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About Lisa Carlson
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Funeral Law. Having written a 640-page book on funeral law for consumers with state-by-state information, I am very conversant with consumer rights in this regard: What are the laws on disposition of cremated remains? Is embalming required? Do I have to use a funeral home? Can I have a home wake? Is it a state law to buy a vault? I prepaid for a funeral but changed my mind. They won`t give me all my money back. What can I do? . . . etc.

   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Death and Dying > Funerals

Questions Answered By Expert  Lisa Carlson 
In Category  Funerals

SubjectDate Asked

funeral transportation11/23/2009
  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 ...
Disinternment11/21/2009
  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 Missouri11/20/2009
  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 fee11/19/2009
  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 the11/18/2009
  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 Plots11/10/2009
  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 funeral11/8/2009
  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 problems11/7/2009
  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 problems11/7/2009
  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 Mississippi11/5/2009
  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 ...
Cremation11/5/2009
  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 Texas11/5/2009
  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 ...
Cremation11/5/2009
  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 state11/5/2009
  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 county11/3/2009
  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 county11/3/2009
  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 book11/2/2009
  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 funerals11/1/2009
  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 michigan11/1/2009
  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 michigan10/31/2009
  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 disposition10/30/2009
  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' burial10/30/2009
  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 Utah10/30/2009
  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 law10/28/2009
  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 state10/27/2009
  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--procedure10/27/2009
  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 Deed10/26/2009
  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 Deed10/26/2009
  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 discretion10/25/2009
  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 Cremation10/22/2009
  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 down10/22/2009
  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 remains10/22/2009
  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 remains10/22/2009
  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 Ohio10/21/2009
  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 Deceased10/15/2009
  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 remains10/15/2009
  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 midwifery10/15/2009
  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 Pyre10/14/2009
  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 permission10/14/2009
  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 ...
embalming10/13/2009
  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 cremains10/13/2009
  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 ...
funeral10/9/2009
  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 ...
Burial10/8/2009
  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 trust10/8/2009
  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 Vaults10/7/2009
  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 midwifery10/7/2009
  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 law10/7/2009
  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 grave10/6/2009
  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 Costs10/1/2009
  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 dead9/29/2009
  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 remains9/29/2009
  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 @ Cemetery9/27/2009
  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 procession9/25/2009
  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 DNR9/24/2009
  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, ...
transport9/24/2009
  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 remains9/23/2009
  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 husband9/19/2009
  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 remains9/16/2009
  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 expense9/14/2009
  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 Texas9/14/2009
  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 plots9/13/2009
  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 Texas9/13/2009
  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 ...
funerals9/13/2009
  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 kin9/13/2009
  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 Massachusetts9/11/2009
  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 Remains9/10/2009
  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 ownership9/7/2009
  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 ownership9/7/2009
  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 ownership9/6/2009
  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 Georgia9/4/2009
  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 ...
cremation9/3/2009
  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 ...
headstone9/2/2009
  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 ...
Minnesota9/2/2009
  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 property9/1/2009
  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 Rights9/1/2009
  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 plot8/31/2009
  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 will8/30/2009
  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 ashes8/30/2009
  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 will8/29/2009
  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 will8/29/2009
  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 Death8/29/2009
  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 ...
burial8/29/2009
  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 ...
burial8/28/2009
  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 Georgia8/28/2009
  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 Illinois8/28/2009
  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 plot8/27/2009
  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 child8/26/2009
  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 child8/25/2009
  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 headstone8/24/2009
  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 headstone8/23/2009
  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 Missouri8/22/2009
  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 grave8/21/2009
  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 Mexico8/20/2009
  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 business8/20/2009
  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 state8/20/2009
  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 death8/19/2009
  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 ...
Ashes8/18/2009
  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 embalming8/17/2009
  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 funaral8/15/2009
  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 Michigan8/11/2009
  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 Georgia8/9/2009
  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 exit8/9/2009
  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. ...
Cremation8/8/2009
  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 ...
cremation8/6/2009
  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 Services8/5/2009
  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 Services8/5/2009
  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 disaster8/5/2009
  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 Services8/4/2009
  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 36-3268/4/2009
  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 court8/4/2009
  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 36-3268/4/2009
  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/monument8/3/2009
  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, CA8/3/2009
  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 ashes8/3/2009
  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 vault7/31/2009
  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 grave7/30/2009
  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 siblings7/29/2009
  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 state7/28/2009
  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 fetus7/28/2009
  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 insurance7/28/2009
  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 Calif7/25/2009
  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 spouse7/25/2009
  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 park7/24/2009
  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 dispute7/24/2009
  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 certificates7/23/2009
  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 Burials7/22/2009
  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 burial7/21/2009
  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 ...
embalming7/21/2009
  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 burials7/21/2009
  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 death7/21/2009
  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 Services7/18/2009
  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 help7/17/2009
  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 land7/17/2009
  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 him7/17/2009
  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 TN7/16/2009
  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 cremations7/15/2009
  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 remains7/13/2009
  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 remains7/13/2009
  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 Burial7/11/2009
  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 ownership7/11/2009
  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 remains7/10/2009
  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 Texas7/10/2009
  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 Texas7/9/2009
  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 - Wisconsin7/7/2009
  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 & Reinterment7/6/2009
  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 relocated7/6/2009
  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 Probate7/3/2009
  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 friend7/3/2009
  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 proceedure7/2/2009
  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 friend7/2/2009
  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 Land7/2/2009
  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 laws6/30/2009
  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 ...
Grandparent6/30/2009
  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 UK6/30/2009
  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 Utah6/30/2009
  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 Remains6/30/2009
  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 sexton6/29/2009
  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 expenses6/24/2009
  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 ...
Burials6/24/2009
  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 country6/24/2009
  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 rights6/24/2009
  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 ...
body6/23/2009
  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 marriage6/23/2009
  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, Ohio6/22/2009
  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 insurance6/19/2009
  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 remains6/16/2009
  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 rights6/16/2009
  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 lines6/14/2009
  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 Kentucky6/12/2009
  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 Laws6/11/2009
  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 Burials6/10/2009
  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 expenses6/7/2009
  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 LA6/7/2009
  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 remains6/6/2009
  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 ...
SCI6/4/2009
  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 body6/2/2009
  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 sites6/1/2009
  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 Burial6/1/2009
  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 Burial5/31/2009
  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 Certificates5/29/2009
  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 ...
disinterment5/28/2009
  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 interrment5/26/2009
  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 training5/25/2009
  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 ...
cremains5/21/2009
  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 Alabama5/21/2009
  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 burial5/19/2009
  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 Reburial5/17/2009
  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 funerals5/15/2009
  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/Affidavit5/15/2009
  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 plots5/14/2009
  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 burials5/11/2009
  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 law5/9/2009
  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 burial5/9/2009
  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 field5/8/2009
  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 cremation5/8/2009
  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 Vaults5/7/2009
  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 burial5/7/2009
  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 burials5/7/2009
  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 Diego5/4/2009
  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 Mexico5/1/2009
  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 relocating5/1/2009
  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 relocating5/1/2009
  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 box4/30/2009
  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 plot4/29/2009
  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 transport4/28/2009
  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 body4/26/2009
  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 burial4/23/2009
  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 property4/20/2009
  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 ...
Wakes4/19/2009
  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 Vault4/18/2009
  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 burial4/17/2009
  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 Policy4/15/2009
  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 Property4/15/2009
  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 ...
Columbarium4/13/2009
  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 funeral4/9/2009
  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 Remains4/7/2009
  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 Remains4/7/2009
  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 plot4/7/2009
  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 Remains4/7/2009
  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 grave4/2/2009
  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 lines4/2/2009
  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 ...
probate4/2/2009
  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 ...
probate4/2/2009
  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 ...
probate4/2/2009
  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 relative4/2/2009
  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 requirements4/1/2009
  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 remains4/1/2009
  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 Alabama3/30/2009
  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 Grandparents3/30/2009
  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 children3/30/2009
  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 children3/29/2009
  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 children3/27/2009
  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 remains3/27/2009
  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 good3/27/2009
  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 Aunt3/27/2009
  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 good3/27/2009
  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 expenses3/23/2009
  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 cremains3/23/2009
  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 Authoration3/23/2009
  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 child3/22/2009
  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 plots3/20/2009
  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 ...
Caskets3/20/2009
  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 Wake3/20/2009
  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 Burial3/18/2009
  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 Graves3/18/2009
  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 embalming3/16/2009
  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 rights3/13/2009
  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 rights3/13/2009
  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 ownership3/12/2009
  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 cemetary3/7/2009
  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 children3/6/2009
  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 order3/6/2009
  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 Wife3/5/2009
  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 & Reburial3/4/2009
  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 Body3/4/2009
  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 - Complicated3/4/2009
  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 Body3/4/2009
  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 headstones3/4/2009
  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 Garden3/4/2009
  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 Ashes3/4/2009
  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 & Reburial3/4/2009
  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 Ashes3/3/2009
  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 graves3/3/2009
  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 ...
Stillbirths3/3/2009
  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 cremains3/2/2009
  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 Oklahoma2/27/2009
  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 transportaion2/27/2009
  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 cost2/27/2009
  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 body2/25/2009
  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 TRANSPORT2/25/2009
  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 transport2/25/2009
  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 state2/24/2009
  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 land2/22/2009
  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/fees2/21/2009
  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 transportation2/20/2009
  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 remains2/19/2009
  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 Alabama2/19/2009
  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 burial2/19/2009
  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 Ashes2/17/2009
  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 ...
Headstone2/14/2009
  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, ...
cremation2/14/2009
  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 ground2/12/2009
  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 Transport2/12/2009
  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 BODY2/9/2009
  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 rights2/9/2009
  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 Costs2/9/2009
  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 pyres2/7/2009
  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 mom2/4/2009
  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 mom2/4/2009
  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 mom2/4/2009
  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 ...
Cremation2/4/2009
  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 mom2/3/2009
  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 kin2/2/2009
  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 & Reburial2/2/2009
  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 site2/1/2009
  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 CERTIFICAT1/31/2009
  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 headstone1/31/2009
  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 headstone1/31/2009
  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 US1/30/2009
  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 another1/28/2009
  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 Laws1/26/2009
  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 Laws1/26/2009
  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 Laws1/26/2009
  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 rights1/25/2009
  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 rights1/25/2009
  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 test1/25/2009
  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 Hampshire1/24/2009
  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 remains1/22/2009
  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 Burial1/22/2009
  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 Laws1/21/2009
  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 Law1/18/2009
  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 plots1/18/2009
  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 ...
Burial1/17/2009
  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 buriel1/14/2009
  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 state1/14/2009
  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 certification1/13/2009
  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 dead1/13/2009
  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 conditions1/9/2009
  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 situation1/7/2009
  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 allowed1/6/2009
  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 ...
caskets1/6/2009
  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 ...
caskets1/6/2009
  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 situation1/4/2009
  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 situation1/4/2009
  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 member1/3/2009
  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 member1/2/2009
  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 own12/31/2008
  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 own12/31/2008
  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 practices12/30/2008
  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 another12/28/2008
  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 cremation12/25/2008
  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 burial12/25/2008
  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 deceased12/22/2008
  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 indiana12/20/2008
  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 Burial12/17/2008
  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 burial12/15/2008
  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 Son12/14/2008
  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 burial12/12/2008
  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 another12/10/2008
  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-fiance12/8/2008
  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 Laws12/6/2008
  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 remains12/6/2008
  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 - CA12/2/2008
  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 arrangements12/2/2008
  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 SC12/1/2008
  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 arrangements11/29/2008
  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 rights11/27/2008
  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 nj11/27/2008
  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 Michigan11/27/2008
  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 ...
help11/25/2008
  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 ...
disenterment11/24/2008
  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 ...
disenterment11/24/2008
  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 questions11/21/2008
  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 questions11/20/2008
  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 Florida11/20/2008
  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 Laws11/19/2008
  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 service11/19/2008
  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 FL11/17/2008
  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 refund11/16/2008
  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 certificate11/16/2008
  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 Maryland11/14/2008
  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 Maryland11/14/2008
  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 costs11/13/2008
  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 costs11/12/2008
  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 burial11/11/2008
  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 certificate11/9/2008
  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 & Transportation11/9/2008
  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 research11/7/2008
  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 cremation11/5/2008
  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 burial11/4/2008
  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 transport11/3/2008
  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 another11/3/2008
  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 vaults11/1/2008
  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 ...
headstones10/31/2008
  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 Alabama10/30/2008
  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 KY10/28/2008
  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 burial10/28/2008
  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 PA10/26/2008
  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 burial10/25/2008
  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 Laws10/22/2008
  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 ownership10/21/2008
  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 Plots10/21/2008
  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 Headstone10/20/2008
  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 decomposition10/20/2008
  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 land10/17/2008
  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 ashes10/17/2008
  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 Iowa10/17/2008
  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 body10/17/2008
  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 Iowa10/15/2008
  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 Plots10/13/2008
  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 Plots10/13/2008
  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 cemeteries10/12/2008
  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 cemeteries10/12/2008
  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 Ohio10/10/2008
  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 home10/9/2008
  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 dead10/8/2008
  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 sister10/7/2008
  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 cremains10/7/2008
  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 Certificate10/7/2008
  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 helper10/6/2008
  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 Cemetery10/4/2008
  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 reburial10/2/2008
  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 land10/1/2008
  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 business10/1/2008
  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 BURIAL9/26/2008
  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 Cemetery9/25/2008
  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 Alabama9/25/2008
  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 CO9/24/2008
  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 state9/24/2008
  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 Arrangements9/24/2008
  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 remains9/23/2008
  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 ownership9/22/2008
  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 remains9/22/2008
  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 body9/20/2008
  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 lots9/18/2008
  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 Cemetery9/17/2008
  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 Viewing9/16/2008
  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 KY9/13/2008
  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 allowed9/11/2008
  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 Funeral9/11/2008
  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 Ireland9/11/2008
  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 home9/9/2008
  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 burial9/8/2008
  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 burial9/8/2008
  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 vigil9/8/2008
  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 Michigan9/6/2008
  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. ...
Ashes9/5/2008
  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 ...
burial9/4/2008
  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 body9/4/2008
  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 Urns9/4/2008
  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 service9/3/2008
  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 service9/3/2008
  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 allowed9/2/2008
  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 MD9/1/2008
  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 cemetary9/1/2008
  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 visitation8/28/2008
  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 Texas8/26/2008
  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 Plot8/25/2008
  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 Cremation8/25/2008
  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 Plot8/25/2008
  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 Mexico8/24/2008
  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 Plot8/24/2008
  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 Cemeteries8/22/2008
  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 relative8/21/2008
  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. ...
Disinterment8/20/2008
  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 Neglect8/20/2008
  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 Florida8/19/2008
  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. ...
cemetery8/19/2008
  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 Law8/16/2008
  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 body8/15/2008
  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 SC8/15/2008
  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 Passing8/14/2008
  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 burial8/14/2008
  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 Jewlery8/14/2008
  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 burial8/14/2008
  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 cemetery8/10/2008
  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 transport8/8/2008
  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 rights8/7/2008
  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 Certificate8/6/2008
  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 cremation8/5/2008
  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 Expenses8/5/2008
  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 Burials8/4/2008
  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 requirements8/3/2008
  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 site7/30/2008
  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 ...
Caskets7/26/2008
  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 ...
Burial7/26/2008
  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 Interment7/26/2008
  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 responsibility7/21/2008
  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 Burial7/21/2008
  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 Kansas7/20/2008
  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 ...
Embalming7/20/2008
  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 it7/18/2008
  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 lines7/18/2008
  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 funeral7/18/2008
  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 ...
vault7/18/2008
  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 it7/17/2008
  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 spaces7/13/2008
  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 remains7/13/2008
  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 ...
Casket7/13/2008
  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 ...
Cremation7/12/2008
  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 ...
cremation7/10/2008
  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 cemetery7/10/2008
  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 cemetery7/10/2008
  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 Transportation7/8/2008
  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 cemetery7/8/2008
  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 California7/8/2008
  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 TN7/7/2008
  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 gravesite7/5/2008
  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 questions7/2/2008
  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 law7/2/2008
  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 without7/1/2008
  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 Carolina6/30/2008
  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 burial6/29/2008
  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 gravesite6/29/2008
  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 GA6/29/2008
  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 State6/27/2008
  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 State6/26/2008
  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 kin6/26/2008
  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 viewing6/25/2008
  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 mistake6/24/2008
  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 ...
cremation6/23/2008
  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 cremation6/23/2008
  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 cemetery6/22/2008
  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 rights6/19/2008
  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 Cemetery6/18/2008
  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 Cemetery6/17/2008
  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 body6/17/2008
  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 body6/16/2008
  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 NH6/13/2008
  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 Plot6/12/2008
  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 Site6/10/2008
  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 Site6/10/2008
  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 funerals6/10/2008
  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 ashes6/10/2008
  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 body6/8/2008
  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 cremation6/6/2008
  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 cemetary6/6/2008
  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 Wyoming6/5/2008
  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 cremation6/5/2008
  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 property6/3/2008
  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 remains6/2/2008
  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 plot5/28/2008
  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 available5/27/2008
  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 ...
headstone5/27/2008
  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 Relocation5/26/2008
  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, ...
headstone5/26/2008
  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 service5/23/2008
  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 remains5/23/2008
  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 body5/21/2008
  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 STATE5/19/2008
  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 ...
cremation5/19/2008
  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 remains5/16/2008
  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 Body5/15/2008
  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 headstone5/14/2008
  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 Italy5/14/2008
  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 Star5/14/2008
  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 cremation5/13/2008
  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 Star5/13/2008
  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 state5/12/2008
  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 lines5/9/2008
  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 ...
exhumation5/8/2008
  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 burials5/6/2008
  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 Wisconsin5/5/2008
  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 plot5/2/2008
  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 Dilemma5/1/2008
  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 overseas5/1/2008
  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 NC4/30/2008
  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 trade4/24/2008
  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 Cemetery4/22/2008
  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 plots4/21/2008
  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 recognition4/21/2008
  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 disinterment4/19/2008
  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 cremation4/17/2008
  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 deceased4/15/2008
  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 cemetery4/15/2008
  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 funeral4/11/2008
  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 property4/10/2008
  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 certificate4/8/2008
  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 Country4/7/2008
  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 Body4/4/2008
  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 Land4/1/2008
  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 gravesites3/29/2008
  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 plot3/28/2008
  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 cremation3/23/2008
  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 burial3/22/2008
  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 laws3/20/2008
  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 owners3/19/2008
  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 cemetaries3/18/2008
  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 service3/17/2008
  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 Arrangement3/15/2008
  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 ...
Donation3/13/2008
  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 body3/11/2008
  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 expenses3/6/2008
  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 body3/6/2008
  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 urn3/5/2008
  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 plot3/4/2008
  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 Burial3/4/2008
  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 requirements3/1/2008
  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 remains2/27/2008
  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 creamated2/26/2008
  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 graves2/22/2008
  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 WA2/20/2008
  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 WA2/19/2008
  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 rights2/17/2008
  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 ...
cemeteries2/16/2008
  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 Texas2/14/2008
  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 authorization2/14/2008
  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,CA2/14/2008
  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 wakes2/6/2008
  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 ...
embalming2/4/2008
  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 Wishes2/4/2008
  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 expenses2/1/2008
  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 funeral1/30/2008
  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. Louis1/30/2008
  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 plot1/28/2008
  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 asked1/27/2008
  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 asked1/27/2008
  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-kin1/24/2008
  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 Missouri1/23/2008
  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 cemetery1/22/2008
  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 funeral1/21/2008
  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 funeral1/21/2008
  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 remains1/18/2008
  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-kin1/18/2008
  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 death1/18/2008
  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 Missouri1/17/2008
  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 burial1/16/2008
  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 deals1/15/2008
  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 Burial1/15/2008
  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 Burial1/13/2008
  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 embalming1/11/2008
  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 texas1/10/2008
  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 Cemetaries1/6/2008
  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 rights1/4/2008
  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 ...
Cremation1/4/2008
  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 ashes1/3/2008
  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/Texas1/2/2008
  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 NYS1/2/2008
  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 Buteal1/2/2008
  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 ...
Cremation1/1/2008
  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 Property1/1/2008
  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 City12/29/2007
  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 ASHES12/27/2007
  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 box12/26/2007
  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 LIve12/24/2007
  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 ...
Cremation12/23/2007
  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 GA12/22/2007
  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 burial12/20/2007
  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 Florida12/13/2007
  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 funerals12/10/2007
  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 ashes12/7/2007
  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 USA11/27/2007
  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. Alabama11/26/2007
  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 California11/25/2007
  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 ...
embalming11/22/2007
  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 flood11/15/2007
  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 father11/12/2007
  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 ashes11/11/2007
  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 Burial11/11/2007
  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 ...
exhumation11/9/2007
  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 ...
exhumation11/9/2007
  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 ...
funerals11/8/2007
  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 cremains11/6/2007
  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 ...
funerals11/5/2007
  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 ...
Embalming11/5/2007
  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 wake11/3/2007
  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 another10/31/2007
  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 another10/30/2007
  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 ...
burial10/29/2007
  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 property10/23/2007
  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 tomb10/21/2007
  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 cemetery10/18/2007
  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 remains10/16/2007
  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 KIDS10/16/2007
  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 KIDS10/15/2007
  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 another10/14/2007
  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 Protocol10/9/2007
  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 Pyres10/7/2007
  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 Pyres10/6/2007
  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 burial10/5/2007
  Q: I live in Alabama. I am having difficulty finding info on laws or requirements of a green burial ...
  A: The reason you're having a hard time getting info is because there aren't any laws on the subject in ...
Funeral Expenses10/4/2007
  Q: My brother passed away on Monday in his home and was a Vet (not active). Because he did not receive ...
  A: If you are being quoted $2,100 for a simple cremation then you called the wrong funeral home. It is ...
CREMATION10/2/2007
  Q: I am the executor of an estate. In the will I was to have my dear friend cremated and receive the ...
  A: Ohio -- Effective October 12, 2006, Ohio citizens may designate anyone they wish to make funeral, ...
CREMATION9/28/2007
  Q: I am the executor of an estate. In the will I was to have my dear friend cremated and receive the ...
  A: I am assuming you made all the arrangements for the cremation and signed a contract to that effect. ...
Family dies at home9/20/2007
  Q: If a family member dies at home, who has to pronounce them dead? If you call EMS will they try to ...
  A: I'm assuming this is an anticipated death. Talk with the person's doctor to let him/her know that ...
moving our mother9/20/2007
  Q: If my mother is buried in a place by her current husband (not my father) contrary to our and her ...
  A: You probably will have the right to move her body, but the process will depend on what state she's ...
cremation Q.9/10/2007
  Q: When I go, can my friends build a private funeral pyre to cremate me? That's what I want to detail ...
  A: There are no state laws in OH that say one way or another. I suspect the open-burning laws would ...
i want to move my moms body9/5/2007
  Q: she was buried in June of this year. i want to move her from denver colorado to sterling colorado ...
  A: How or why did she get buried in Denver in the first place? If that was her preference or the ...
Exhumation and Reburial8/31/2007
  Q: My mother died in 2001 and was buried in Ohio. She was born and raised in Ohio and our family lived ...
  A: Your father would have to get a disinterment order (from the probate court or health dept., I ...
I may have to move my son's grave8/23/2007
  Q: my son was buried at a local cemetery and it seems that the plot was a double headstone plot. we ...
  A: The cemetery is owned by Eddie Seal who is a vice president of the Alabama Cemetery Assoc. I don't ...
I may have to move my son's grave8/23/2007
  Q: my son was buried at a local cemetery and it seems that the plot was a double headstone plot. we ...
  A: That was certainly unethical of the cemetery. Do you know who owns that cemetery? I am not sure ...
Home Burial in Ca8/22/2007
  Q: Is it possible in California to bury a family member on their own private property? This family has ...
  A: I hope you'll get the same chuckle out of CA laws that I did. Burial must be in an extablished ...
Disputed Disinternment8/21/2007
  Q: I am 1 of 8 siblings. My mother/father were legally divorced in Michigan in 1975. My father was ...
  A: Although I sometimes get paranoid about these things, the Health Dept. form (and rules) require the ...
Home burial in Pa8/20/2007
  Q: Where can I get more information on burying someone on your home land in the state of Pa. My cousin ...
  A: Disinterment and home burial should be possible. I believe your cousin will need a disinterment ...
Home Funeral8/19/2007
  Q: My husband & I just saw a documentary on home funerals on PBS this afternoon. That fell into just ...
  A: Here is a wonderful Michigan story written by Wendy Lyons from the Detroit ...
transporting "urn" on plane from Texas to Missouri8/19/2007
  Q: My Mother was cremated by a funeral home which subsequently delivered her ashes to me. I have ...
  A: The box sounds absolutely lovely. Go ahead and seal whatever you wish, as the security will NOT open ...
follow up on pre-paid casket from 4-14-078/17/2007
  Q: I questioned whether a Michigan funeral home could charge more when a casket was pre purchased ...
  A: I agree that is sleezy tactics and is being touted by the National Funeral Directors Assn. as a way ...
can u help8/11/2007
  Q: i would like to start a family cemetery. i cant find any info on it. i live in kentucky. is there ...
  A: There aren't any laws about that which is why you may be having trouble finding info. If you are in ...
disinternment / reinternment8/9/2007
  Q: In California can we have a family member disinterned from one cemetery and reinterned in another ...
  A: Did your father have a spouse that picked the current burial site? If so, the spouse's wishes will ...
Missouri Law8/9/2007
  Q: Is it law in the state of Missouri that a deceased person must be embalmed...Also Is the use of ...
  A: A Missouri Funeral Board *regulation* requires a body to be embalmed OR refrigerated after 24 hours. ...
Starting a Memorial Garden8/9/2007
  Q: I live in Birmingham Al and was interested in starting a Memorial Garden. Can you tell me how to go ...
  A: Are you thinking of a place just for cremated remains, such as what many churches are now offering? ...
private cemetry8/8/2007
  Q: This may be more of a legal question. Here goes. We are on a large farm in Western Pa. with a small ...
  A: The fact that the family cemetery is identified on the deed is important and valuable. In a few ...
ashes on site8/7/2007
  Q: With cremation becoming more popular, I have come up with the idea of an on site cistern type ...
  A: Absolutely you may do that. Nice idea. The state of OH (and most states) consider the cremation ...
funeral costs8/7/2007
  Q: does california medi-care or medi-cade cover any costs for funeral costs and what is the cheapest ...
  A: If the death occurs in Utah, check to see what social welfare in Utah will pay, if any, toward ...
Jewish / Reborn Baptist dating7/30/2007
  Q: How does a reborn Baptist woman proceed with dating a Jewish man with possibly different views on ...
  A: I am a funeral expert, not a dating expert, but I can tell you from the experience of friends that ...
Moving remains7/28/2007
  Q: My boyfriend's father died 20 years ago, his last wish was to be buried next to his father which he ...
  A: Unless the spouse has re-married, probably not. The spouse is the legal next-of-kin who gets to make ...
funeral leave pay in south carolina7/22/2007
  Q: I have searched and searched and cannot find an answer to my question that is , is it a law in ...
  A: I don't know of any state where bereavement pay is a law. But many employees' unions have negotiated ...
funeral procedures7/19/2007
  Q: what are the burial and embalming procedures and limitations for various states in the United ...
  A: Check the library for my book, "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love." There are chapters for ...
getting body to cemetery7/18/2007
  Q: i am looking at direct burial for my father in kentucky. he has purchased everything at the cemetary ...
  A: Yes, you may handle everything yourself. The only problem may be if the cemetery requires a ...
Florida family cemetary7/14/2007
  Q: I live on 1.25 acres, zoned agriculture, in the county(Marion), in Florida. Can I create my own ...
  A: Even tho' your area is zoned agriculture, a 1.25 lot is fairly small for starting a family cemetery. ...
Cemetary rights7/14/2007
  Q: My Great Grandfather, Grandfather , and now father left quite a few plots left in a local cemetary. ...
  A: If you are one of the seven grandchildren to whom the lots were willed, you have every right to be ...
Legal or not??7/13/2007
  Q: This might seem like a really stupid question, everyone else thinks it is. I am a Christian woman ...
  A: I believe some outdoor cremations are being done by Buddhists in Colorado. We had one in VT in 1988 ...
funeral expense7/12/2007
  Q: When I buried my wife I paid the entire cost( excess of $10,000.)out of pocket. What small life ...
  A: Was there a will that was probated, or was everything in a Living Trust or joint names so that it ...
funeral expense7/12/2007
  Q: When I buried my wife I paid the entire cost( excess of $10,000.)out of pocket. What small life ...
  A: Alas, unless your wife changed the beneficiary to you, the money goes directly to her sons. That ...
moving a buried body, and additional headstones7/10/2007
  Q: When my husband retires in 2010, we want to relocate to Kentucky. Our daughter is buried in ...
  A: I have NO experience with disinterring a vault. My guess is that it would be quite difficult or next ...
moving a buried body, and additional headstones7/9/2007
  Q: When my husband retires in 2010, we want to relocate to Kentucky. Our daughter is buried in ...
  A: It is really hard to predict what shape the body and casket will be in. Funereal type embalming is ...
funeral expenses7/6/2007
  Q: what are reasonable funeral and burial expenses. I am a co administrator of an estate and I need ...
  A: If I might ask, how much are your father's assets--real estate, stocks, bank accounts, insurance? Is ...
funeral expenses7/4/2007
  Q: what are reasonable funeral and burial expenses. I am a co administrator of an estate and I need ...
  A: Only the legal next-of-kin should have a say on what the funeral should be . . . UNLESS the deceased ...
family cemeteries7/4/2007
  Q: Our small unincorporated town in Washington state has no cemetery and we are now wondering about a ...
  A: I am wondering why the county won't allow a cemetery. You will need to talk with the state cemetery ...
cemetery7/1/2007
  Q: I would like to start a public cemetery. Is it as easy as buying land and start advertising? ...
  A: Check with the Secretary of State's office, as that is the agency regulating cemeteries in GA. I ...
How and where to buy land for green buriel and conservation6/30/2007
  Q: Please respond asap. I've ask our real estate lawyers and they are scratching their heads. This is a ...
  A: There is already one green burial ground in up-state NY. There is certainly interest in CA, and ...
Best way to sell burial plots?6/28/2007
  Q: I have inherited two empty burial plots located in Alabama. Since I live in Tennessee, I'd like to ...
  A: It is VERY difficult to sell burial plots. When I was at FCA, I ran a free listing on the internet ...
starting a family cemetery in Texas6/28/2007
  Q: I live in rural East Texas, and would like to start a small family cemetery on my land. Can you ...
  A: The laws on this are pretty vague or non-existent in most states including Texas. Sometimes it's ...
Home Wake In PA?6/24/2007
  Q: I'm not planning on going anytime soon, God willing, but it's always been my desire for visitation ...
  A: It is possible to handle everything at home without a funeral director. Embalming OR refrigeration ...
private funeral6/23/2007
  Q: I would like to have a private funeral, no funeral home involved. And be buried on our property in ...
  A: What a lot of questions! Let me start with the most troublesome one first. Alabama requires ...
Moving buried bodies in South Carolina6/18/2007
  Q: My fiancee's ex-girlfriend just found out about our engagement and is now threatening to have the ...
  A: I'm not sure what it would take to change the names on the fetal death certificates legally, tho' ...
casket rentals6/17/2007
  Q: Do you know the average rental costs in the NY metro area and how soon can one be gotten? someone ...
  A: Prices can be all over the place from one funeral home to the next. No "average," but it might be in ...
Cemeteries6/16/2007
  Q: My maternal grandmother is buried where her husband (my step-grandfather) will be buried and where ...
  A: In what state is the cemetery? Disinterment procedures will vary from state to state. Generally, ...
family gravesite - Louisiana6/15/2007
  Q: My family owns land in rural north LA. My father insists that he will be buried on our land. He has ...
  A: That act was probably passed after I'd researched LA laws for the last edition of my book ten years ...
starting a green cemetary in Ohio6/13/2007
  Q: does your book cover the laws of starting a cemetary in Ohio? Do you know those laws? I like your ...
  A: No, my book doesn't have that information. You will have to do your own research on the ...
transporting human remains across state lines6/9/2007
  Q: My mother lives in Iowa and would like to be buried in Missouri. My brother is helping her make ...
  A: Absolutely, your brother may transport your mother's body. In fact, it would be legal for him to do ...
Home burials Arkansas6/9/2007
  Q: Can home burials be done in Arkansas? If not, what is the least expensive route to go?
  A: Yes, if you are outside village or city limits. Furthermore, family graveyards are exempt from ...
Help6/7/2007
  Q: I am sorry, this is very complicated to explain. My family owns a lot of 5 plots, running from the ...
  A: I imagine from everything you've said that the cemetery won't be doing any digging until it's time ...
Help6/7/2007
  Q: I am sorry, this is very complicated to explain. My family owns a lot of 5 plots, running from the ...
  A: In what state is this? Who owns the cemetery? How can the cemetery say the baby is by the road if ...
attending funeral services6/6/2007
  Q: my husbands 1st wife just passed today. Should he attend the grave service? The deceased's husband ...
  A: That is certainly an awkward situation, I'm sure. Is your husband comfortable enough to call the ...
burial without money to pay6/5/2007
  Q: My father is elderly and my mother's health is not good. Recently they have been making comments ...
  A: Are your parents on Medicaid? If so, there may be state or county money for a minimal funeral. If ...
burial rights6/4/2007
  Q: I am researching an issue about burial rights in Utah and was hoping you could put me in the right ...
  A: Check to see if the cemetery has any related regulations that have to do with passing ownership or ...
Licensed funeral directors selling preneed6/4/2007
  Q: In Connecticut, is it required by law that only a licensed funeral director can sell a prefunded ...
  A: Here's a link to a series of articles done by an Ohio reporter, including one on preneed. He's done ...
family cemetary in va6/3/2007
  Q: I own property in VA 10 acres, I have two horses and would like to be buried here with them. How ...
  A: Draw a map of the land showing where the burial ground will be. No specific laws in VA, but a good ...
Licensed funeral directors selling preneed6/1/2007
  Q: In Connecticut, is it required by law that only a licensed funeral director can sell a prefunded ...
  A: Ever since I started researching funeral law 20 years ago, I've been struck by how poorly some ...
Moving a buried body6/1/2007
  Q: My husband's father passed away 17 years ago. My husband's father and mother were not on good terms ...
  A: Perhaps if you show your grandmother the lengthy Indiana law that must be followed for a ...
Moving a buried body5/31/2007
  Q: My husband's father passed away 17 years ago. My husband's father and mother were not on good terms ...
  A: Your husband's mother, unfortunately, is the legal next-of-kin to her spouse and might have the ...
DIY Burial5/29/2007
  Q: What are the laws concerning private burials in NC? If you can point me in the right direction on ...
  A: You do not need to use a funeral director in NC. In fact there's a wonderful story in LIFE magazine ...
STARTING A CASKET RENTAL BUSINESS IN MICHIGAN5/28/2007
  Q: I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY LAWS IN MICHIGAN THAT PREVENT A PERSON FROM RENTING CASKETS?
  A: Reuse of any part of a casket was against the law when I researched my book 10 years ago. At that ...
Family Cemetaries5/27/2007
  Q: Are there any green burial sites in Ohio? If not, how does one go about establishing a family ...
  A: I am not aware of any green burial grounds in Ohio. Zoning would be the primary factor in ...
Ownership of plots/burial5/24/2007
  Q: This question came up at a family gathering recently. When you own a cemetery plot and are buried, ...
  A: State laws vary. Some states make a cemetery plot a permanent easement on the land. Other states ...
Moving from a public cemetary to the family cemetary5/23/2007
  Q: My Mother was buried according to her wishes in the cemetery in her retirement town(Ohio), with a ...
  A: Her husband would have the legal right to decided, and I suspect any probate court would also want ...
Home Burial Michigan5/19/2007
  Q: We live in Oscoda County, Mercer Township, Michigan. We live on 20+ acres of land. We wish to be ...
  A: If you'd like to e-mail me directly, my e-mail is lisa@funeralethics.org ...
Home Burial Michigan5/18/2007
  Q: We live in Oscoda County, Mercer Township, Michigan. We live on 20+ acres of land. We wish to be ...
  A: Michigan has one of the better set of laws on home burial. Family graveyards under one acre outside ...
Fee's5/17/2007
  Q: I have a question, my father inlaw just passed, We live in Pennsylvania. We had a nice memorial ...
  A: That funeral director should be reported to the state funeral board for mis-representing the law. ...
who pays5/7/2007
  Q: Our father died this morning. We have seen him about 10 times in the last 20 years. Our names were ...
  A: If your father was on Medicaid, then the state probably has funds to pay for his cremation. The ...
natural burial on my property5/6/2007
  Q: My husband and I own about 2 acres in Englewood, Florida, most of it left as untouched Florida ...
  A: Unless you can interest someone with land to start another green burial ground closer to you, I ...
embalming5/2/2007
  Q: my grandmother who lives in England passed away two days ago.My mother and her family were told she ...
  A: I am assuming the body will be refrigerated for the two-week period. You might want to check on ...
Home Burials in Vermont5/1/2007
  Q: I would like to know if you could direct me to a source that would explain the process and the laws ...
  A: The Health Dept. is in the process of re-drafting its brochure (with my suggestions) on home ...
Cremation Ashes5/1/2007
  Q: Is it legal to scatter the cremated ashers in all 50 states, and if so are there any limitations in ...
  A: California law limits scattering, but in all states one can take them home and put them on the ...
Burial in Family Cemetary, Ohio4/30/2007
  Q: In Ohio, does one need embalming? And can a pine box be used as casket for burial without the ...
  A: There are no requirements in Ohio to be embalmed under ANY circumstances. At 70 degrees or less, a ...
stillborn burial in cemetary4/26/2007
  Q: Our daughter recently had a stillborn birth due to a sudden placenta abruption at 5 to 5-1/2 months ...
  A: It sounds to be as if you paid a standard O/C charge. So I would ask them to re-dig it at their ...
stillborn burial in cemetary4/26/2007
  Q: Our daughter recently had a stillborn birth due to a sudden placenta abruption at 5 to 5-1/2 months ...
  A: How loving that your family was involved with this burial. Regarding the vault, are you distressed ...
private burial4/25/2007
  Q: Lisa what laws pertqain to private burials in KY? I understand we have a gorundwater problem ...
  A: There are no laws I'm aware of that deal with groundwater. Unless the casket is impervious, you need ...
Burial private property4/24/2007
  Q: I live in Polk Co Florida, Can I be buried on my property? It is app. 50 acres outside of town.
  A: Most likely you can. Do you have strict zoning enforcement in your area? That might be one issue ...
BURYING ASHES ON PERSONAL PROPERTY4/24/2007
  Q: My sister wants to leave ashes of my father and mother buried at my father's house in Penn Hills, ...
  A: Yes, you can leave them behind. There are no state laws applicable. Do the new owners know? What ...
funeral payment4/21/2007
  Q: Does Indiana have a statute requiring the beneficiary of life insurance policies to pay for the ...
  A: Without more details, I may not be able to answer this question very well. Was your son-in-law the ...
Cremated remains4/21/2007
  Q: I live in Texas, Can my cremated remains be spread on my land? ANSWER: Yes, cremated remains can be ...
  A: You're right that the law says no scattering in CA. That was passed after a commercial scattering ...
Casket rental4/17/2007
  Q: Is it legal in Ohio to rent a casket merely for the viewing when the body is to be cremated? We were ...
  A: I forgot to add that lying about state laws is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral ...
Ability to Sell Unused Spaces in a Lot in Oklahoma4/15/2007
  Q: My wife's grandfather and grandmother are buried in a lot in Oklahoma City, OK in 1927 and 1945 ...
  A: Some interesting statutes-- §8-4. Surveys - Plat - Acknowledgment - Recording - Fee. Surveys and ...
Ability to Sell Unused Spaces in a Lot in Oklahoma4/15/2007
  Q: My wife's grandfather and grandmother are buried in a lot in Oklahoma City, OK in 1927 and 1945 ...
  A: By law, cemeteries must be run not-for-profit in OK. But some of the big Wall Street corporations ...
Usual protocol - entry into a Christian church4/15/2007
  Q: What is the usual order of entry into a Christian church for a funeral. Is it coffin with bearers, ...
  A: That is likely to vary from church to church, clergy to clergy, or from one community to another. ...
Ability to Sell Unused Spaces in a Lot in Oklahoma4/14/2007
  Q: My wife's grandfather and grandmother are buried in a lot in Oklahoma City, OK in 1927 and 1945 ...
  A: Let me copy the law you quoted and suggest you read it again-- "§8 6. Lots Inalienability ...
pre-paid rental casket4/14/2007
  Q: We live in Michigan, my father bought a "rental casket" from a cemetary. My mother went to make his ...
  A: It depends on how they are managing to charge $500 more. If they are adding $500 to their itemized ...
Ability to Sell Unused Spaces in a Lot in Oklahoma4/14/2007
  Q: My wife's grandfather and grandmother are buried in a lot in Oklahoma City, OK in 1927 and 1945 ...
  A: Sorry I didn't have time to look up the specific laws when I first answered in an effort to respond ...
Ability to Sell Unused Spaces in a Lot in Oklahoma4/13/2007
  Q: My wife's grandfather and grandmother are buried in a lot in Oklahoma City, OK in 1927 and 1945 ...
  A: I didn't note in my book that there was any state law in regard to this as I had for other states, ...
burial4/9/2007
  Q: can u be buried on your own property in Pennsylvania
  A: Yes if you are out in the country, at least one mile from a municipal water supply. Draw a map of ...
Private Cremation on Family Land4/5/2007
  Q: I live in a rural town in Texas. My father's wish is to be cremated in a Viking style funeral. ...
  A: The mercury has to do with amalgam fillings. So if your dad has amalgam, the mercury will go into ...
Private Cremation on Family Land4/3/2007
  Q: I live in a rural town in Texas. My father's wish is to be cremated in a Viking style funeral. ...
  A: There are very few states w. laws that would apply. A few states (Washington comes to mind) that ...
How to get an old cemetery set aside as a cemetery3/30/2007
  Q: I have located a cemetery established in 1859, that was excepted from all land sales until 1968. In ...
  A: Are you saying that the original deed set aside the cemetery until 1968 or that in 1968 a sale took ...
How to start a Green cemetery in KS3/30/2007
  Q: I would like to start a green cemetery in my county in KS - it is an urban area. Can you tell me how ...
  A: I just realized you're likely the same person who asked about the unconveyed cemetery. As for a ...
Proper burial site3/30/2007
  Q: I am widowed and recently dating. If I were to remarry, where should I be buried? I already have a ...
  A: There is no "proper" answer for this situation. Do you have children? Do they have some feelings on ...
what to do about a disasterous funeral service3/28/2007
  Q: I am interested in finding out how to help they family of a 3 month old baby recently buried at DW ...
  A: I am working on finding a top-notch lawyer, and have one reviewing the case right now. The lawyer ...
Paying the speaker3/26/2007
  Q: Do I pay the minister (in our case - two ministers) who spoke at my father's memorial service. One ...
  A: It is always courteous to pay an honorarium to the clergy. The funeral director will know what is ...
private home burial3/13/2007
  Q: I live in Arkansas is there any laws stoping me from having a family burial on my property.
  A: I am assuming you live out in the country. Family graveyards are exempt from taxation in AR and must ...
Rent A Casket1/15/2007
  Q: In California, can you rent a Casket? Please send me a list of who to contact.
  A: Yes, you may rent a casket. Typically this is done through the funeral home in which you are ...
Burying a Miscarriage in Pennsylvania1/8/2007
  Q: In 1997, while at home, my wife had a miscarriage. Afterward, I gave the child what I considered a ...
  A: You're fine, I believe, and perfectly legal. PA requires a fetal death certificate after 16 weeks ...
home burial12/6/2006
  Q: The spot where we would like to put it is in a Land Trust? Not sure if that makes a difference? So ...
  A: You might also consider changing the law if you know a sympathetic legislator. Home burial is in the ...
home burial12/6/2006
  Q: Could you please direct me to a source for the laws in Indiana as far as establishing a family ...
  A: Alas, the laws in IN require that burial be in an "established cemetery," a totally preposterous ...
Starting a cemetery11/30/2006
  Q: 1. Georgia (advice on other states is welcome) 2. For Profit 3. Open to general public 4. Will ...
  A: In Georgia, cemeteries are regulated by the Secretary of State. Have you been in touch with that ...
burial vaults in Florida11/29/2006
  Q: Please tell me if state law in Florida require burial vaults. I'm in Brevard County
  A: I apologize for my tardiness, but AllExperts had me accidently locked out for this past week. NO ...
Florida Law, Scattering Cremated Remains11/23/2006
  Q: Does the State of Florida have laws,statutes or restrictions on Scattering Cremated Remains in or ...
  A: I apologize for my tardiness, but AllExperts had me accidently locked out for this past week. No ...
Transporting of body11/22/2006
  Q: I live in Michigan. My husbands family has a family cemetery in Kentucky. When his father passed ...
  A: I apologize for my tardiness, but AllExperts had me accidently locked out for this past week. Alas, ...
strange urn11/13/2006
  Q: I’ve decided I want a sealed stainless steel orb for an urn when my time comes. (I’ve always been a ...
  A: What an interesting idea! If you're big-boned, probably basketball size would do. Generally, adult ...
green burial/home burial11/9/2006
  Q: ~~~I live in Ohio and I would like to know if there is any way to arrange for a green burial (not ...
  A: There's probably no reason you couldn't start a family burial ground on your own property. Simply ...
Statistics11/8/2006
  Q: Lisa, I have been a Funeral Director/Embalmer for a little over 20 yrs. I am currently enrolled in ...
  A: I have several answers. I believe AARP did a study that showed that very few people knew about the ...
am i crazy?11/4/2006
  Q: Is it wrong to want to own and operate a cemetery for profit and how would start. Can you lead me in ...
  A: I can answer only with regard to my personal opinion, but, yes, I think a cemetery should be a ...
Private funeral service11/3/2006
  Q: A good friend on mine recently passed away out of state. I was the contact person and had to make ...
  A: Here is the law in WA--Revised Code of Washington, 68.50.160--"Right to Control Disposition of ...
Private funeral service11/3/2006
  Q: A good friend on mine recently passed away out of state. I was the contact person and had to make ...
  A: Did the deceased leave any written instructions on funeral plans? If so, in what state did he live? ...
expense and burial if spouse is not able10/31/2006
  Q: Does the blood related family of a person have the right to pay for the funeral and change burial ...
  A: In a few states, if the spouse is estranged, that spouse loses the right to decide funeral options. ...
DEATH CERTIFICATE10/26/2006
  Q: It was a coroner's case and so he went to the hospital to check on the body. He told me later it ...
  A: I agree with you about the terminology and that you can probably get it changed with regard to the ...
Starting a Cemetery10/24/2006
  Q: How would one go about starting a cemetery? Does each state regulate these things? Where would I ...
  A: The Real Estate Board regulates cemeteries, but they don't know what they're doing re cemeteries! ...
cremated remains scattering10/16/2006
  Q: My brother, a resident of the state of Georgia, is requesting that his cremated remains be scattered ...
  A: Yes. Only California has some mild limitations. Not Georgia. If you haven't opened the box yet, ...
family cemetery in Louisiana10/16/2006
  Q: We live on 50 acres in rural Louisiana(East Feliciana Parish) and would like to start our own family ...
  A: Burial in Louisiana must be in a duly authorized cemetery. Check first with your local zoning laws, ...
burial vaults10/15/2006
  Q: i am thinking of opening a a concrete burial vault buisness in missouri. in my research i have ...
  A: Are you in the concrete business with other business to feed your family? Or will you be buying ...
right to cremains of blood family member10/12/2006
  Q: My sister and niece were cremated, brother-in-law, not the father of my niece, had possession of ...
  A: I'm not sure if I understand everything correctly, so let me reword it to see if I got it right and ...
Rural Cemetery10/5/2006
  Q: My family is burial in a rural cemetery since 1871 in Texas. Burial been free. The ground were kept ...
  A: The family is responsible for the upkeep of a family burial ground. If it is overgrown, perhaps some ...
Cemetary in rural Texas10/5/2006
  Q: What are the requirement to open a cemetary in rural Texas?
  A: Someone else just asked the same question. Cemeteries are regulated by the Dept. of Banking in TX. ...
burials/funerals10/5/2006
  Q: We live in Texas. Do we have to be embalmed? Can we have a in home wake instead of a funeral home?
  A: Texas law requires embalming OR refrigeration after 24 hours. You can find a source for dry ice in ...
family cemetery in michigan10/5/2006
  Q: I live in a rural area in mid-michigan. I am interested in starting our own family cemetery and ...
  A: Ironically, Michigan has one of the best home burial statutes for starting a family cemetery. ...
funeral9/30/2006
  Q: we live in arkansas and want to have home burials for both my self and my wife is it legal in ar? ...
  A: Yes, that would be legal in Arkansas. If you're in a relatively rural area, there should be no ...
No funds for a funeral9/29/2006
  Q: My sister is dying of lung cancer. They moved her to a hospice yesterday. It's just a matter of time ...
  A: I am very sorry about your sister. I know of no one who pays for funerals. If your sister is on ...
Starting a Cemetary9/24/2006
  Q: I'm concidering starting a cemetary in NW. rural Pa., 'Jefferson County'. I'm unable to find the ...
  A: The Real Estate Commission is supposed to regulate cemeteries in PA, but, in practice, they do ...
Funeral Expense9/24/2006
  Q: ------------------------- Followup To: First let me think you for such quick respond to my ...
  A: A hospital or nursing home social worker would know. He must have had a Medicaid social worker, now ...
Funeral Expense9/23/2006
  Q: My father yet just died about three days ago and to the best of my knowledge he has no insur.. or ...
  A: Unless your father was on Medicaid, it is unlikely there is any financial assistance from the city, ...
cemetery question9/17/2006
  Q: How do I figure out how to draw up a plan and how much space is needed for each plot? I can not ...
  A: There are a number of variables as to size of plot. Will you require vaults? Some think it's nice to ...
what is protocol from death to the ground?9/17/2006
  Q: What is protocol from death to the ground?
  A: There is no one funeral protocol in the U.S. Religious and ethnic affiliation may dictate certain ...
Funeral Business8/8/2006
  Q: I am living in Florida and I would like to start the cemetery business. What do I need for this? ...
  A: You need to check with local zoning officials for their reaction to a cemetery designation for the ...
what is shiva7/26/2006
  Q: A memorial service is being held today for an elderly Jewis man that was not a relation, but a board ...
  A: I apologize for being so tardy in responding. Normally I answer the same day (if I'm not away). But ...
I want open a commercial cemetary7/16/2006
  Q: I have 10 rural acres in Brooksville Florida. What do I have to do to be licensed as a cemetary? ...
  A: Denise, Send me an e-mail and I'll forward to you some "criteria" that others are promoting for ...
Costs7/12/2006
  Q: What is the wholesale cost of your book? Did you provide it at cost to the public libraries? How ...
  A: The wholesale cost varies with the distributor. Different libraries buy from different distributors, ...
How to have a simple nofrills burial7/11/2006
  Q: My husband has Alzheimers, as well other serious health problems, and I have been thinking about ...
  A: Susan, Go to the library and get my book "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love." There's a ...
bearer at funeral6/23/2006
  Q: I HAVE BEEN ASKED BY MY WIFE TO BE A BEARER AT HER FATHERS FUNERAL,HONOURED THAT I AM TO BE ASKED, I ...
  A: I'm not sure if things are done differently in your area of the country or not, but I think you ...
funerals and what is appropriate to wear6/22/2006
  Q: What is the suggested mode of dress to wear to a funeral? I know what I feel is proper, but I need ...
  A: In the past, black was the norm for funeral dress. In this day and age, color is much less ...
Cemetery6/14/2006
  Q: I Live In Killen, ALabama. I am wanting to start a family cemetery. How do I go about it to get ...
  A: Unless you have a lot of land within the city limits, it is unrealistic to think of starting a ...
Starting a cemetary6/5/2006
  Q: I am considering starting a cemetary in a rural area in the panhandle of Florida. Is there any ...
  A: Unless you are starting a family cemetery less than five acres, you'll need to be registered with ...
vault in the state of Arkansas5/8/2006
  Q: Is a vault required in the State of Arkansas? also, does a body HAVE to be embalmed in the State of ...
  A: No state requires a vault by law. That said, many cemeteries do require a vault. It's a safety and ...
Missouri Home Burials: Specific Law4/12/2006
  Q: My wife just had a miscarriage at week 19 1/2, and due to rather expensive funeral arrangements, I ...
  A: In MO, the statute reads, "The funeral director or person acting as such shall file the certificate ...
Missouri Home Burials: Specific Law4/12/2006
  Q: according to an answer you gave someone, you say that you do not need a licensed funeral director to ...
  A: This was recently re-defined in Funeral Board regulations that I can't find on-line at the moment. I ...
green burials in PA3/13/2006
  Q: :) i want to write a paper about green burials. when it comes to pennslyvania law, is the family ...
  A: Go to the library and get my book, "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love." In addition to the ...
Starting a private cemetery3/13/2006
  Q: Lisa, Can you tell me how find out if you can start a family cemetary in Butler County Alabama (on ...
  A: No state laws forbidding it, so local zoning might be in effect. On the other hand, in a rural area, ...
Body donation12/12/2005
  Q: I am taking a death and dying class in college and one of my fellow students said that he has signed ...
  A: You're absolutely right that it's illegal to sell bodies. Many med schools will pay for the ...
Disposition of Found Remains10/21/2005
  Q: Lisa: I own a self-storage company in N.Y. State. Our company foreclosed on the contents of a ...
  A: An interesting situation for you, no doubt. There are no state laws governing what to do with ...
backyard burial allowed?10/8/2005
  Q: Lisa, I have your book, Caring For The Dead. Very Informative! I live in the city-near Dallas/Ft ...
  A: Kathy, You would need to own rural land for home body burial, I'm quite sure. Zoning would consider ...
a memorial service10/4/2005
  Q: I just asked about my mother who wants to be cremated. I would like to know if we can maybe have a ...
  A: Connie, The dinner sounds like a lovely idea. If you want to invite the public--by announcing it in ...
cremation10/3/2005
  Q: My mother is 82 and for the past year or so has had some health problems. She told my brother and I ...
  A: Connie, It actually sounds as if your mother has made a thoughtful choice. If people knew what was ...
Home Burials in Missouri7/21/2005
  Q: I'm interested in setting up a family cemetery in Missouri and have two questions. First, do you ...
  A: I'll answer your second question first: NO, you do NOT need to use a funeral director in Missouri ...
Funeral7/20/2005
  Q: Lisa, I do not want a funeral or service of any kind. My wife says she is going to have one ...
  A: It depends on the state in which you live (or die). Some states have a provision for honoring the ...
getting out..7/19/2005
  Q: from the ghetto I'd like to apologize if this question appears improper.. can a man buried according ...
  A: It is VERY unlikely that once a person has been declared dead by a doctor that the person would come ...
State to State6/14/2005
  Q: Lisa, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. My dear husband has terminal cancer. He ...
  A: You are planning services that sound as if at least two funeral homes will be involved, and possibly ...
Home cremation5/9/2005
  Q: Lisa, I just looked at pictures of a friend that was cremated in India. What a beautiful service. I ...
  A: There seem to be more and more folks asking about home cremation. The Buddhists in Colorado are ...
Finding out where a person was cremated11/13/2004
  Q: Recently a person in our city passed away shortly after moving to a different state.In the obit it ...
  A: Death certificates are public information. It may cost you $15 or so to get a copy, but the death ...
starting a family cemetery11/11/2004
  Q: Can you tell me where I can find out if you can have a family cemetery in Ohio and what the ...
  A: There are no statutes that would forbid you from having a family cemetery in Ohio. If you own rural ...
Previous question11/4/2004
  Q: I recently asked a question about laws regarding opening a funeral home and your reply was that you ...
  A: I can't find my last answer which must be lost in cyberspace somewhere, so here goes again. I ...
Most recent information by state10/23/2004
  Q: I am in California. I have "talked" with Jeri briefly via email. I would love to see some sort of ...
  A: Stephanie, Do, by all means, chase down more contact with Jerri Lyons. Nancy Poer, also in Calif., ...
Most recent information by state10/23/2004
  Q: Greetings, I have read your excellent book Caring for the Dead. Realizing that books are snapshots ...
  A: Not a lot has changed since 1998, but you can check the Funeral Consumers Alliance web page for any ...
Followup/cremation9/2/2004
  Q: First, thank you for your answer to my previous question (I'm the one who asked about cremation laws ...
  A: At least half the state's have no waiting period. The others have a waiting period of 24 or 48 or 72 ...
General question8/31/2004
  Q: My daughter is currently writing a short story for her creative writing class. Her story is about ...
  A: I'm fairly sure that the standard practice would be for the US funeral director to contact a British ...
transport of cremated remains8/31/2004
  Q: i was just curious what happens if someone from another country dies and is cremated here in the ...
  A: There are no state laws in any state (or federal laws either) regarding the transportation of ...
Green Burials, Florida8/30/2004
  Q: I am researching how a person can have a green burial in the state of Florida. I live in Orlando, ...
  A: Cemeteries with a Jewish section might allow burial without a vault. Perhaps in a shroud only. And ...
cremation8/14/2004
  Q: What is your personal opinion on cremation vs a casket in ground burial. I have heard that according ...
  A: The choice of burial or cremation is a personal matter. Some of us object strongly to the embalming ...
home burial8/10/2004
  Q: Is there a concise source of information on the web concerning state laws and permit requirements ...
  A: Only cursory information. You'll find a Virginia chapter in my book, "Caring for the Dead: Your ...
funerals7/8/2004
  Q: My grandmother is 101.5 and does not have sufficient funds to pay for a funeral. At this time she ...
  A: I know of no one giving money to pay for funerals, a question we get all the time, I'm sorry to say. ...
A neighbor's memorial5/11/2004
  Q: Our neighbor was recently taken off life support and as our contribution to her (she LOVED to cook ...
  A: Alas, this sort of personal agreement is hard to collect on. How too bad the son wasn't more ...
I'm lesbian and Wiccan, my parents are Straight and Christian. Do They have power of attorney over my remains, or does my life partner?4/25/2004
  Q: I'm 25, lesbian and a Wiccan. My parents are both straight, and devout Southern Baptists. Some time ...
  A: There is no personal preference law or a designated agent law in Alabama at this time. Case law ...
home funerals3/16/2004
  Q: I just looked at "finalpassages.org" and like the idea of home care for the dead, returning to the ...
  A: No, no one is keeping any statistics that I know of, but interest does seem to be growing. A story ...
funeral payments from an insurance policy.2/19/2004
  Q: -Lisa It's regular insurance. No written instructions, lived in Ohio. The sister is the ...
  A: I would say your aunt is liable for the funeral bill because she signed the contract, even though ...
funeral payments from an insurance policy.2/18/2004
  Q: If the beneficiary signs the funeral bill for payment from the insurance co., but refuses to sign ...
  A: Whoa! I need a LOT more information. Is the insurance regular insurance or funeral insurance that ...
Are Funerals Required?1/2/2004
  Q: If a person does not want any sort of service at all, what are the bare minimum requirements for ...
  A: No, a funeral is never required. One can have an immediate burial or direct cremation without any ...
exhuming5/20/2003
  Q: I was told by a Georgia funeral director that I had to use a licensed director to obtain a court ...
  A: No, you may go to the probate court yourself. In fact, you can move the body yourself as well, ...
death and funerals3/30/2003
  Q: I dont know if you got my question, so am resending. Please let me know the titel of your book. I ...
  A: I guess I didn't get your question the first time. Sorry. The title of my book is "Caring for the ...
Remains11/26/2002
  Q: My friend passed away and his parents live in a Skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles. There is a ...
  A: I think you may have a simple vocabulary problem here. "Remains" are often interpreted to mean a ...
family cemetery8/15/2002
  Q: Could you tell me anything about the regulations of having or starting a family cemetery on your own ...
  A: If you are in a rural area, it should be no problem--with zoning or anyone else. I'd draw a map of ...
funeral/ pre planned1/10/2002
  Q: I was thinking and wondered if there was any such thing. Could a pre arranged be bought with a first ...
  A: Unless you need to set aside assets in order to qualify for Medicaid, we recommend that you NOT ...
Casket Rentals7/24/2001
  Q: Lisa, thank you again for your quick answer yesterday regarding casket rentals. I have another ...
  A: It's not a big deal. Casket rental units come with a removeable insert. They are *supposed* to be ...
Pre-Arranging Funerals5/4/2001
  Q: How can I pre-arrange a funeral?
  A: It is wonderful that you are planning ahead for the inevitable. Having said that, it is usually a ...
Burial Vaults1/31/2001
  Q: When did states begin to require the use of burial vaults? What states do require them and why ...
  A: NO state requires burial vaults, and anyone who says they do is misrepresenting the facts. Many ...
where to get help10/23/2000
  Q: Lisa Carlson, My friend has two children with C.F. Her oldest who just turned 23 is in his ...
  A: In most states, including Calif., it is legal for a family to handle a death without a funeral ...
autopsy reports7/8/2000
  Q: Miss Carlson, I`m not sure if you would know this but I`m trying to find out how long the coroner`s ...
  A: I'm sure it varies with the office--city, county, or state. I've never read of state laws that ...
2nd spouse`s wife buried under 1st spouse name6/20/2000
  Q: Three dtrs did not approve of my marriage to their mother.2 months into marriage,wife lost kidney ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss. The funeral home appears to have been negligent in not being clear ...

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