to another state | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: Can I transport the body of a deceased love one by myself from alabama to be buried in florida? A: Yes, but Alabama requires that the body be embalmed first. Also, the cemetery to which the body ... | |
| my land | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I live in Georgia and wanted to be buried on my land. What do I have to do? Who do I contact to ... A: If you are in a rural area outside city or village limits and have a fair amount of land, and are ... | |
| Florida burial rules/fees | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: My mother lived in Fl for many years and will be buried beside my father in the Garden of Memories, ... A: You sound like a very well-educated and conscientious person. I see that this is a funeral home ... | |
| Dead body transportation | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to pre-arrange my final services. I wish to dontate my body to the Washington University ... A: What a generous offer. Ask the med school if they have any recommendations. I have no idea how close ... | |
| cremated remains | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: My friend Lisa lost her Father and Mother a day apart in January, they lived in Tennessee. They were ... A: Boy, you certainly got my blood boiling!! Is it the funeral home or the cemetery -- or is it a combo ... | |
| state laws in Alabama | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: Can you direct me? I am trying to find out about specific laws governing furnerals and burials in ... A: Yes, indeed. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the updated Alabama chapter from my book. ... | |
| Wife killed by Husband - Who decides burial | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: In Texas Husband kills wife - Wife's family want her to be buried in A. Husband wants to decide ... A: Here is my direct e-mail if you need it-- lisa@funeralethics.org I'm not sure where in TX you are, ... | |
| Burying Cremains/Separating Ashes | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: In Brief: My 9 yr. old stepdaughters mother died 3 years ago and the maternal grandmother had her ... A: There is absolutely no law or cemetery regulation that I know of that would forbid the burial of ... | |
| Headstone | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: My sister passed away, and my parents paid for the funeral even though she was married and has 2 ... A: Genealogists appreciate having maiden names on headstones as it makes their work much easier, ... | |
| cremation | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: What is the law in AR on disposition of cremation? Also what is the law in AR for not using funeral ... A: In all states, you can pretty much do as you wish with cremated remains. If you e-mail me directly, ... | |
| burial ground | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I live in Bakersfield CA my parents are buried at Hillcrest right next to eachother, my Dad died ... A: This cemetery is owned by Service Corporation International that has a reputation of manipulating ... | |
| Body Transport | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: My parents currently reside in Florida, they have burial plots in upstate New York. As their health ... A: If there will be no services in Florida, work with the NY funeral director only. He/she will call a ... | |
| PRIVATE TRANSPORT OF DECEASED BODY | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: We live in Oklahoma and I am trying to find out if we can transport our mothers body from one town ... A: You don't need to have the body embalmed at all. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the Oklahoma ... | |
| cemetery photography rights | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm an Ohio author who wants to do a book involving photographs of unusual and/or famous historical ... A: I don't know the answer to that but have forwarded your question to Clyde Chamberlain who writes a ... | |
| Funeral Costs | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I was married to my husband for 6 years. He died suddenly of a heartattack in 11/08. He left written ... A: How too bad that their shares weren't put on their credit cards at the time of the funeral. And how ... | |
| funeral pyres | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: what are the laws in wis. concerning them and if it's part of my religion what do i need to know ... A: You will need a medical examiner's permit to cremate in WI. My guess is you'll have a hard time ... | |
| very upset mom | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, Received the rules: Fresh cut or silk-life flowers are permitted in a permanent vase, year ... A: While that is generally true, there are many exceptions state-by-state. Maine statutes state that a ... | |
| very upset mom | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, Received the rules: Fresh cut or silk-life flowers are permitted in a permanent vase, year ... A: I'm sure they'll say the bricks interfer with mowing, which they do. You should certainly ask for ... | |
| very upset mom | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, My 17 yr old daughter is buried at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Maryland. I have ... A: Do get a copy of their regulations. What was removed? Just the brick border? Guess I'm feeling a ... | |
| Cremation | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: My fiance and father of my children ages 8,6,2 passed away seven months ago. His mother took urn ... A: Unfortunately, unless your fiance left written wishes to the contrary, I'm guessing that his parents ... | |
| very upset mom | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: Lisa, My 17 yr old daughter is buried at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Maryland. I have ... A: You likely have absolutely no rights. Number 1, you don't own the site, just the interment rights. ... | |
| rights of next of kin | 2/2/2009 |
| Q: My adult friend's biological father died;he divorced her mom and remarried;the wife is next of kin, ... A: I would think the wife has lost all rights. Your friend should go to the court in that county and ... | |
| Disinterment & Reburial | 2/2/2009 |
| Q: Our father died in 1985 and is buried in FL. Our mother died Feb 2008 and is buried in MD. Four of ... A: I believe you will have to go to Probate Court in Florida. You don't need a lawyer in Probate. I ... | |
| Multiple remains in one site | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: I will be buried in Florida. I have the cremains of my mother, father and fiance and would like to ... A: If the cemetery is a for-profit cemetery, which most in FL are, then they will surely want to charge ... | |
| CREMATION CERTIFICAT | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: we did not receive cremation cert,or burn tag is the cremation cite non consumer friendly also.In ... A: Do you have a cemetery plot where you want to bury the cremated remains? Ask if the cemetery will ... | |
| name on headstone | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: A friend of mine has been widowed twice, and wants to be buried next to her first husband. She has ... A: Sorry, I shouldn't try to answer so late at night. ;-) What I was trying to say was if there were ... | |
| name on headstone | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: A friend of mine has been widowed twice, and wants to be buried next to her first husband. She has ... A: One of the advantages of cremation is that the cremated remains can be dispersed to various family ... | |
| death in Canada, transport to US | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: My 84 year old mother is coming to visit me in Alberta, Canada for an extended time, perhaps three ... A: I am assuming you might choose not to have any services in Canada, as I'm guessing she knows few ... | |
| CREMATION RIGHTS MO. | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: My brother pssed in missorie,the girl friend told funeral director to cemate him.I SHOULD ALSO SAY ... A: I'm sorry about your loss. Unfortunately, coroners are not always very consumer-friendly. You ... | |
| transporting loved one from one cemetary to another | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: I want to remove my husband from one cemetary to another (their only a block or two from each other. ... A: You'll get the fastest answers from the town cemetery. I think you may need to go to Probate Court ... | |
| Funeral Expences Laws | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ... A: I apologize for not being clearer. Yes, you need to use a funeral director in LA. But if you hold ... | |
| Funeral Expences Laws | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ... A: One can make your own casket or buy one out-of-state, and the funeral home must accept it, according ... | |
| Funeral Expences Laws | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ... A: If all in the family are willing to consider the generous idea of donating the body for medical ... | |
| next of kin rights | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: My question Is My (common-law spouse) was killed, His father took control of the burial had him ... A: You'll have to talk to a lawyer. Unless the dad has very deep pockets, a lawyer will want you to pay ... | |
| next of kin rights | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: My question Is My (common-law spouse) was killed, His father took control of the burial had him ... A: It does sound like a pretty bad situation for you. I'm sorry for what you went through. You asked, ... | |
| Exhuming my fathers remains for DNA test | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: First thank you for this service. My father passed away in 1953 in Oklahoma and 55 years later ... A: Go to the probate court in your county. You don't need a lawyer. Take whatever evidence you have ... | |
| Disinterment in New Hampshire | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: A person (veteran) buried in a municipal cemetery because of indigence with no known relative, who ... A: Wow! That is a TOUGH one! Here is NH statute. I believe someone would have to go to probate court to ... | |
| laws of cremated remains | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a father whom passed away in Kingman AZ 2-17-08, my mom traveled here to my home to live in ... A: Your dad's ashes belonged to your mother, and unless your dad had written out his wishes as to what ... | |
| Home Funeral Service and Burial | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: I live in KY and want to know if it's possible for the family and myself to do everything involved ... A: Yes, you may handle everything yourselves. E-mail me directly and I can send you the KY chapter from ... | |
| North Carolina Burial Laws | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: Are there any laws governing where you can bury a person? We live in a rural, unincorporated area, ... A: E-mail me directly and I'll send you the NC chapter of my book which refers to the laws in that ... | |
| Illinois Law | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: Can you please tell me if "Home Funerals" are allowed in the state of Illinois. And are there any ... A: Yes, but depending on where you are, you may run into problems with authorities who think it isn't. ... | |
| who controls cemetary plots | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: My parents were both buried in the plots they purchased. My sister always stated to everyone in the ... A: Each cemetery has its own rules, so I would ask your question of the cemetery folks. You might go ... | |
| Burial | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: I want to be buried in a pine box and buried on my on land. I live in North Carolina, Randolph ... A: The NC laws are mute on the topic of home burial. Draw a map of your land showing where the family ... | |
| Grave Markers ? | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: My Father just passed last week, My parents had already bought a few plots when we were children, ... A: If the cemetery gives you a hard time even tho' you and your sister now know the legal rights you ... | |
| Cremation buriel | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: Can I buried my dad's cremated remains on our ranch in Calfornia? A: Yes. If your dad was cremated in CA or IN, the state may ask you to fill out where they are buried ... | |
| transporting from state to state | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: I recently heard their might be opportunities to transport deceased loved ones from Florida. How do ... A: Check with the professional licensing department. They license body transport services. In-state ... | |
| Grave Markers ? | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: My Father just passed last week, My parents had already bought a few plots when we were children, ... A: Jan, The cemetery may NOT require you to use them to place the marker. Tell them they are violating ... | |
| death midwife certification | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: I live in Florida and recently saw an article about death midwives. I am interested in learning ... A: Check with either of these ladies. Both travel around the country to give workshops-- Jerrigrace ... | |
| transporting the dead | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: we have a very close friend dying of brain cancer, and we have been caring for him in a different ... A: Yes, you can transport him yourself. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the CA chapter from my ... | |
| Burial conditions | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: I strongly prefer burial without embalming and without any casket. I do not want a concrete vault. ... A: Burial in WA requires an "established" cemetery. That said, there is growing interest in ... | |
| Unusual death situation | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: My sister and I haven't seen my father in 30 years. We were recently notified of his passing. My ... A: No FL law that I know of re the $500! Aid to the indigent is something usually decided in a dept. of ... | |
| Family Cemetery Burials not being allowed | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: I live in NC. Current owners of the family cemetery are refusing to allow further burials of family ... A: I would have to do more research to be able to answer that with any authority. Is it measured out in ... | |
| caskets | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: My family has used the same funeral home since I was 9, now I'm 51. They have taken care of everyone ... A: This is a new group with some *terrific* people. And, yes, they've done a price survey and found ... | |
| caskets | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: My family has used the same funeral home since I was 9, now I'm 51. They have taken care of everyone ... A: It sounds as if the funeral home manipulated you at a vulnerable time. The rental caskets are all ... | |
| Unusual death situation | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: My sister and I haven't seen my father in 30 years. We were recently notified of his passing. My ... A: I do not know what the state will pay, but I'm quite sure the law does NOT require family to pay. A ... | |
| Unusual death situation | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: My sister and I haven't seen my father in 30 years. We were recently notified of his passing. My ... A: Why would a funeral director have contacted your sister or even known how to? The funeral director ... | |
| death " midwife" | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I have tried to find a death midlife in Oregon and so far have not been successful. Do you know of ... A: I don't know of any in your particular area. Contact Erin or Kathy Phelps at Omega in Portland. Good ... | |
| Pre-need plot, cript and stone tranfer to family member | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I own a pre-need plot, cript, headstone in Independence, Mo., and wish to transfer it to a family ... A: Here is a link to the complaint form for that agency. Ignore page 2 as it has to do with healthcare. ... | |
| Pre-need plot, cript and stone tranfer to family member | 1/2/2009 |
| Q: I own a pre-need plot, cript, headstone in Independence, Mo., and wish to transfer it to a family ... A: Tell them you will report them to the Office of Professional Regulation if they try to pull such ... | |
| right to bury their own | 12/31/2008 |
| Q: Is there a right to bury one's own in the state of Alabama? Can the family transport the body in a ... A: I know of no cemetery lists for your state. The laws in AL don't address home burial one way or the ... | |
| right to bury their own | 12/31/2008 |
| Q: Is there a right to bury one's own in the state of Alabama? Can the family transport the body in a ... A: Yes, a family may transport the body or handle everything without a funeral director in AL, provided ... | |
| Cemetery practices | 12/30/2008 |
| Q: My mother was buried last week (12/23)at a Chicago cemetery. When my sister returned today, the ... A: If it is a religiously-owned cemetery, there won't be much you can do except to harrass the church ... | |
| Laws for transporting cremation ashes from one state to another | 12/28/2008 |
| Q: My mother-in-law lives with us in AZ and has a prepaid casket and plot in PA. Someone told us that ... A: Was the casket prepaid at a funeral home or cemetery in PA? Was only the casket prepaid or the whole ... | |
| NC law on dying, death and cremation | 12/25/2008 |
| Q: My family is Buddhist, and we have particular religious practices and rituals we would like to ... A: You may do that. When you think you might be facing a death fairly soon, it's important to walk ... | |
| Private property burial | 12/25/2008 |
| Q: My father would like to buried on his property in Trinity county in northern California. Is that ... A: Towns have the authority to regulate cemeteries. Draw a map of the land showing where you would like ... | |
| Transporting the recently deceased | 12/22/2008 |
| Q: My wife and I have a scheduled c-section for a baby that is not expected to live more than a few ... A: I'm so sorry. How very difficult for you. There will be a death certificate at the hospital. That is ... | |
| burying your own in indiana | 12/20/2008 |
| Q: can a person bury their love ones in indiana without using a funeral home having to be embaulted ... A: The short answer is "no." Burial must be in an "established" cemetery. You could see if the town ... | |
| Green Burial | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: We are interested in possibly using part of our farm in Montgomery County, Maryland, as a memorial ... A: You don't need any special permission to do this--for family, for example-- unless you are charging ... | |
| Responsible for burial | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: The Circuit Court of Maryland appointed an employee of the court the financial responsibility for an ... A: The financial guardian will have to account for how the money was spent. If it was all used up, then ... | |
| Power of Attorney and Son | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: My mother recently passed away. My Mother gave POA to my Aunt who refused to list me on the ... A: In what state did your mother live? In most states the POA dies when the person dies. Did your ... | |
| Responsible for burial | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: The Circuit Court of Maryland appointed an employee of the court the financial responsibility for an ... A: No, the finanical guardian should have borne all funeral expenses, especially with the house as an ... | |
| Moving remains from one state to another | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: My husband's 5 yr old daughter died 11 yrs ago. She was buried in FL where he was living at the ... A: Contact a local funeral director there in SC. He/she can make arrangements with a Florida funeral ... | |
| Can parents be forced to allow brother to be moved? | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: My brother committed suicide this past July. He left no will or instructions. He was 40 years old. ... A: Here is a link to Maine law-- ... | |
| rights to ashes son and his x-fiance | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: my son and his fiance of 4 1/2 years had twin girls born dead. my son has the ashes right now and ... A: Most states consider cremation the "final disposition" and have few if any laws about what happens ... | |
| Can parents be forced to allow brother to be moved? | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: My brother committed suicide this past July. He left no will or instructions. He was 40 years old. ... A: Tell me in what state, and I'll check the state laws. But the problem may be a very grey situation. ... | |
| North Carolina Burial Laws | 12/6/2008 |
| Q: Are there any laws governing where you can bury a person? We live in a rural, unincorporated area, ... A: Home burial in a rural area in NC is likely permissible in your area. There are no state laws that ... | |
| Can parents be forced to allow brother to be moved? | 12/6/2008 |
| Q: My brother committed suicide this past July. He left no will or instructions. He was 40 years old. ... A: Bio mother will have to go to Probate Court to force the father to make any other changes. Since ... | |
| mail cremated remains | 12/6/2008 |
| Q: my brother recently died in England. i am his only family can i have his cremated remains mailed to ... A: I am not sure about English law. If he didn't leave any instructions to the contrary and has no ... | |
| Restricted burial plot - CA | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: Carlson - My grandparents purchased two plots in Santa Barbara in 1968. My grandfather is buried ... A: Have your father ask to be shown the law. I don't believe it exists in CA. NY requires that it be ... | |
| funeral arrangements | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: funerals are pricey,anyway of buying casket,vault less expensive or even cremating,is it better to ... A: Alas, Indiana is one of seven states that require you to use a funeral director whether you want one ... | |
| burial in SC | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: Is it lawful to be buried in my property in the state of SC? What do I need to do so I can be buried ... A: If you are in a rural area outside the village or city limits, then home burial is likely permitted. ... | |
| Husband's rights in deceased wife's funeral arrangements | 11/29/2008 |
| Q: My brother's wife just passed and he says she wanted to be cremated but there is nothing in writing. ... A: No, the spouse is the legal next-of-kin, and without something in writing from the deceased, he/she ... | |
| Personal property burial rights | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: Is it still legal in Texas to have yourself or family members buried on private property, such as ... A: Yes, if you're in a rural area. Draw a map of the land showing where the family graveyard will be ... | |
| Moving My grandfather's grave in nj | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: two years ago yesterday my grandfather died and against mine and my mother's wishes my family buried ... A: It is likely to cost close to $7,000. Legal next-of-kin get to decide-- spouse or majority of adult ... | |
| Helping a friend in Michigan | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: My close friends brother is close to death in a hospital in MI. I wish to assist my friend in anyway ... A: Where in Michigan? There are some funeral directors who will work with you for fairly affordable ... | |
| help | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: My mother's wishes were to have her ashes buried along with her mother. My mother passed last year ... A: I think your mother's siblings--your grandmother's children--are the only ones with rights to that ... | |
| disenterment | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: My dad's urn was buried in a family plot in a Catholic Cemetery in Illinois but my mother who is ... A: No penalty that I know of, for anyone, as your mother has all legal rights. Is one allowed to plant ... | |
| disenterment | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: My dad's urn was buried in a family plot in a Catholic Cemetery in Illinois but my mother who is ... A: Your mother is the only one "involved" as she is legal next-of-kin with the right to do as she ... | |
| Wisconsin cremation questions | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible to have teeth (with amalgam fillings) removed after death and disposed of prior to ... A: A number of states are looking at this because the European Union passed an agreement in 2003/4 to ... | |
| Wisconsin cremation questions | 11/20/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible to have teeth (with amalgam fillings) removed after death and disposed of prior to ... A: The funeral industry is discussing this issue. A lot of funeral directors are hesitant. And rigor ... | |
| Father died in Florida | 11/20/2008 |
| Q: My father died in Florida while I was out of town on a cruise. They called me on the ship to tell ... A: Do you have any objection to the cremation? Do you have any reason not to honor your father's ... | |
| Florida Burial Laws | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: If one of us dies at home of old age or some kind of illness, can we just bury the person? Can that ... A: No, you do not need a funeral. You can bury or scatter cremated remains anywhere. If you are ... | |
| embalming and home wake service | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: In the state of Kentucky is it legal to not embalm the body and keep them at home for a viewing/wake ... A: KY has no embalming requirements at all. And, yes, a home funeral is permitted. You don't need a ... | |
| Cremation Laws in FL | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: Carlson, My grandmother recently passed in Tampa, FL. The funeral home that is supposed to be doing ... A: If your grandmother prepaid for her cremation or had in writing that that's what she wanted, Florida ... | |
| Florida pre-paid refund | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: My elderly parents lived in Florida until five years ago. While there, they pre-paid their funerals ... A: Florida laws are DREADFUL. You would be lucky to get 40% of the funeral refunded and nothing for the ... | |
| death certificate | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: My life partner(domestic partner)of 6 years passed away on August 11, 2008 in Missouri. He was not ... A: Unfortunately, the national death certificate standard treats separated as still married. In that ... | |
| Cremated remains in Maryland | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: My mother is buried in one of the local cemetaries. My sister just died and is being cremated. Can ... A: NOT illegal to scatter in any state, with landowner's permission. NOT an environmental hazard at ... | |
| Cremated remains in Maryland | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: My mother is buried in one of the local cemetaries. My sister just died and is being cremated. Can ... A: The cemetery is likely to want to charge you for a "second right of interment." So my typical answer ... | |
| Organ donation/science donation and funeral costs | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: I read another posting about organ donation and saw that you mentioned that if the body was donated ... A: I researched the med school requirements, so checking my book or checking directly with the nearest ... | |
| Organ donation/science donation and funeral costs | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: I read another posting about organ donation and saw that you mentioned that if the body was donated ... A: Only about three percent of deaths are suitable for organ donation--heart, lung, etc.--as you have ... | |
| home burial | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I own 10 acres in Bucks County PA, Bedminster Twp. I'm a moderately healthy 56 year old male and ... A: If you're reasonably sure that you're not likely to move elsewhere before you die (or are willing to ... | |
| Daughter's death certificate | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: My daughter died from diabetes November 6, 2008 in Oklahoma. I am told by the Medical Examiners ... A: They may be doing various tests to see if there could be other causes. And they may be backed up. ... | |
| Disinterment & Transportation | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: My father's remains are buried in FL. Our mother passed away recently and is buried in MD. We ... A: Unless your father left specific written wishes, your mother's statement should be sufficient. Check ... | |
| Transport accross state lines for research | 11/7/2008 |
| Q: I am coordinating a medical research project involving the donation of organs after death. For many ... A: Only two states require embalming when crossing state lines--when shipping from NJ and AL. The law ... | |
| from grave to cremation | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: My father was buried in PA 34 years ago. My mother died 2 months ago and was cremated. Is it ... A: Check with the cemetery in PA to see if you need a disinterment order from the Probate Court. You ... | |
| Mo burial | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: In Missouri is it legal to be buried on your own property without being embalmed or having to go to ... A: Yes, if you are in a rural area. My book, "Caring for the Dead," is now out of print, but if you ... | |
| disinternment and transport | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: my mom is buried in florida, my dad just recently passed and was buried in pa, we want to have my ... A: The cemetery is likely to refuse an outside company to do the disinterment, for "liability" reasons ... | |
| Transporting a deceased person from one state to another | 11/3/2008 |
| Q: My mother lives in Seattle Washington. She wants to be buried here in Missouri when she dies. What ... A: If you are doing the transporting, you will need to file the death certificate and get the burial ... | |
| vaults, liners, cement vaults | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: Lisa, From Iowa, again. I've discovered out how to personally obtain many funerary items myself ... A: Most vault dealers will NOT sell directly to the public. One midwest farmer discovered that a ... | |
| headstones | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: My mom passed away in March.The cemetery showed us in the paperwork of the plot owners (3 of our ... A: What a mess!I think most cemeteries let the lot-owners call the shots. How too bad the cousins are ... | |
| Cremation laws in Alabama | 10/30/2008 |
| Q: My brother recently died and his wife had him cremated and was told that she could not have his ... A: I suggested one possibility, if the crematory is some distance away. If the funeral home doesn't ... | |
| Home/Farm burial in Henry county KY | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in knowing how to establish a family burial plot on my 15 acre farm in Henry Co., ... A: The laws are silent on family cemeteries, so you should have no problem. Draw a map of the land ... | |
| natural burial | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: Is it legal in California? If yes, how do we find a local organization? Thanks for your attention. A: Yes. You can check the website of the Green Burial Council, but you should also check with a few ... | |
| natural burial in PA | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: i don't want to be embalmed or cremated. the FD who handled my father's arrangements said that in ... A: If you own rural land in PA, you could be buried on your own land. Check with any of the local ... | |
| logistics and cost of natural burial | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: I love the idea of going directly into the ground when I die. But I live in Salt Lake City and ... A: Check with any of the existing cemeteries to see if they are setting aside areas for green burials. ... | |
| California Stillborn Laws | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering what the laws are in California regarding a stillborn's remains. The children would ... A: I am guessing that there are various policies from one hospital to the next. You should also know ... | |
| cemetery plot ownership | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: First, thanks so much for your service. My dad bought a cemetary plot in the 1930s in Pennsylvania. ... A: It sounds very tacky, indeed. Who owns the cemetery? Can they help you out with insisting the heart ... | |
| Selling Burial Plots | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: Can you recommend an honest website that I could use to sell burial plots? A: No. If they want front money to list the plot, don't do it. It's VERY hard to sell unwanted plots. ... | |
| Purchase of Headstone | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: My nephew died in Dec of 2007. His father purchased the burial plot without my sister (nephews ... A: A couple of questions-- How old was the nephew when he died? Who was the last custodial parent if ... | |
| rate of decomposition | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: My cousin was a very bad diabetic and he passed away 4 months ago. He was buried without a vault ... A: It's very difficult to predict how fast or slow decomposition might take. Temperature will have ... | |
| graveyard on your own land | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: I live in Louisiana and was also thinking about being buried on my land. Can you tell me the laws ... A: Burial in Louisiana must be in a duly authorized cemetery. Home burial would probably be permissible ... | |
| sharing ashes | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: My ex-wife will not share our 22 year old daughter, Christina's ashes.I have been waiting for more ... A: You don't need a lawyer to go to Probate Court. That's one of the great advantages of cremation, ... | |
| Green Cemeteries in Iowa | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: I am working to add a "green" section to our cemetery here in Grinnell, Iowa. The local funeral ... A: Byron, Are you the casket maker? Sent me your direct e-mail for the Iowa chapter. My e-mail is ... | |
| Claiming the body | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: What procedure and documents, if any, are needed in order for a relative to claim the body of the ... A: In what state? There are 7 states where you must use a funeral director. In some states, a body may ... | |
| natural burial in Iowa | 10/15/2008 |
| Q: Can you please direct me to the laws on natural burials on personal/private property in Iowa, US? ... A: The Iowa laws are silent on this issue. If you are in a rural area, draw a map of your land showing ... | |
| Cemetery Plots | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: If someone buys and gives you a cemetery plot years ago with the intention that they want you to be ... A: In the first question you sent me I think you said there was a name on the plot for the person your ... | |
| Cemetery Plots | 10/13/2008 |
| Q: If someone buys and gives you a cemetery plot years ago with the intention that they want you to be ... A: Has someone else been buried in the plot yet? If so, it may be hard to get that person moved. The ... | |
| green cemeteries | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: From Iowa...please advise re. the availability of any green cemeteries. How does one start a green ... A: Doesn't surprise me, this "green washing" just to catch a fad. Did you also notice that as a result ... | |
| green cemeteries | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: From Iowa...please advise re. the availability of any green cemeteries. How does one start a green ... A: Talk to Dennis Britson in the Dept. of Insurance which regulates some cemeteries. You can tell him ... | |
| Funeral Requirements for Stillborn in Ohio | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: Are there any laws regarding the disposition of a stillborn in the state of Ohio? My girlfriend was ... A: There will be a stillbirth certificate of death for that triplet. It is possible the hospital might ... | |
| burial at home | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: I saw an answer you gave to an Ohio women (dated Nov. 06) in which you said there were no laws ... A: In CA, one has to be buried in an "established" cemetery, but towns have jurisdiction over ... | |
| legal requirements to care for dead | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: What are the legally required steps to care for our parents at home upon their death? (we reside in ... A: You should be able to get my book "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love" from the library ... | |
| death of sister | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: My sister died in Florida last week. She left no will but expressed her desire to be cremated. Our ... A: Find another funeral home ASAP! It sounds like one owned by a major Wall St. corporation. Where in ... | |
| Rights to cremains | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: Who has legal rights to my father's ashes - his(unregistered domestic partner) or his children? No ... A: Ask to see the law. Did the domestic partner pay for the cremation? That might have complicated ... | |
| Death Certificate | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: I am having a problem getting my father's death certificate. He died in his sleep at a Des Moines, ... A: File a complaint with the state Dept. of Health, Vital Statistics division. The death certificate ... | |
| home funeral helper | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I am looking into the possibility of becoming a Home Funeral Helper in California. Ive read your ... A: You can sell caskets and urns with no problem, but you might not want to rush into business, as it's ... | |
| Starting a Family Cemetery | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: We want to create a family cemetery on our property in Pennsylvania. We are having a hard time ... A: Hand-drawn should be fine. And certainly any identifying text will be helpful. P.S. Most people ... | |
| disinterment and reburial | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: My mother wants to move the remains of her 2-year-old daughter from a cemetery in San Miguel ... A: I have NO ideas what the laws are in Mexico. If the area where the child was buried is very arid, ... | |
| Burial on private land | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: We own and live on 80 acres in Oklahoma. Can we be buried on our own land? A: Yes, you should have no problem as there are no OK laws one way or the other. A good guideline is ... | |
| body transport business | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: I work in the medical field full time and someone approached me last week about starting a local ... A: This is governed on the state level, not federal. A few states license body transporters--VA and FL ... | |
| PRIVATE PROPERTY BURIAL | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: I LIVE IN MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE 40 ACRES. COULD WE BE BURRIED ON OUR OWN ... A: Yes, Michigan has an excellent home burial statute. A family graveyard under one acre and outside ... | |
| Starting A Cemetery | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: very helpful! How much land do I need to have in Rual Clark CO.Mississippi to open a Cemetery for ... A: I would start with the local zoning administrator if there is one. Or the local Health Department. ... | |
| Transporting body from Texas to Alabama | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: My dad is in the last stages of cancer and doesn't have long to live. He will have a funeral ... A: You can transport the body yourself. Alabama expects the body to have been embalmed. You may need a ... | |
| Moving My Sister to NY from CO | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: My sister has been buried in Colorado since 1983. My entire family has been living in NY for the ... A: Cremation sounds like the most reasonable and affordable option all around. The casket has likely ... | |
| transport body to another state | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: My mother lives in CA & wants to be buried in TX. I can't find any info on transportation options ... A: Will you want to transport the body yourself or hire a funeral director? If you are hiring a funeral ... | |
| Funeral Arrangements | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: Recently our step-father passed away. He and my mother had purchased a $10,000.00 life insurance ... A: It would seem to me that the fairest solution would be to have your mother write a will--you can ... | |
| Moving my brothers remains | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: Do you know how much it cost, or how do my family go about getting the remains of my older brother ... A: Should be no problem at all. I'm assuming your brother had no wife and that his parents or siblings ... | |
| tombstone and burial plot ownership | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: In 1944 Chester Kline purchased a 6 plots in a row gravesite in Pa. His 11yr old daughter was buried ... A: I would think you'd have the right to restore the tombstone. I believe you would need to go to ... | |
| Moving my brothers remains | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: Do you know how much it cost, or how do my family go about getting the remains of my older brother ... A: It will probably cost $7,000 or more. You'll likely need a new casket if it was a body burial not ... | |
| Next of kin responsibility overseas. | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: The Father of a friend of mine--Maureen--died recently in the United States. He had moved here ... A: Tell Maureen not to worry. Regardless of whomever wrote her, she has no obligation whatsoever if she ... | |
| Moving a body | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: Several years ago my wife and I had a baby that lived for only a few minutes. We do not like the ... A: Here are the laws. It's pretty straight-forward, and you shouldn't have any problem. The cemetery ... | |
| burial lots | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: 39 years ago my mother died suddenly at 47 yrs old. A little over a year later my dad remarried to ... A: You might tell your dad that if he is unwilling to give or sell you the third lot now that you will ... | |
| Starting A Cemetery | 9/17/2008 |
| Q: I need to know how to start a cemetery in rural Clark Co. Mississippi.I already have the land to do ... A: No state agency regulates cemeteries in MS. You'll have to see if there are any local zoning laws. ... | |
| Ohio Laws on Open/Closed Casket Viewing | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: My 16 year old nephew was killed in a car accident 9/8/08, with the funeral home visitation on ... A: I know of NO state that gives any funeral director higher rights than the next-of-kin! Yes, a ... | |
| private property burial in KY | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: I live in a rural area of KY.( Nicholas County community of Headquarters ) My neighbors are in the ... A: Most states have few laws on cemeteries, private or otherwise. You might contact the Health Dept. A ... | |
| FInding out what burial is allowed | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: Lisa: We have plots in a cemetery that is very much in the country. It is somewhere around Eldred ... A: Skip the IFDA. They'll give you canned information that favors the industry profits. Check out ... | |
| Friendly Funeral | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I used to work with SCI here in Redding Ca. After working for them I am hoping to start my own ... A: Are you a licensed FD? If so, you shouldn't have any problem. You say you want to start your own ... | |
| cremated remains to Ireland | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I am the executor of an estate in which the deceased wished to have the ashes placed in Ireland. ... A: I would think carrying them to Ireland the surest way to get there safely. Just make sure they're in ... | |
| do I need a funeral home | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I am taking care of my cancer ridden mother and she has no money. She doesn't want a funeral. Do I ... A: You can file the death certificate and get the Final Report for Disposition and cremation permit and ... | |
| Who pays for cremation or burial | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: My father was recently diagnosed with heart problems. He has no life insurance. If he dies who pays ... A: From what you're telling me, you could probably duck any responsibility and the state or county ... | |
| Who pays for cremation or burial | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: My father was recently diagnosed with heart problems. He has no life insurance. If he dies who pays ... A: There are only a few states that require next of kin to pay for funeral expenses. I don't think NJ ... | |
| home vigil | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: I heard that there was a law in Colorado that allowed for a home vigil of the body for three days ... A: If disposition has not occurred within 24 hours, the body must be embalmed or refrigerated. Dry ice ... | |
| Green Burial in Michigan | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in starting a Green Burial business in the state of Michigan. I do not know where ... A: The Cemetery Commission in the Dept. of Licensing governs for-profit cemeteries and crematories. ... | |
| Ashes | 9/5/2008 |
| Q: In Texas can we bury the ashes of my parents on our own land? We want to place a marker (head stone. ... A: You may bury cremated remains anywhere in all states, with the land-owner's permission. Yes, you may ... | |
| burial | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: Do we need to use a funeral home and can my Dad be buried on our land in Texas? If so what are the ... A: No you do not need a funeral home in TX. E-mail me directly and I'll send you a copy of the TX ... | |
| Transporting body | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: It is legal to transport my Dad from Texas to New Mexico for burial? If so, what permits do I need? ... A: Yes. The death certificate needs to be filed in TX first with the local health department which will ... | |
| Cremation Urns | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: My Mother asked to be cremated however, when we approached the funeral director for a display of the ... A: Obviously, your funeral director was trying to dissuade folks from that choice. Smart funeral ... | |
| body-shipping service | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: Why do body-shipping services have ads they say "professional trade only" or equivalent. This is ... A: Ooops! I typed too fast. Sorry about that. CT, IN, LA, MI, NE, NY, UT all require some involvement ... | |
| body-shipping service | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: Why do body-shipping services have ads they say "professional trade only" or equivalent. This is ... A: Body shipping services pay WAAAY below the retail rate for the services they need like embalming. ... | |
| FInding out what burial is allowed | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: Lisa: We have plots in a cemetery that is very much in the country. It is somewhere around Eldred ... A: In all states, cemeteries are pretty much allowed to make up their own rules. Is your cemetery a ... | |
| Burying Cremated Remains In MD | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: My Step-Dad just passed away and wanted to be buried on my land. I live on 5 acres in rural Carroll ... A: You can bury cremated remains anywhere in any state, with the land-owner's permission. No other ... | |
| abandoned cemetary | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: We are thinking about buying a piece of property. It has an abandoned cemetery on it. (cemetery is ... A: Personally, I think it is a terrible idea to move old cemeteries. They are a wonderful and often ... | |
| Funeral visitation | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: A friend of mine passed away on 8/24/08 and the sister of the deseased would not let the step ... A: If a visitation is announced to the public, in the newspaper, then anyone can attend. In some ... | |
| bringing body back to Indiana from Texas | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: My Nephew passed away at MD Anderson Hospital of Cancer. He lived in Indiana prior to going into ... A: There are a LOT of variables. If there are no services planned in TX, then it will be cheaper to ... | |
| Rights of ownership concerning Family Plot | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: My brother who was only 39 passed away suddenly 15 years ago and a 15 space family plot was ... A: Was your mother the custodial parent for your brother or was he already an adult when they divorced? ... | |
| Exhuming and Cremation | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: My sister was killed in 1976 and buried in Oregon. None of our family live down there anymore and ... A: Is there any reason why both parents wouldn't agree to the move? Will the cemetery buy the plots ... | |
| Rights of ownership concerning Family Plot | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: My brother who was only 39 passed away suddenly 15 years ago and a 15 space family plot was ... A: See if the cemetery has a form for "transfer of ownership." If so, get your dad to sign that for ... | |
| transport cremated remains to Mexico | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: My friend had a visa from Veracruz, Mexico and was in the US working and had an accident. He was ... A: Make sure the cremated remains are NOT in a metal container, as the box has to go through x-ray. ... | |
| Rights of ownership concerning Family Plot | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: My brother who was only 39 passed away suddenly 15 years ago and a 15 space family plot was ... A: You say that your father AND your mother purchased the 15 plots. Call or go to the cemetery and see ... | |
| Georgia Cemeteries | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: If an individual person owns a private cemetery that is still an active cemetery (it is not a ... A: This sounds like such a specialized situation that I would go to the Secretary of State's office and ... | |
| transporting a deceased relative | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: We have lost our mother recently and want to know the process of transporting her embalmed body from ... A: The funeral home in MO should have all the permits if they knew that burial in AR was planned. ... | |
| Disinterment | 8/20/2008 |
| Q: I’m hoping you can help or point me in the right direction. In 2004 my brother passed away, was ... A: I'm guessing that once buried there is little inclination to see a person moved, even though it was ... | |
| Cemetery Neglect | 8/20/2008 |
| Q: My Mother was buried 3/10/07. My Father & her stone was moved for the burial. In May of 08 I went to ... A: Alas, the Real Estate Board regulates for-profit cemeteries in PA, but they do diddley squat. If you ... | |
| home burial in Florida | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: We are unable to find info regarding home burials (or burials on personal property) in Florida. Can ... A: A good guideline is 150 ft. from a water supply and 25 ft. from a power line or neighbor's boundary. ... | |
| cemetery | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: Can you tell me how find out if you can start a family cemetary in Hill County Texas (on rural ... A: Draw a map of the land and pay to have it recorded with the deed. A good practice is 150 ft. from a ... | |
| do I need a coffin at all? | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: I want to be natural worm food when I die, and I wonder why I need a coffin at all. (I know it's ... A: Then you must be interested in what's called "green" burial, a growing movement that I totally ... | |
| Wisconsin Law | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: I am researching what it takes to open my own conservation cemetery in Wisconsin. Do you have any ... A: Cemeteries in WI are regulated by the Dept. of Regulation and Licensing. They may have a hard time ... | |
| disinter a body | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: My mother passed away in 2001. She is buried in California. My brother lives in Oregon while I live ... A: In CA, the written wishes of the deceased will prevail. Did your mother have any such written ... | |
| Private burial in SC | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: My father thinks he wants to be buried on his own land in SC. What hoops do we have to jump through ... A: The state laws are silent on this, so if the land is in a rural area, draw a map of the land showing ... | |
| Planning for a mothers Passing | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: My mother is in China I am a US Citizen and she is Chinese Citizen. She is 97 and her health is ... A: Bringing cremated remains should not be at all difficult. I have no idea about shipping a body. I ... | |
| home burial | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: my friend is planning her estate she would like to be buried on her land in upstate NY do you know ... A: My direct e-mail is lisa@funeralethics.org My book is now out of print while I work on a new ... | |
| Family Jewlery | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: My friends mother passed a couple of month ago. Her much younger sister has taken it upon herself ... A: If the daughters are both adults, they would have equal rights. Send them to the bathroom and tell ... | |
| home burial | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: my friend is planning her estate she would like to be buried on her land in upstate NY do you know ... A: Yes, it's possible assuming her land is rural, but, alas, she will still need a funeral director to ... | |
| church cemetery | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: ARE THER ANY LAWS IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA CONSERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHURCH CEMETERY A: No. You should have no trouble setting up a church cemetery. You'll have to deal with local zoning ... | |
| body transport | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: I'm interested in future transport of my relative's dead body (currently on hospice re: cancer)from ... A: Once you have the death certificate you can get an out-of-state-disposition permit from Vital ... | |
| Visitation rights | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: In Georgia My GGGG Grand Uncle is buried on private property. His headstone was removed by persons ... A: From the search I just did, GA law does not seem to be a specific as other states about access. ... | |
| Death Certificate | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: My live in boyfriend of 12 yrs died unexpectedly. His ex-wife, sister & two adult sons came out of ... A: You can get a death certificate from the Health Dept. and/or the city in which he died. There is ... | |
| Florida authorization for cremation | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: My father is in final week of life. He and my mother (deceased) purchased preneed cremation ... A: I'll have to go looking for the exact statute, but according to Florida law, the written wishes of ... | |
| Funeral Expenses | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: My mom passed away in March of this year. My dad had a small life insurance policy on her but it was ... A: If it was funeral insurance, not life insurance, I think that might be true. But it sounds as if it ... | |
| Green Burials | 8/4/2008 |
| Q: I want all the info I can get on having a "green" burial in Alabama. If I have a place to be buried ... A: Green burials are really very simple--no embalming, no metal casket, no vault. One can be buried in ... | |
| gravemarker requirements | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: I live in California. My Grandmother, who has been dead for 15 years, still does not have a grave ... A: Yes, the cemetery has to accept outside markers, and any setting or inspection fee must be ... | |
| Wall built around grave site | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: My great grandfather was buried in Wilson, NC on a piece of plot that is now private property to ... A: Here is the law. Show it to them and see if something can be worked out. Otherwise, go ahead to ... | |
| Caskets | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: I have just started a new company in Asheville NC- I am making 100% biodegradable nontoxic caskets ... A: Contact the local Funeral Consumers Alliance for one sympathetic group. Most are more interested in ... | |
| Burial | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: In Ohio, can a person be buried on his own propert if there is not an established family cemetery? A: Yes, if you're in a rural area. Draw a map of the land showing where the family cemetery will be and ... | |
| Double Interment | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: My dad passed away and was buried here in NC in 2000. My family and I often visited the grave at ... A: I'd get a lawyer to write the cemetery to remove the other person. You could try a letter on your ... | |
| What do I go from here? | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: First and foremost I am so happy to have come across this site. I really need some help (aka ... A: As a veteran, I hope you know your father was entitled to a free burial plot in a VA cemetery along ... | |
| burial costs responsibility | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: who is responsible for burial costs, family or spouse state of louisiana? A: The spouse has the right to determine funeral plans. If he/she fails to do so or can't afford to do ... | |
| Green Burial | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: I'm really interested in 'green burial.' What would an individual have to do to get into that line ... A: Your first hurdle will be with the local zoning folks and the cost of land acquisition. There do not ... | |
| Rights to ashes in Kansas | 7/20/2008 |
| Q: My sister inlaw has left the ashes at the funeral home. Does the father,brother or his kids have the ... A: A spouse has the legal right to decide the funeral disposition. I'm assuming she also was the one to ... | |
| Embalming | 7/20/2008 |
| Q: In which states, if any, is embalming required by law? Is embalming required if the body is ... A: That is total BULL-HOCKEY! Is there some funeral director telling you this stuff? If so, he/she ... | |
| Cemetary accidently sold plot and used it | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: A Cemetary here in NJ has buried and I am guessing also double dipped selling the plot next to my ... A: Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Who owns the cemetery? Sometimes the folks who run ... | |
| Sister near death has questions about transporting body across state lines | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: My sister has terminal pancreatic cancer and lives in Ohio. She has made no funeral arrangements to ... A: It will be least cumbersome to have her cremated in Ohio. Then take her cremated remains to KY. Any ... | |
| several problems with grandma funeral | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: i had a few questions. My grandmother passed away this week and we have had a ton of issues and ... A: The adult children are the legal next-of-kin, so the funeral home was at fault for doing anything ... | |
| vault | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: is it a law in the state of maine to have to buy a vault? ty you judy A: No, it is not a law in ANY state. That said, many cemeteries require one to keep the earth from ... | |
| Cemetary accidently sold plot and used it | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: A Cemetary here in NJ has buried and I am guessing also double dipped selling the plot next to my ... A: The cemetery certainly has to correct the situation, as it was their mistake. Is there another plot ... | |
| cemetery spaces | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: i see on ebay, people selling spaces at a profit, i thought that was against the law. was told you ... A: I doubt if people are actually selling them, as fewer and fewer are wanted now that cremation and ... | |
| Rights to cremated remains | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: My step-daughter (14 years old) would like to have 1/3 of her mother's remains (she has two ... A: As a minor, the children have no rights. How too bad if the grandmother won't cooperate. There is ... | |
| Remains from Germany to U.S. | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: My grandfather was buried in Munich, Germany in 1955. We would like to transport his remains to be ... A: The body and the casket have likely disintegrated to a very large degree, so exhumation is likely to ... | |
| Casket | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: I already own a plot but I do not want my children to spend money on a casket. I want to be view and ... A: Check with Crestwood Memorial Chapel. They used to be on Spring St. in Manhattan but they've moved ... | |
| Cremation | 7/12/2008 |
| Q: I am considering being cremated and wonder what the state law requires. I specifically do not wanted ... A: In what state? Near what large city? What you're describing is called a "Direct Cremation with a ... | |
| cremation | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: Dad died 94 Mom 08. I(daughter) have disposition rights of both.Dad is in memorial park and director ... A: I have quite a few questions: * Were both cremated? * If so, where are your mother's cremated ... | |
| Setting up a private cemetery | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: My husband wants to be buried on our property deep in a cave in Minnesota. What is the best way to ... A: I suspect if you didn't mention the cave when drawing the map, you could go ahead and set up the ... | |
| Setting up a private cemetery | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: My husband wants to be buried on our property deep in a cave in Minnesota. What is the best way to ... A: Families cemeteries are permitted in MN. The land must be surveyed and a plat recorded with the ... | |
| Preparation and Transportation | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: Lisa, We tried to find your book at the local library, but no luck. In the not too distant future, ... A: Give me your e-mail and I'll send you the old GA chapter in a pdf file. My direct e-mail is ... | |
| Moving a cemetery | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: I have purchased an 800 acre tract to develop and there is a small cemetery on one of the corners. ... A: In what state? Even if the laws permit it, please don't! You will rile the natives something fierce, ... | |
| Multiple burials in California | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: Carlson, I read your answer that multiple cremations can be laid to rest in one plot in Alabama. ... A: The cemetery regulations, not state law, are the controlling factors in any cemetery in any state. ... | |
| Establishing Family Cemetery in TN | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: My parents own 19 acres in Hardin County, Tennessee, and want to establish a family cemetery on part ... A: Family burial grounds are permitted in TN. Draw a map of the land showing where the graveyard will ... | |
| questions about a "green burial" | 7/5/2008 |
| Q: I am soon to be making out my last will and testament so in case my family members need my last ... A: There are some folks in northern CA trying to set up a green burial ground, I believe. A for-profit ... | |
| Burying cremated remains in an existing gravesite | 7/5/2008 |
| Q: My father is buried in a small cemetary in Miflin Alabama, Lay Cemetary in Baldwin County. My ... A: Yes, that is perfectly legal and often done. If it's a for-profit cemetery, they will likely want to ... | |
| several questions | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: I have several questions, and if you can give me legal backing for them, I will be glad to pay for ... A: Here is the GA statute on disinterments-- *** Current through the 2007 Regular Session *** TITLE ... | |
| changing Indiana law | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: How would one go about getting the burial law in Indiana changed, which as you mentioned, is one of ... A: Josh Slocum in the national office of the Funeral Consumers Alliance may have some contacts of ... | |
| Burying a loved one without | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: Lisa, My cousin left her husband because he wasn't caring well for her triplets and two other ... A: The only requirement for using a funeral director in MI is for filing the death certificate. That ... | |
| Burying a loved one without "assistance" | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: Lisa, My cousin left her husband because he wasn't caring well for her triplets and two other ... A: She is not obligated to pay for anything, especially as an estranged spouse. I'm not sure who would ... | |
| creating a church burial plot in North Carolina | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: Lisa - I started to look up the answer in the list of questions and answers but WOW! there are so ... A: Sandy, My book is now out of print, and I'm working on a new edition. I can e-mail you the NC ... | |
| rural burial | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: my daughter recently passed away and my wife and I woukld like to bury her on our property in rural ... A: Burial in CA must be in an "established" cemetery. Talk to your local zoning officials about ... | |
| moving a gravesite | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: I have an infant son buried in a cemetary in FL. If I move to VA I want to have his body moved to a ... A: You can transport the body yourself. The FL cemetery may not know you have that right. They may make ... | |
| Burial on private property in GA | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: Do the laws in GA (Carroll County) permit burial on private property? I have 22 acres, zoned ... A: The laws in GA don't address this. So . . . draw a map of the land showing where the family burial ... | |
| burial laws Washington State | 6/27/2008 |
| Q: May I bury my husband on on 135 acre property-wash him myself and have our boys build a casket? ... A: No, cremation must be in a licensed crematory in WA. Not a very efficient method, either. We had one ... | |
| burial laws Washington State | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: May I bury my husband on on 135 acre property-wash him myself and have our boys build a casket? ... A: Burial in WA must be in an established cemetery. Talk with your local town about setting up a family ... | |
| who is the legal next of kin | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: Who would be the legal next of kin, my son's father is in the last stages of a neurological disease. ... A: The parents would be the legal next-of-kin. I presume your son has been visiting his father during ... | |
| embalming viewing | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: I have noticed that you never see a body embalmed on TV or something else like youtube. Is there ... A: It's an invasion of privacy issue, for one. And it's a VERY unpleasant process, quite barbaric. If ... | |
| strangers cremation remains in our plot by mistake | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: My immediate family (father, mother, brother & me) have marked plots in a very old (19th century) ... A: Since the funeral home made the mistake, it's up to the funeral home to correct it, at no cost to ... | |
| cremation | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: My friend has given me power of attorney over his end-of-life decisions and has designated me as his ... A: Alas, MI law allows one to put one's wishes in a will but also allows next-of-kin to over-ride those ... | |
| Burial verse wishes of cremation | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: My daughters friends who was 18 committed suicide. He left a note giving specific instructions that ... A: In what state? Some states have laws that the written wishes of the deceased must prevail, tho' at ... | |
| private cemetery | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: We live in Michigan on a 60 acre farm and would like to establish a private cemetery. We are ... A: Michigan has excellent home burial statutes. Family graveyards under one acre and outside the city ... | |
| interment rights | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: Eight years ago we purchased monument 15- 4, 5, 6. (I understood them to be plots) The contract ... A: This sounds like a for-profit cemetery. Makes my blood boil when they pull this stuff. My typical ... | |
| Family Cemetery | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: I have about 4 acres in Ohio that I now live on, I would like to convert it to a family cemetery, ... A: How do your kids feel about this idea? In my family, we're in far-flung states. My father died in ... | |
| Family Cemetery | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: I have about 4 acres in Ohio that I now live on, I would like to convert it to a family cemetery, ... A: I am assuming you'd like to dedicate a small portion of your 4 acres for a family cemetery, as four ... | |
| exhuming my brother's body | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: My brother was killed in an accident eighteen years ago. He was married at the time of his death to ... A: You don't need a lawyer to go to probate court. I would start with the court in Macon and get their ... | |
| exhuming my brother's body | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: My brother was killed in an accident eighteen years ago. He was married at the time of his death to ... A: I believe she is still the legal-next-of-kin. Is she unwilling for you to move his body? You could ... | |
| green burial protocol for NH | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: I attended the Vt funeral alliance meeting last month. My mom is 89 and I am going to be caring for ... A: Robin, My direct e-mail is lisa@funeralethics.org or phone at 802-482-3437. Because the laws in NH ... | |
| Cemetary Plot | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: If you have a family member (in this case a baby) buried at a small cemetery that originally let you ... A: Yes, cemeteries can make their own regulations. Many if not most will not permit anything other than ... | |
| Ownership of Burial Site | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: My father purchased a plot in the early 70's and now does not want to use it. When we contacted the ... A: Nothing in CA statutes requires you to sell the plot back to the cemetery. And, to my knowledge, ... | |
| Ownership of Burial Site | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: My father purchased a plot in the early 70's and now does not want to use it. When we contacted the ... A: In what state? That's true in Arkansas and NY (plus 4% per year interest for the increased value). ... | |
| Viking funerals | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: Do you know of how to go about getting a Viking funeral arranged. I live in the northwest and would ... A: In Washington state, all cremations must be done in a licensed crematory. You're not likely to get ... | |
| Right to ashes | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: My brothe passed away in late March. In October 20007 he had a "commitment" ceremony with his ... A: Who gave the ashes to the fiance? If the funeral home did, then your mother should demand that they ... | |
| exhuming my fathers body | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: What do I do to exhume my dads body. To have a autopsy performed on him. My dads death is ... A: Go to probate court. You do not need a lawyer. The more evidence you have to substantiate your ... | |
| legal right to authorize cremation | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: I reside in the state of Florida fist off. My question is my godfather who has been a father to me ... A: Fine to put his wishes in a will, but often the will is not available at the time the body is picked ... | |
| private family cemetary | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: can we start a family cemetary on our 25 acre farm in lamar co georgia A: The GA laws are mute on the subject and don't say one way or the other. My advice is to draw a map ... | |
| Private property Burial Wyoming | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: I live in Laramie County, Wyoming. I have a property of about 6 acres and am not legally part of any ... A: I don't have time right now to get out the laws for WY, but what I wrote in my book 10 years ago was ... | |
| legal right to authorize cremation | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: I reside in the state of Florida fist off. My question is my godfather who has been a father to me ... A: The state of Florida does not have a designated agent for body disposition law but it has laws that ... | |
| Easement in gross for cemetery access on private property | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: A family cemetery where our ancestors are buried lies on private property. According to tax ... A: I would speak with the current land-owner or has the land-owner not been cooperative? Typically, a ... | |
| Who has rights to moms remains | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: My fiancee and I recently got the call from family in MA that his mother had a heart attack and was ... A: Even though all siblings have equal rights (without written wishes of the deceased), the fact that ... | |
| who owns rights to burial plot | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: My parents purchased their burial plot prior to their deaths. They were married 50 yrs when my ... A: I think you have every right to have it removed, UNLESS the cemetery can show you something in ... | |
| Role of friend in deciding disposition when no next of kin available | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: What is considered a reasonable attempt to locate next of kin when someone dies without a will and ... A: Check on body donation to the state anatomy program. They would pay for cremation after study. Since ... | |
| headstone | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: My mother passed and my other sibling decided to put a different name on her headstone which is not ... A: Who paid for the plot where she is buried? Is her second husband still alive? If not, where is he ... | |
| Exhumation and Relocation | 5/26/2008 |
| Q: My family is looking for information about exhuming and relocating a family member. She is currently ... A: You can expect the cost to range from about $5,000 to $7,000. After any period of time, for example, ... | |
| headstone | 5/26/2008 |
| Q: My mother passed and my other sibling decided to put a different name on her headstone which is not ... A: Are there only the two of you? Were one of you estranged at all from your mother or were both of you ... | |
| lowering of casket in ground at funeral service | 5/23/2008 |
| Q: Are there any state laws or individual funeral home/cemetery rules regarding allowing mourners at a ... A: No, this is not covered in any state laws I've read. I certainly think a family has a right, ... | |
| moving cremated remains | 5/23/2008 |
| Q: My son died last Dec and was cremated. We left part of his remains in Virginia and took the rest ... A: I suspect you may need to go to probate court to get a disinterment order. You don't need a lawyer ... | |
| disinterring a body | 5/21/2008 |
| Q: My father, a soldier, died when my mother was 8 months pregnant with me back in 1962. His brother ... A: Is your mother still alive? She has priority in this decision. If not, then a probabate court would ... | |
| TRANSPORTING REMAINS STATE TO STATE | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: DOES A BODY HAVE TO BE EMBALMED IF BEING TRANSPORTED FROM ONE MORTUARY TO ANOTHER FROM RENO TO LOS ... A: Many airlines ask that a body be embalmed, although I believe Delta honors religious objections to ... | |
| cremation | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: I have a brother in TX, I am his only left family member; he wants to send me his remains and I an ... A: If your brother is a veteran, he is eligible for a free burial plot and marker in a VA cemetery. ... | |
| Dispute over Father's cremated remains | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: My father died 2 years ago in KY. He was living next to my sister at the time. We have an older ... A: If you can find the address of the probate court in the county where your sister is in KY, write to ... | |
| Transporting Body | 5/15/2008 |
| Q: My father is close to dying and wondering what to do when the day comes. If he dies at home, is an ... A: It sounds as if your father's death is an expected one. In which case, an autopsy will not be ... | |
| moving a headstone | 5/14/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to move my mother-in-law from KY to OK. Her remains are inside the headstone. What do we ... A: There is no reason you couldn't move her if you're physically able to do so. I wouldn't even mention ... | |
| Urn to Italy | 5/14/2008 |
| Q: It was my grandmother's wish to have her ashes brought to Italy for burial. A family friend has ... A: The urn will need to go through xray, so make sure the cremated remains aren't in a metal container. ... | |
| Reburial of Silent Film Star | 5/14/2008 |
| Q: Some of his fans would like to see his remains interred in a more honored section of the same ... A: I don't think so in California-- This applies to moving the remains out of the cemetery-- 7500. ... | |
| Wait time after death for cremation | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: What is the wait time after death for cremation in West Virginia? Is there a site I could research ... A: I have that information in each state chapter in my book, but not as a comparison of all states. ... | |
| Reburial of Silent Film Star | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: Some of his fans would like to see his remains interred in a more honored section of the same ... A: I would think there might be some distant relative somewhere who would agree. Then the funds to pay ... | |
| transporting a body from state to state | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: My cousin died last Saturday in SC. He weighs over 700lbs and the funeral home is telling the family ... A: Yes, this is allowed. But they could surely find someone to do the driving if the family didn't want ... | |
| Transporting across state lines | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: My father was a trucker driver and died in an accident in Kansas. We are trying to bring his ... A: I'm very sorry about your loss. No, he doesn't need to be embalmed to cross state lines. It may be ... | |
| exhumation | 5/8/2008 |
| Q: My brother-in-law, who was only married to my sister for 6 months, has said if we do not give him a ... A: Your brother-in-law certainly sounds like a controlling bastard. Yes, he has all the rights to do as ... | |
| PA laws in regard to burials | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are caretakers for a small country cemetery in Pennsylvania. Many of the local ... A: If you will e-mail me directly, I'll attach a copy of the PA chapter from my book with helpful ... | |
| cremation in Wisconsin | 5/5/2008 |
| Q: My friends mother who recently passed away wanted to be cremated.The funeral director told them that ... A: No such law. To misrepresent the law is a violation of the FTC Funeral Rule. This funeral home ... | |
| Cemetary wants to change plot | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: The day after my dad was buried the cemetary rep stopped by and said they made a mistake and they ... A: Since the cemetery made the mistake, they might have to deal with it. You should find out if someone ... | |
| Funeral Plot Right Dilemma | 5/1/2008 |
| Q: I am asking if I have a way to go about claiming burial plots and if I am entitled to them. Here is ... A: What are the chances cremation is an acceptable option for you and/or your kids? You can bury quite ... | |
| Transportation of cremated remains overseas | 5/1/2008 |
| Q: My Mother passed away 11/17/07 (in Fort Worth Texas)and was cremated. Her final wishes were that ... A: You shouldn't need any paperwork. If you are taking the cremated remains on a plane, make sure ... | |
| Moving my son's body from GA to NC | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: My son was married and died four years ago and is buried in Georgia in a private cemetery. His wife ... A: even if re-married, has the say-so. Will she cooperate? You may need to go to the probate court for ... | |
| learning the trade | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: I would like to be in the Green Burial casket and advisory trade. Where do I begin? I don't want to ... A: What on earth do you have in mind? Are you planning to sell "green" caskets? If so, you need to ... | |
| Private Cemetery | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: Can I build a private cemetery on my 10 acre estate in Illinois? I don't want to bury underground. ... A: Check with the local zoning re a private cemetery. No state law would forbid it. You may want to ... | |
| selling cemetery plots | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: Lisa. Thanks for being available for questions; I appreciate any help you can give. My mother ... A: Not sure about TX, but forbidding profiteering is typical in some states. Any idea why someone who ... | |
| SCI: Full cost recognition | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: I'm researching corporate accounting systems that encourage environmental pollution. I've tried ... A: Sara, nice to hear from you. My direct e-mail, by the way, is lisa@fuenralethics.org I'm guessing ... | |
| IL Law (case and statutory) regarding cemetery disinterment | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: Can you direct me to case law as well as statutory law that governs cemeteries in Illinois and the ... A: Here is the statutory citation: 410 ILCS 535/21 It really isn't hard at all to do the on-line ... | |
| legal cremation | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: Our father passed away in texas i month ago. We were notified 19 days after hid death and after he ... A: No, the step-son had NO legal right to authorize the cremation unless your dad had put him in charge ... | |
| home funeral and transportation of deceased | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: We are a family from Iowa seeking information on having a home funeral for our Mother. Our family ... A: I couldn't agree more with what Cynthia wrote. Go to the library and get my book, "Caring for the ... | |
| private/family cemetery | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: Can you tell me what the laws are in Texas to being buried on your own property or setup of a family ... A: There are no specific laws regarding this. Draw a map of your land and have it recorded with the ... | |
| Private arrangements for Mom's funeral | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: I'm so happy to have found you through a google search! I've never seen this website before. My ... A: Sue, Here is my direct e-mail-- lisa@funeralethics.org and my phone-- 802-482-3437 . . . if either ... | |
| burial on rural home property | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering what the law is in Oklahoma regarding burial on a home property. We own 350 acres ... A: There are no laws to say you can or can't, so go right ahead. Draw a map of the land showing where ... | |
| PA laws re: filing death certificate | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: Is PA one of the seven states that require a funeral director or designee to file the death ... A: No, PA is not a restrictive state. They are CT, IN, LA, MI, NY, NE, UT. And, of course, folks run ... | |
| Moving ashes out of state or Country | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: On behalf of a friend: My friend's husband passed a month ago.He died in California. Now she's ... A: It makes my blood boil when FDs pull this kind of illegal manipulation!! In CA, one *does* have to ... | |
| Transporting a Body | 4/4/2008 |
| Q: When my mother passes away at the care facility will I be able to transport her body to the ... A: Alas, no. Michigan is one of seven restrictive states that requires a funeral director to file all ... | |
| Scattering Father's Ashes On Land | 4/1/2008 |
| Q: My father died in 1999. He was cremated (as he requested). I still have his ashes in the box they ... A: Sorry to be tardy answering. I'm on vacation and checking e-mail from away. Yes, his ashes can be ... | |
| Texas Law about moving headstones or gravesites | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: I am considering buying a parcel of land that contains a headstone and gravesite of a family member ... A: The Dept. of Health would determine your right or anyone's right to move a grave, and certainly the ... | |
| Questions to ask before you buy a family plot | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: My dad recently passed away and he's buried in a National Cemetery (Military Cemetery)my mom when ... A: You've certainly asked a VERY complicated question to which there is NO easy answer. First off, how ... | |
| Transporting a body... | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: My brother-in-law may pass in the near future. He lives in NC and his pre-arrangements are in FL. ... A: Embalming is not required by NC for any circumstance, and that is the only state that would dictate ... | |
| No money for cremation | 3/23/2008 |
| Q: My uncle recently died in a hospital in New York. His childred have no money, he was recently in a ... A: There is modest state assistance, I believe. The hospital social worker should know. His body could ... | |
| private burial | 3/22/2008 |
| Q: In California, is it legal to be buried on private rural property without the involvement of the ... A: Burial must be in an "established" cemetery in CA. That said, check with your local county or town ... | |
| Idaho's "Prearranged funeral plan" | 3/21/2008 |
| Q: An Idaho friend wants to be cremated in her home state (not embalmed), and wants to have the ... A: You shouldn't have a problem in Idaho to plan a home funeral. If death occurs in a hospital, you ... | |
| Indiana burial laws | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: I have my husband's ashes which we were originally going to scatter. However, I'm rethinking it and ... A: Indiana is a very frustrating state, if you want to know the truth. I wrote in the Indiana chapter ... | |
| Burial of pets with owners | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: My father has a terminal degenerative brain disease. He has requested that I have his pet dog buried ... A: No such statutes which is why you couldn't find them. Check with the funeral director you expect to ... | |
| private or family cemetaries | 3/18/2008 |
| Q: Are private or family cemetaries legal in Ohio? If so, are any permits needed or specific land ... A: Ohio has no laws regarding this, but I'm sure private family cemeteries can be found all over, ... | |
| private service | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: My sister recently passed away leaving no spouse or children, during her lengthy illness I was her ... A: I think what you've planned honors your sister's wishes, and I would find it astonishing that anyone ... | |
| Missouri Pre Funeral Arrangement | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: 30 years ago when my teenage daughter died I bought a pre arranged funeral service for myself. Now ... A: Missouri laws on prepaid funerals are TERRIBLE, and I would have advised against prepaying if you'd ... | |
| Donation | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: I've read several articles about the donation, more specifically tissue donation, and the money that ... A: I am very troubled by the body parts industry because it is not being regulated by the feds or ... | |
| How long can we wait to call the mortician? | 3/11/2008 |
| Q: My grandpa is expected to die soon (at home)and my grandma has expressed her desire to be with him ... A: Temperature has more to do with decomposition than the time elapsed after death. At 70 degrees or ... | |
| Transporting body | 3/11/2008 |
| Q: My mother lives with me in Washington state. She plans to be buried in Texas next to my dad. She ... A: Yes. You will need to get the burial transit permit from the funeral home before you depart to give ... | |
| Burial expenses | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: I am helping a friend. her mom is dying and she has no money to bury her. What can she do? A: There may be more choices than you or your friend realize. In what state? In all but 7 states, a ... | |
| Transportation of my mother's body | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if it is legal for my brother to fly his plane from Meridian, MS to Nashville, TN ... A: Yes, and you don't even need a hearse to meet the plane. A family member can transport the body. You ... | |
| Exhuming and moving a urn | 3/5/2008 |
| Q: My sister died 11 Sep 06 in Annapolis, MD. She was cremated and buried in Carbondale, PA. My ... A: Your sister's husband has the legal right to determine her funeral plans, although he may have given ... | |
| consumer rights to plot | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: My son passed away one year ago and our family has always placed pictures, balloons, memorabilia, ... A: Many cemeteries have such regulations, as the items get knocked off and in the way of mowers. Some ... | |
| Florida Burial | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a question that expands on an earlier one that you answered about burying two sets of ... A: Does your father have any information about this? Unless your parents were divorced, I don't think ... | |
| burial requirements | 3/1/2008 |
| Q: I live in Texas what can you purchase to be buried in that is considered not made of impermeable ... A: I don't believe the six inches of gravel are required by law, only two feet of soil on top. A good ... | |
| burial in Mo. | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: My father is in hospice care at my sisters house. We have already reserved a free plot for him at ... A: See if the hospice or family doctor will supply the death certificate. Otherwise, you'll have to get ... | |
| moving cremated remains | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: Since my brother's death in CA, his wife had kept his cremains in an urn. Recently she died. Her ... A: There are no "cremains police" to see if his wife still has the urn. Therefore, anyone may ship them ... | |
| exuming a body to be creamated | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: MY 21 YEAR OLD NEPHEW PASSED AWAY ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS AGO. HIS MOTHER WANTS TO EXHUME HIM TO BE ... A: If the nephew has no spouse, then BOTH of his parents are legal next-of-kin and get to call the ... | |
| Texas law on building in a cemetary / moving graves | 2/22/2008 |
| Q: I am considering purchasing a 33 acre parcel of land that contains an old (abandoned)community ... A: I want to let you know that I have a personal bias against moving old grave sites and would hope ... | |
| outdoor funeral pyre in WA | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: I live in WA state. My mother is dying. Her express wishes are for a pagan ceremony and an outdoor ... A: No. We had one in Vermont in '87 at a Buddhist center, but the environmental folks just ruled that ... | |
| outdoor funeral pyre in WA | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: I live in WA state. My mother is dying. Her express wishes are for a pagan ceremony and an outdoor ... A: WA requires that all cremations occur in a licensed crematory. So no outdoor pyre in WA. Some ... | |
| Spouse's right to final buriel plot (Texas) | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: My husband died on Dec.21, 2007. At the time of his death, he did not have a burial plot nor did he ... A: As spouse, you have rights as to the disposition of your husband's remains, regardless of where he ... | |
| 2nd rights | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: I live in AZ and my Father past away in 1980 and he is burried in a local cemetery. My Mother past ... A: Yes, this sounds like a for-profit cemetery that will make up their own rules any way they want to ... | |
| cemeteries | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: What is the proper course of action when a person is buried in the wrong plot? A: There are several choices: If the plot where the burial took place has not been sold to someone else ... | |
| Legal Right to Refuse to Bury Next of Kin ? | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: I live in Massachusetts. I have a brother who lives in New York state. We haven't been on good terms ... A: There are only a few states that require the family to pay the funeral bill, and NY is not one of ... | |
| Backyard burials in Texas | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: Lisa, I too live in Tarrant Co.,Texas in the Arlington area and was wandering what would have to be ... A: I don't think your church will have any problem at all setting up a cemetery for its members on its ... | |
| Cremation legal authorization | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: I am in Springfield Illinois.I have come to know that while cremating a body the funeral homes ... A: A person may now authorize his or her cremation prior to death, and that should be binding. Here is ... | |
| correct to ship ashes from Oregon to LA,CA | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: Is it ok for a Mortuary in Oregon to cremate a person and put the loose ashes in an urn placed a wad ... A: My book, "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love," is available through www.funerals.org but it ... | |
| Ashes and property dipute next of kin son or sister? | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: Lisa My Mother in-law passed away 1-9-08 and her 1/2 sister claims that she was entitled to all of ... A: I would let the aunt know that the SONS are next-of-kin, and you have gotten that advice from the ... | |
| Ashes and property dipute next of kin son or sister? | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: Lisa My Mother in-law passed away 1-9-08 and her 1/2 sister claims that she was entitled to all of ... A: One or both sons are the legal next-of-kin, NOT the aunt/sister. You do NOT have to relinquish any ... | |
| organ donation and home wakes | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: The question was raised at a workshop we gave recently about whether you could still hold a home ... A: Organ and tissue donation have changed drastically in the last few years. Here's the scoop: Organ ... | |
| embalming | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: Is it the law to be embalmed> A: It depends on the state and the circumstances. Half the states have no embalming requirements at ... | |
| My Brothers Wishes | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: My brother passed away after a long illness. He gave me (his sister) our mother and his wife ... A: The wife gave up her right as next-of-kin when she let someone else pay for the cremation. However, ... | |
| funeral expenses | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: I have been helping a friend who has pancreatic cancer. diagnosed in oct 06, given 3-6 months to ... A: The funeral director should know what state or county benefits are available to low-income people. ... | |
| does my husband have to pay for his fathers funeral | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: when we ask to be part of the funeral arrangments he refused we didnt get ask to go in the second ... A: The brother/uncle is NOT next-of-kin. In almost every state, it goes-- * spouse * adult children * ... | |
| St. Louis | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: I asked the medical examiner's office about getting a blank death certificate for the MD to fill out ... A: No, the M.E. is NOT correct. Here is the law: Title 193.145 . . . 4. The funeral director or person ... | |
| Outer burial container requirements in Illinois? | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: "The Southern" in Illinois just ran a story on natural burial. ... A: You certainly are on the ball and up-to-date on green burials, Cynthia. You're right about the ... | |
| RE: Burial of Family Member in same plot | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: My brother just passed away and he wanted to be buried on top of our father. My father is in a ... A: Yes, especially if it's a for-profit cemetery. Actually, those cemeteries usually want to charge you ... | |
| Embalming without being asked | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: This past September my grandfather came to my house for home hospice. Knowing that he was going to ... A: By Michigan law, a body that won't reach its destination in 48 hours must be embalmed. Alas, unlike ... | |
| Embalming without being asked | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: This past September my grandfather came to my house for home hospice. Knowing that he was going to ... A: Situations like this make my blood boil. According to the Federal Trade Commission, they cannot ... | |
| rights of next-of-kin | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I am not sure where to begin. My sister allegedly passed away in Texas on March 22, 1997. A Death ... A: Danny, You said there was a death certificate, that she was cremated, and that her cremated remains ... | |
| Moving ashes from Oregon to Missouri | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: My mother died 2 and a half years ago. She was cremated and put in an urn/vault combo and buried in ... A: Talk to the cemetery about disintering the ashes. I wouldn't mention your half sister to them. ... | |
| Private cemetery | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: Can you tell me what the laws are in Florida to be buried on your own property or setup s family ... A: Cemeteries less than five acres do not need to be registered with the state. If you are in a rural ... | |
| can not pay for fathers funeral | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: My soon to be daughter in law father past away 1-19-08. No one including her can get pay or have ... A: Good question. Every state is a little different, and I'm not sure in NC. But the family certainly ... | |
| can not pay for fathers funeral | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: My soon to be daughter in law father past away 1-19-08. No one including her can get pay or have ... A: If the deceased person was on welfare or Medicaid, there may be some state or county help. The ... | |
| Cremation remains | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: In Missouri, when a person dies, are there laws that require their cremated remains to be buried? ... A: No, re burial. In ALL states, the family may take the cremated remains home. There are no "cremains ... | |
| rights of next-of-kin | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: I am not sure where to begin. My sister allegedly passed away in Texas on March 22, 1997. A Death ... A: Actually, you would not typically be required to sign a death certificate unless you were acting as ... | |
| Death record/cause of death | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: My fiance died Christmas Day. We were long distance, so I was not there. Prior to his death, I had ... A: I am so sorry for the death of your fiance. And how cruel for the family to leave you out of the ... | |
| Moving ashes from Oregon to Missouri | 1/17/2008 |
| Q: My mother died 2 and a half years ago. She was cremated and put in an urn/vault combo and buried in ... A: Actually, all adult children have equal rights as next-of-kin. How many of you are there? Where do ... | |
| natural burial | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: When I die I would like to be taken to a remote place in the mountains of Utah and be buried. How ... A: That would be easy with cremated remains, but if you are talking body burial, you will need the ... | |
| "Green Funeral" | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I'm a fairly young person and don't plan on passing on anytime soon, however i am still concerned ... A: Your best bet is to look for a small-town cemetery that would happily cooperate with your wishes to ... | |
| refunds from prepayment deals | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I recently had someone ask me a question that I thought I'd refer to you, Lisa. Someone has made ... A: It depends on the state, among other things. And was the original contract set up as irrevocable for ... | |
| Cremains Burial | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: Is there any law in Florida that prohibits burying two sets of cremains in the same cemetery plot? A: No laws at all on that. What these cemetery rascals often want to do is to charge you for a "second ... | |
| Private Land Burial | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are purchasing 80 acres in Wilson County, Texas. The area is very rural, near the ... A: I suspect you won't have any problems. Check Texas Health and Safety code 711.008 which sets limits ... | |
| Can anything be done? Please help. | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: My mother was buried in Alabama (which is @ least a 6 hr drive from where I currently reside) in ... A: What a problem!! The cemetery is clearly at fault here. Who owns the cemetery? I'm wondering if the ... | |
| A&P students witness embalming | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: We are opening a new FH in a small town in Oregon and working w/local Jr. College. The professors ... A: I'm of mixed feelings on this. Yes, I think you may be asking for problems if these aren't mortuary ... | |
| Burials... | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I work at a cemetery so my friends were asking me about burials but they were things I don't know ... A: Alas, Washington is one of the few states that requires body burial in an established cemetery ... | |
| exuming a body from texas | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I lost my son 24 years ago. He is buried near Dallas, TX. Nobody in the family lives in Texas, ... A: It sounds as if she's on some kind of power trip to annoy you. Did your son have a wife? If not, his ... | |
| Maine Private Cemetaries | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: We own 40 acres in rural northern maine. We would like to create a private family cemertary. Are ... A: You've got exactly the right idea, and, yes, that is legal. Family burial grounds of not more than a ... | |
| Need Permit for Burying Ashes in PA? | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: We want to bury our oldest brother's ashes at the same grave site of our brother who was stillborn ... A: No permit is needed. Check with the cemetery to see what their policy is. They may want to charge ... | |
| Cemetery plot owner's rights | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: My parents are buried in a cemetery in a tiny northern Wisconsin town. The cemetery belongs to the ... A: Probably not since the church owns the cemetery. Your concerns certainly sound valid, however. In ... | |
| Cremation | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: A friend recently passed away and it was his choice to be cremated. His wife/children were told ... A: Glad my information came in time for help. What was the original price the scoundrel what trying to ... | |
| Disinternment of ashes | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: What do we legally need to do to dig up our daughters urn. The cemetery in which she was buried cut ... A: Check with the cemetery to see what their policy is. Generally speaking, the disinterment of ... | |
| Miscarriage/Texas | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: My friend just lost her baby. She was approximately 16 weeks along & already knew it was a girl. In ... A: I think your friend just wrote to me, and I answered. There will need to be a fetal death report, ... | |
| Spreading Ashes in NYS | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: What is the law with regards to the disposition of cremated human remains in New York State - both ... A: No laws, one way or the other. Generally accepted practice is with the permission of the landowner. ... | |
| Green Buteal | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: Green Burial I live in Washington state. What would I need to do if I can’t find a Green Cemetery ... A: I believe there are lots of small county cemeteries in WA that would permit green burials. Have you ... | |
| Cremation | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: A friend recently passed away and it was his choice to be cremated. His wife/children were told ... A: That is a blatant lie, and the family should file a complaint with the state funeral board. EVERY ... | |
| Ohio Law & Burial on Private Property | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: I am in Stark County Ohio, Paris Township, basically in the country. Due to cancer at 37 years old ... A: Certainly the home funeral and wake should be easily managed. Go to the library and get my book, ... | |
| Casket rental in New York City | 12/29/2007 |
| Q: My mother wishes to be cremated. Is it legal and can you rent a casket in New York (New York City). ... A: Yes, cremation is legal, and renting a casket is legal. The funeral home I recommend in NYC is ... | |
| WHO HAS THE LEGAL RIGHTS TO ASHES | 12/27/2007 |
| Q: MY FATHERS ASHES ARE IN MY POSSESION AND I AM HIS OLDEST SON,BUT HIS THIRD WIFE SAYS SHE HAS THE ... A: I checked with one lawyer the last time you wrote, and he said he tho't my previous answer was ... | |
| pine box | 12/26/2007 |
| Q: Are pine box caskets allowed in Michigan? A: Yes, in all and every state. In fact, NO state has any laws dictating the kind of casket one must ... | |
| Any Benefit of Having Husband's Urn at Where You LIve | 12/24/2007 |
| Q: Make a long story short, my aunt(by marriage) now wants to have my uncle's urn(locates oversea in a ... A: Good for you for being creative about alternatives! That's exactly the kind of alternative I've ... | |
| Cremation | 12/23/2007 |
| Q: In my earlier quiestion i forgot to also ask , can afuneral home refuse to cremate me without it ... A: If you are low-income and eligible for Medicaid, there may be state or county assistance. A hospital ... | |
| moving my sister from NJ to GA | 12/22/2007 |
| Q: My parents are thinking about relocating to a warmer less costly area, but would not dream of it ... A: There will be an opening/closing charge on each end--$400-$800 x 2??--a new casket most likely, if ... | |
| Home death and burial | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: Is home burial allowed anywhere in California? If not, are "green" burials allowed anywhere near ... A: Alas, burial in CA must be in an "established" cemetery, and I suspect starting one would be quite ... | |
| Home burial Marion County Florida | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: I own 5 acres in the Ocala National Forest, Marion County Florida. My son is buried in South ... A: You are having trouble because there are no laws in Florida that address this, although cemeteries ... | |
| prepaid funerals | 12/10/2007 |
| Q: How much money is spent in the U.S. annually on prepaid funerals? Could you break it down by state? A: About one-third of all funerals are prepaid. If a current report that the funeral industry is ... | |
| Permit for ashes | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: My mom was recently cremated in Miami and we would like to take her ashes home to England. Can you ... A: You should have no problem carrying them on the plane. Just make sure they're in a container that ... | |
| Transporting an Urn to Mexico and back to USA | 11/27/2007 |
| Q: My father passed away last week and we had his remains cremated. He was born in Mexico City and a ... A: There shouldn't be any U.S. problems, but you might check with the Mexican consulate. But I don't ... | |
| creation and maintenance of family cemetary in Shelby Co. Alabama | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: Can you give me a little guidance on how to create a family cemetary in shelby Co, alabama. Who do ... A: If this is truly to be a family cemetery where relatives will be buried without charge, it should be ... | |
| home burial on acreage in California | 11/25/2007 |
| Q: We live on 20 acres in Nevada County California. How do we find out if a home burial is legal and ... A: Burial in CA must be in an "established" cemetery. Also, there's a statute that says that six or ... | |
| embalming | 11/22/2007 |
| Q: Is it required to embalm in Florida? If it is not a requirement, can there be a closed casket ... A: Refrigeration OR embalming is required after 24 hours, a reasonable requirement given the climate ... | |
| Funeral Home selling lots that flood | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: A funeral home in Sunnyvale, Texas, who started their own cemetery is selling lots to unknowing ... A: The Dept. of Banking regulates perpetual care cemeteries in Texas. My guess is that they are more ... | |
| home burial for my father | 11/12/2007 |
| Q: My father has expressed a desire to be burried "traditionally" in a simple pine box and burried on ... A: Home burial is permissible in MO. Land not to exceed one acre must be deeded in trust and the deed ... | |
| burial of ashes | 11/11/2007 |
| Q: Can an urn of ashes be buried on a plot with a casket in it? If so how many urns could be buried on ... A: Cemeteries have different policies on this. No state laws anywhere address this. It makes me pissed ... | |
| Pet Burial | 11/11/2007 |
| Q: Lisa. I see that you have answered many questions on exhumation and while my question has nothing to ... A: Alas, I know of no state laws that protect pet cemeteries for perpetuity in any state. If your wife ... | |
| exhumation | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: I wanted to exhume my brothers cremains that were buried by his friends in a local cemetery the ... A: If the cemetery is giving you a hard time, you could certainly get a lawyer to write a threatening ... | |
| exhumation | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: I wanted to exhume my brothers cremains that were buried by his friends in a local cemetery the ... A: How and why did his friends arrange for the burial of his cremated remains without family ... | |
| funerals | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: What do I do if my significate other passess on. We are both on fixed disability income with no ... A: Would you believe--I have information on almost all other med schools in NY but NOT Rochester. They ... | |
| unclaimed cremains | 11/6/2007 |
| Q: What can a funeral home do when cremains remain unclaimed, in Texas? A: Here is the law-- Sec. 716.302. DISPOSITION OF CREMATED REMAINS. (a) An authorizing agent shall ... | |
| funerals | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: What do I do if my significate other passess on. We are both on fixed disability income with no ... A: Would you consider donating your body to a medical school to be used for study? If you let me know ... | |
| Embalming | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: I've read that embalming isn't a requirement in the state of Ohio...but is it required if there is ... A: Ohio has NO laws requiring embalming at any time, for any reason. That said, many funeral homes will ... | |
| home wake | 11/3/2007 |
| Q: MY HUSBAND IS A VIET NAM VET, SERVICE RELATED 20 IN CONTACT WITH AGENT ORANGE, NOW HAS PANCREAS ... A: Even though family funerals are legal in Illinois, you'll run into some problems with officials who ... | |
| moving from one location to another | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: i am an only child and about 10 years ago my father died. he is buried in a private cementary in ... A: Yes, you're on the right track, but you should know that it's VERY difficult to sell cemetery lots. ... | |
| moving from one location to another | 10/30/2007 |
| Q: i am an only child and about 10 years ago my father died. he is buried in a private cementary in ... A: It could cost about $7,000 as you are likely to need a new casket and grave liner, as well as a ... | |
| burial | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: I live in an area that is zoned rural residential on 1.55 acres in Michigan. Can I bury a body on my ... A: If you are outside the city or village limits, it should be fine. The family graveyard itself must ... | |
| Burial on private property | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: I live in KY. IS it possible to be buried on my private land or must I be buried in a public ... A: If your property is in a rural area, there should be no problem. Draw a map of your land indicating ... | |
| Selection of grave or tomb | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: While arranging for the burial of my brother in our family tomb in New Orleans, my siblings and I ... A: The practice you ran into in New Orleans is probably influenced by the high water table which limits ... | |
| moving a priest's Mom and Sister... | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: I recently visited my childhood priest who is now retired and living on his family farm just east ... A: There should be NO problem setting up a "family burial ground" on the priest's property. Ideally ... | |
| private owners cemetery | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: A man in Radford, Va purchased a land there were burials. Two happen to be my husband's ... A: Do you know if the family burial ground is documented in the deed to the land? That would be helpful ... | |
| cremated remains | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: My grandmother was cremated about 12 years ago and I just found out that her remains were never ... A: I'll try to do some research on Texas, but I know of no state that requires the funeral home to keep ... | |
| MOVING MY KIDS | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: I had twins in 1994 which they both passed away they are buried in north Bergen NJ. the mother and ... A: It would be the NJ probate court, but ask the cemetery first. You could do that without a lawyer ... | |
| MOVING MY KIDS | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: I had twins in 1994 which they both passed away they are buried in north Bergen NJ. the mother and ... A: You would need to contact the cemetery to see what they require for removal. You may need to go to ... | |
| Moving my dad from one VA cemetary to another | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: My dad is buried on Long Island in a vet cemetary. My husband and I live in Lake George and my mom ... A: I'm sure this is probably possible, esp. as there may be more space in the Lake George area, and the ... | |
| Funeral Protocol | 10/9/2007 |
| Q: I work at a diverse company with different nationalities and ethnic groups. We are trying to create ... A: I don't have any particular books to recommend, but here is a link to some quick on-line ... | |
| Funeral Pyres | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: Greetings, I saw your previous answer regarding funeral pyres, recommending a green burial as an ... A: In some states, a cemetery is considered a permanent easement on the land, and moving such for ... | |
| Funeral Pyres | 10/6/2007 |
| Q: Greetings, I saw your previous answer regarding funeral pyres, recommending a green burial as an ... A: In 43 states, including Wisconsin, a family may handle a death entirely without using a funeral ... | |
| green burial | 10/5/2007 |
| Q: I live in Alabama. I am having difficulty finding info on laws or requirements of a green burial ... A | |