| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| funeral transportation | 11/23/2009 |
Q: I would like to know what it takes and how much it cost to have my body transferred from Tacoma,WA ...
A: If you are planning to use a funeral home to oversee the event, then you should contact the funeral ...
|
| Disinternment | 11/21/2009 |
Q: My grandson's ashes are buried with his father in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, ...
A: Here is a link to the disinterment form you will need to file with Bushnell. I am guessing that with ...
|
| Pre need Burial Contracts in Missouri | 11/20/2009 |
Q: My Mother purchased a pre-need burial contract from a local funeral home for herself and me her ...
A: In the state of MO, the funeral homes are allowed to take all interest and pocket 20% right off the ...
|
| can cemetery legally charge an entrance fee | 11/19/2009 |
Q: We purchased two plots in Stanly Garden Of Memory in Albemarle, NC. We purchased them from friends ...
A: I don't know how effective the relatively new Cemetery Commission is in NC. Here is contact info ...
|
| law requirements the | 11/18/2009 |
Q: My husband is the executor of this fathers will. He passed away last May. My mother-in-law passed ...
A: If the insurance policies were the only assets, then probate would not be needed. The only other ...
|
| Burial Plots | 11/10/2009 |
Q: In 1975 my husband & I purchased 2 burial plots in what was then known as Colonial Memorial Gardens, ...
A: I know of no such law to forbid you from selling a plot. Ask the cemetery to show you the statute ...
|
| home funeral | 11/8/2009 |
Q: My dad is in critical condition following a car wreck. It is unlikely that he will survive the next ...
A: See if the hospital will release him to the family. You'll need a death certificate and medical ...
|
| cremation problems | 11/7/2009 |
Q: I live in Southern Vermont and we used a well known local cremation service for my grandmother. It ...
A: I know the outfit you mentioned. They get very mixed reviews, some good, some definitely not so ...
|
| cremation problems | 11/7/2009 |
Q: I live in Southern Vermont and we used a well known local cremation service for my grandmother. It ...
A: You can certainly file a complaint with the Office of Professional Regulation, but they have been ...
|
| QUESTION: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to be cremated and does not want to have any type of service. Can you contact a crematorium directly? | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My sister told them which of the two funeral homes to take him to. The funeral home is Hemer ...
A: Ooooo, honey! I'm guessing that your sister has ALL cause to not only file a complaint but request a ...
|
| Natural Burial in Mississippi | 11/5/2009 |
Q: I live in rural Mississippi and want to be buried on my own land, with no embalming and no casket. ...
A: If you have a lot of land outside the village or city limits, then home burial is likely ...
|
| QUESTION: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to be cremated and does not want to have any type of service. Can you contact a crematorium directly? | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My sister told them which of the two funeral homes to take him to. The funeral home is Hemer ...
A: Pretty funny. I called and said I didn't see any prices on their web site. I started to say "How ...
|
| Cremation | 11/5/2009 |
Q: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to ...
A: Who picked the funeral home? What is the name of the funeral home? I'd like to get a copy of the ...
|
| Transporting a body in Texas | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My uncle broke is neck over the summer and now he is not doing well at all. We are trying to get ...
A: Yes. E-mail me directly for the TX chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think a lot has ...
|
| Cremation | 11/5/2009 |
Q: I live in Wisconsin and want to know if you have to go through a funeral home when a person wants to ...
A: You don't have to use a funeral home to transport the body to the crematory, but many crematories ...
|
| Spreading of cremains in new york state | 11/5/2009 |
Q: What laws does new york state have in regards to the spreading of humain cremains?
A: In any state, you may scatter cremated remains with the land-owner's permission. If you are talking ...
|
| Moving the remains of a loved one to another county | 11/3/2009 |
Q: My nephew was 8 years old when he passed away. He was buried in another county, same state. My ...
A: Here is the law. You can see that you need to do it at least 30 days prior to any plans. A local ...
|
| Moving the remains of a loved one to another county | 11/3/2009 |
Q: My nephew was 8 years old when he passed away. He was buried in another county, same state. My ...
A: In what state? You don't need a lawyer to go to probate court, and that may be necessary to get a ...
|
| funeral law: the book | 11/2/2009 |
Q: i would love to own this book on Funeral Law. i am in the process of trying to start a consulting ...
A: There are already people in Maine starting this on a volunteer basis. Check with the state FCA ...
|
| home funerals | 11/1/2009 |
Q: Some time back I watched a film called a family undertaking. I had no idea that this could be done ...
A: E-mail me directly for the PA chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think a lot has ...
|
| cremation in michigan | 11/1/2009 |
Q: I am 70 years old. I live in the uppe peninsula of michigan. I have no family or anyone to take care ...
A: Small airports may not have planes large enough to accept a crated body, so I'm guessing ground ...
|
| cremation in michigan | 10/31/2009 |
Q: I am 70 years old. I live in the uppe peninsula of michigan. I have no family or anyone to take care ...
A: Who will find your body if you die at home? Who will clean out your apartment or house? Do you ...
|
| Transport of cremated remains to Germany from the U.S and final disposition | 10/30/2009 |
Q: I was appointed the personal representative of my good friend's estate when he passed away this past ...
A: I am not at all familiar with German laws in this regard. I do know that Germany will not ship ...
|
| 'green' burial | 10/30/2009 |
Q: When I die I want a 'Green' Burial. No embalming, no vault, no conventional casket...I want either a ...
A: Check with the cemetery directly. There are no state laws that would interfere with what you want, ...
|
| burial laws in Utah | 10/30/2009 |
Q: We are trying to find out the legal requirements for burial in state of Utah...about embalming, ...
A: Joyce Mitchell in Orem is a wonderful resource for you, especially if you want to handle everything ...
|
| new oregon law | 10/28/2009 |
Q: I've been wading through the legal jargon of the new law passed in Oregon regarding death care and ...
A: The new law is so badly worded it's no wonder you don't know what it means. I don't think anyone ...
|
| burial on private land in new york state | 10/27/2009 |
Q: Is it possible to have a burial on private land in New York state. If so how would a funeral ...
A: Yes, you still need a funeral director to file the death certificate and to hide behind the apple ...
|
| natural death at home--procedure | 10/27/2009 |
Q: my mother is quite elderly and will most likely die at home one of these days of medical problems. ...
A: If it is a relatively expected death, do NOT call the ambulance or 911. Call your mother's doctor, ...
|
| Cemetery Deed | 10/26/2009 |
Q: I live in a rural farm area in Michigan. I understand that I can establish a family cemetery in ...
A: Here it is, and you were on top of it to wonder how to word it, tho' anything easily understood ...
|
| Cemetery Deed | 10/26/2009 |
Q: I live in a rural farm area in Michigan. I understand that I can establish a family cemetery in ...
A: Family graveyards under one acre outside the village or city limits are permissible and exempt from ...
|
| executor discretion | 10/25/2009 |
Q: I am executor of my brother's estate. I am required to liquidate assets and distribute the net cash ...
A: I am sure you have the discretion to make a responsible decision. The Probate Court in your state ...
|
| Father's Cremation | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I just learned that my biological father passed away this past weekend. I have not seen him since I ...
A: Actually, this is pretty standard. All states are hard-up for funds, so if the family has money to ...
|
| Cemetary Plots that were passed down | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I have been divorced for over three years. In 1997, my former mother-in-law decided to opt for ...
A: I think your interpretation is probably close, but--alas--I think it means whoever dies first. ;-) ...
|
| international transport cremated remains | 10/22/2009 |
Q: Hey Lisa, When my grandfather who lives in Germany passes he wants to be cremated and be sent to the ...
A: I don't know anything about air freight outside of shipping companies like UPS and FedEx that use ...
|
| international transport cremated remains | 10/22/2009 |
Q: Hey Lisa, When my grandfather who lives in Germany passes he wants to be cremated and be sent to the ...
A: The one thing I know about Germany is that they will not ship cremated remains to the family, only ...
|
| Burials on private land in Ohio | 10/21/2009 |
Q: Lisa, first I would like to ask what is the name of your book? My other question is, I would like to ...
A: "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love." But it's out of print, while I work on a new edition. ...
|
| Unknown Location of Deceased | 10/15/2009 |
Q: Good Day Ms. Carlson, I lived in North Carolina from 1995-1997 when my stepfather passed towards ...
A: From what you write, I'm guessing this is not a veterans cemetery. More likely a town cemetery? The ...
|
| Help with understanding legal rights to remains | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I live in the state of Maine. My husband died in an accident in Montana at age 22. His mother, whom ...
A: YOU have the legal rights unless he left other instructions in writing. The funeral director was in ...
|
| death midwifery | 10/15/2009 |
Q: Carlson, Two questions really...1. I am quite interested in becoming a death midwife. Any ...
A: In what state? If you are planning to charge for your services, you will be nailed by the industry ...
|
| Funeral Pyre | 10/14/2009 |
Q: My son has informed me that he wants to be cremated on a funeral pyre upon his death. Is this legal ...
A: How too bad. Colorado has some Hindus doing outdoor cremations. But it's a terrible waste of ...
|
| burial without permission | 10/14/2009 |
Q: Is it legal to bury someone and have a funeral for them without the beneficiaries' knowledge? ...
A: A few more details would be helpful. Who did arrange the funeral and why do you think the funeral ...
|
| embalming | 10/13/2009 |
Q: Are there any state or federal laws that says a body must be embalmed before crossing state lines?
A: State laws only--Alabama and NJ. But it is often ignored, such as a GA funeral director going into ...
|
| burying cremains | 10/13/2009 |
Q: Do cremated remains need to be buried in a licensed cemetery by licensed people in California? Can ...
A: CA laws are a little screwball. You may legally keep cremated remains at home on your mantel, and ...
|
| funeral | 10/9/2009 |
Q: i live in florida. but would like to be buried in new jersey with my family. i've received many ...
A: Whoooooooa! Your original question was not at all clear about what your plans were or what you ...
|
| Burial | 10/8/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if a person can be buried on their own property in the State of Michigan.
A: Michigan has one of the best home burial statutes, but until consumers get angry enough to get the ...
|
| cemetery trust | 10/8/2009 |
Q: My family cares for a family cemetery in Texas. It was established in the early 1800's. Until ...
A: Basically any bank can help you set up a "trust." You will probably want to decide on an investment ...
|
| Cremation Vaults | 10/7/2009 |
Q: My parents want to be cremated but they would like their ashes to be buried in the ground. The two ...
A: You are absolutely right that there is no state law, simply another way for the cemetery to make ...
|
| death midwifery | 10/7/2009 |
Q: Do you know what type of licenses or courses need to be taken in order to become a death midwife? ...
A: At this time, no state regulates this field except Oregon which is trying to, as is CO. As for ...
|
| burial expense within the law | 10/7/2009 |
Q: I am concerned that when I die there won't be enough money left for my burial. I am looking to do ...
A: No, you don't have to be embalmed prior to cremation. One low-cost option might be body donation to ...
|
| opening a grave | 10/6/2009 |
Q: I'm hoping that you can help. My mom died seven years ago. She was buried in her family's plot ...
A: Who owns the cemetery--church, town or other municipality, a nonprofit association, or a for-profit ...
|
| Estimate Home Funeral Costs | 10/1/2009 |
Q: I'm from Massachusetts. I'm a young guy with no foreseeable plans for losing a loved one, but I ...
A: E-mail me directly for the MA chapter from the '98 edition of my book. Not a lot has changed. ...
|
| Who has the right to ashes, 18 yr old son, divorced parents or fake fiancee? | 9/29/2009 |
Q: A very good friend of mine passed away recently under questionable circumstances. The person who ...
A: What were the questionable circumstances of death? I still don't understand how the woman he was ...
|
| Ttransport of the dead | 9/29/2009 |
Q: My 91 year old mother lives in TN with us. She wants to be buried in FL by her husband of fifty ...
A: What kind of services will you want for your mother and where? Legally, you can transport the body ...
|
| follow-up; identifying inurned remains | 9/29/2009 |
Q: You accurately predicted that they would want to assess a very high fee to open the niche, identify ...
A: 50 years ago they really weren't well organized. So don't blame yourself. I'm reasonably sure they ...
|
| Who has the right to ashes, 18 yr old son, divorced parents or fake fiancee? | 9/29/2009 |
Q: A very good friend of mine passed away recently under questionable circumstances. The person who ...
A: Unless there were wishes of the deceased in writing, the adult son is the legal next-of-kin. It ...
|
| Cemetery Ownership & Plot @ Cemetery | 9/27/2009 |
Q: 1.How do I find information about who owns a cemetery? 2.My aunt purchased 6 spaces at the cemetery. ...
A: The town should be able to tell you who owns the cemetery or if you give me the name of the cemetery ...
|
| funeral procession | 9/25/2009 |
Q: When driving, what is proper to do when you meet a large funeral procession? Pull over and stop out ...
A: How courteous of you. When you say "met," was it coming toward you or did you catch up to it? In ...
|
| who to call when a family member dies at home with DNR | 9/24/2009 |
Q: My mother has a preplanned funeral in Ky but lives with me in Ga.This is an anticipated death with ...
A: If you are not planning to transport her body to KY, then you should call the KY funeral director, ...
|
| transport | 9/24/2009 |
Q: what is the best way to transport my mom from washington to minnesota when she dies...she wants to ...
A: If you wish to do the transport you may. You would need a casket or other box and the burial-transit ...
|
| creamated remains burial? | 9/23/2009 |
Q: My father-in-law was creamated in Claifornia in February. The family plans to take the ashes to him ...
A: There is no practical reason to have any fancy urn-vault for burying cremated remains unless you ...
|
| transporting remains | 9/23/2009 |
Q: My father died 50 years ago and at the time was cremated and his remains (in an urn) were placed in ...
A: Having a letter from your mother should do the trick. And yes you may transport the cremated remains ...
|
| dying husband | 9/19/2009 |
Q: My husband has about 2 months to live and he has left me and our home in FL and went to Iowa with ...
A: Rather strange, to say the least. How old are each of you? How long have you been married? Children? ...
|
| Transport of Human remains | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I first want to commend you and your associates, I have not found the answer to my question browsing ...
A: Yes, you may transport the body yourself without embalming. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the ...
|
| general life insurance and funeral expense | 9/14/2009 |
Q: A family member died leaving 4 people as beneficiaries on his life insurance policy. There is no ...
A: I would NOT sign the insurance policy over to the funeral home. Funerals have a strange way of ...
|
| Legal resources for identifying pauper expense obligations in Texas | 9/14/2009 |
Q: What are the resources for me to find out who is ultimately responsible for determining the method ...
A: TX lawyer friend sends this-- REPLY: The following pretty much exhausts any Texas provisions ...
|
| cemetary plots | 9/13/2009 |
Q: My parents are buried in a cemetary that is owned by a corporation. The family of the man that is ...
A: Who owns the cemetery? Sometimes a complaint to the corporate headquarters from someone like me will ...
|
| Legal resources for identifying pauper expense obligations in Texas | 9/13/2009 |
Q: What are the resources for me to find out who is ultimately responsible for determining the method ...
A: I believe in TX indigent burials are handled county by county. I am guessing most funeral homes know ...
|
| funerals | 9/13/2009 |
Q: In Connecticut, if I am an organ donor, and I die, and an organ is harvested, is there any cost to ...
A: The short answer is "yes," usually. When most people check off on their license that they are an ...
|
| legal next of kin | 9/13/2009 |
Q: My Father had remarried about 30 yrs ago in PA. My Stepmother has two children by a previous ...
A: A spouse, unless estranged, is always the legal next-of-kin. That said, a Durable Power of Attorney ...
|
| disposal of stillborn in Massachusetts | 9/11/2009 |
Q: What are the laws regarding disposal of fetus in MA? Can a hospital dispose of a stillborn 23 weeks ...
A: At 23 weeks a fetal death certificate is required. Some hospitals may offer a service to have the ...
|
| Transporting Remains | 9/10/2009 |
Q: My father is in critical care in a Maryland hospital and expected to pass soon. We plan to have him ...
A: You have every right to transport your father's body yourself. Just make sure the funeral director ...
|
| Relocation of burial. | 9/9/2009 |
Q: How would I move my husband from one location (city) to another location (city), same state. What ...
A: The expense could vary widely depending on your particular area and how long your husband has been ...
|
| Cremated remain ownership | 9/7/2009 |
Q: My father and mother purchased a plot at Rose Hills for him and my Mom. This plot was purchased so ...
A: Rose Hills is owned by SCI (Service Corporation International), the largest funeral conglomerate in ...
|
| Cremated remain ownership | 9/7/2009 |
Q: My father and mother purchased a plot at Rose Hills for him and my Mom. This plot was purchased so ...
A: Actually, people don't really "own" a cemetery plot these days (as they did in old cemeteries). All ...
|
| Cremated remain ownership | 9/6/2009 |
Q: My father and mother purchased a plot at Rose Hills for him and my Mom. This plot was purchased so ...
A: The children have no rights, I'm sorry to say. And typical a current wife can call the shots for her ...
|
| death midwife and funeral laws on Georgia | 9/4/2009 |
Q: I am interested in becoming a Death Midwife. Are there laws in Georgia that regulate Death Midwives? ...
A: If you are doing what funeral directors are doing--bathing and transporting bodies, filing ...
|
| rights over the gravestone .. | 9/3/2009 |
Q: My ex-fiance passed away and his family could not pay for his funeral. I paid for everything ...
A: Here is the actual law. Show this to the funeral director and/or cemetery. Since the family failed ...
|
| cremation | 9/3/2009 |
Q: My estranged sister recently contacted me and told me I am the executer of her will and was ...
A: The executor of a will gets to use the assets to pay for any reasonable funeral arrangements. You ...
|
| headstone | 9/2/2009 |
Q: My husband and I were married almost 7 yrs. He died unexpected from pneumonia. We have 2 small ...
A: I gather that his parents are not particularly close to you. That's too bad. Is the plot next to him ...
|
| Minnesota | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I just found your site, and appreciate your willingness to share your expertise, thank you. We live ...
A: E-mail me directly and I can send you the MN chapter from the '98 edition of my book, now out of ...
|
| burial on my property | 9/1/2009 |
Q: I would like to make a cemetry on my property for my family my father has cancer and isnt expected ...
A: Burial in WA must be in an "established" cemetery. How much land do you have? Is it in a rural area? ...
|
| Next of Kin Burial Rights | 9/1/2009 |
Q: Both of my grandparents are over 100 yrs old and will be passing on soon. My grandmother's next of ...
A: #1, be sure the nursing home knows that you are one of the next-of-kin and that there are competency ...
|
| Question about burial in the wrong plot | 8/31/2009 |
Q: When my mother passed in 2005 her cremated remains and those of my father (who died in 1988) were ...
A: File a complaint with the Funeral and Cemetery Board asking that your parents urns be disinterred in ...
|
| Wife left out of will | 8/30/2009 |
Q: I live in Texas. I was not put in my husband's will as he had it drawn up before our marriage and I ...
A: I would QUICKLY go to the local Probate Court. You don't need a lawyer. Ask them for advice. They ...
|
| burial of ashes | 8/30/2009 |
Q: My Mother and Father have purchased a plot. My mother has passed and my father is in his last ...
A: If you ask the cemetery, they are likely to want to charge you for a "second right of interment" if ...
|
| Wife left out of will | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I live in Texas. I was not put in my husband's will as he had it drawn up before our marriage and I ...
A: Just for your information, my last husband committed suicide, too, so I am sympathetic to some of ...
|
| Wife left out of will | 8/29/2009 |
Q: I live in Texas. I was not put in my husband's will as he had it drawn up before our marriage and I ...
A: There are a lot of additional questions to be asked before you'll get the answers you need. A TX ...
|
| Adult Death | 8/29/2009 |
Q: Is there money available to an adult with no money or assets? A niece died in her mid 20's, the ...
A: That will vary with the county and state. Was she eligible for Medicaid? That is usually the test. A ...
|
| burial | 8/29/2009 |
Q: Should a man be buried by his first deceased wife (died of natural causes) or his second wife (who ...
A: I don't see how she can "trade" anything if her name isn't on it. I'd give the cemetery a call and ...
|
| burial | 8/28/2009 |
Q: Should a man be buried by his first deceased wife (died of natural causes) or his second wife (who ...
A: There is no right answer in this situation. One might ask, "What would the kids want?" as they might ...
|
| death midwife and funeral laws on Georgia | 8/28/2009 |
Q: I am interested in becoming a Death Midwife. Are there laws in Georgia that regulate Death Midwives? ...
A: Families in GA may care for their own dead without a funeral director. If you are planning to ...
|
| cremation burial requirements for Illinois | 8/28/2009 |
Q: My mom will be passing soon. As per her wishes she will be cremated here in New Mexico and her ...
A: There are NO state laws on such containers--urns or vaults--in any state. Alas, some cemeteries, in ...
|
| deed to cemetary plot | 8/27/2009 |
Q: My brother died in Feb. 2009. My sis-in-law has been difficult through the whole ordeal. We (the ...
A: Boy, you are in a pickle, as spouses are given all rights unless the deceased left instructions in ...
|
| next of kin verses a child | 8/26/2009 |
Q: My mother was left out of a will for a reason. I am the grandaughter who was raised and court ...
A: Find out who owns the CA cemetery, as suing the cemetery to get the cremated remains returned might ...
|
| next of kin verses a child | 8/25/2009 |
Q: My mother was left out of a will for a reason. I am the grandaughter who was raised and court ...
A: Here are some pertinent laws-- CALIFORNIA CODES HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 7500-7502 7500. ...
|
| rights to place headstone | 8/24/2009 |
Q: My father died in May. His wife of two years had him cremated and buried in his plot next to his ...
A: Spouse gets to call all the shots unless the deceased had something in writing. Given how young she ...
|
| rights to place headstone | 8/23/2009 |
Q: My father died in May. His wife of two years had him cremated and buried in his plot next to his ...
A: The lot owner has the say. Did your father have any wishes in writing? You might have to worry that ...
|
| home burial in Missouri | 8/22/2009 |
Q: for a number of reasons (nature lovers, concerned that the future use of our property be limited, ...
A: Home burial is permissible in MO. Land not to exceed one acre must be deeded in trust and the deed ...
|
| cost to open/close a grave | 8/21/2009 |
Q: What is the cost to open a grave in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania? I have buried both my parents ...
A: A for-profit cemetery will likely charge a lot more than a town or religious cemetery, tho' not ...
|
| transport body to Mexico | 8/20/2009 |
Q: Where do I start when I am looking at transporting my parents body back to Mexico? What all is ...
A: Mexico will require that he be embalmed prior to crossing into Mexico. A local funeral director can ...
|
| Home funeral business | 8/20/2009 |
Q: After reading an article in the NY Times re: Home Funerals, I was fasinated to learn this can be ...
A: My book is currently out of print. I find it ASTONISHING that you would think of starting some kind ...
|
| Home burial in another state | 8/20/2009 |
Q: I read your reply that it's legal to do a home burial on a large parcel in Texas if you record the ...
A: Recording the map of your land with the deed is not law but good practice to "establish" your ...
|
| burial same day as death | 8/19/2009 |
Q: A man in our community died while being flown to the hospital after his bush-hog supposedly flipped ...
A: You are right about the autopsy or medical examiner. 406.11 Examinations, investigations, and ...
|
| Ashes | 8/18/2009 |
Q: My Father-in-law died in June. Before he dies he met with his children and wife and told them he ...
A: Unless he had something in writing or a designated agent for body disposition (in only half the ...
|
| home burial without a vault or embalming | 8/17/2009 |
Q: Can a person be buried on their rural farm in Texas, without embalming, being put into a ground ...
A: Draw a map of the land showing where the family graveyard will be and pay to have it recorded with ...
|
| rights over the gravestone .. | 8/16/2009 |
Q: My ex-fiance passed away and his family could not pay for his funeral. I paid for everything ...
A: Alas, state laws do NOT apply to religious cemeteries. That said, you have every right to tell the ...
|
| Do I quatify for military funaral | 8/15/2009 |
Q: I spent 18 years in the Navy reserves.This is complete service. I retired E5.
A: You are eligible for a limited number of benefits. I'm not sure why I can't get a direct link, but ...
|
| Why so long before mom can be cremated? | 8/12/2009 |
Q: My Mom died July 25 and had a viewing and sevice July 27 and 28. She is suppose to be cremated, but ...
A: Contact the St. Petersburg Times. That is an EXCELLENT newspaper. They will surely do a story ...
|
| Cremation in Michigan | 8/11/2009 |
Q: I wish to be cremated and have my ashes scattered (or used as a starting fertilizer for a tree) and ...
A: Do you think your next-of-kin are unlikely to honor your wishes? Michigan laws are a mess, as you ...
|
| Wills Respected for Interment Arrangements? | 8/10/2009 |
Q: Wife read an article today which upset both of us. We live in Alabama and want our remains to be ...
A: Yes, that is true. There is no law that says the written wishes of the deceased should prevail nor ...
|
| establish family cemetery in Georgia | 8/9/2009 |
Q: How do I establish a family cemetery on my property? not in city, no zoning laws, not near waterway, ...
A: Georgia laws don't say you can and don't say you can't. Draw a map of the land showing where the ...
|
| Peaceful exit | 8/9/2009 |
Q: In Boise Idaho do I have to use a funeral home,and get embalmed? Can I have a home wake? How quickly ...
A: There are only six states that require the use of a funeral director--CT, IN, NY, MI, NE, LA. ...
|
| Cremation | 8/8/2009 |
Q: I live in Wisc and was told I have to have a casket to be buried in. It could be a wooden casket but ...
A: Will you be buried or cremated? If cremated, the funeral home is required by federal law to offer ...
|
| cremation | 8/6/2009 |
Q: Can a husband cremate his wife if her child is the beneficiary? Is it true if you have an child the ...
A: It depends on the state to some extent. If the wife has written wishes or has designated someone ...
|
| Burying Ashes... | 8/6/2009 |
Q: My Grandfather past away three weeks at which time he was cremated. We have his ashes in our house ...
A: You said no one "owns" the cemetery, but I'm guessing that it's a town cemetery from what you wrote. ...
|
| Moving Mother's Remains From Florida to North Carolina for Funeral Services | 8/5/2009 |
Q: My mother is terminally ill and we are making plans for her funeral services. She currently lives ...
A: I would contact the doctor she was seeing when the tumor or mass was diagnosed and see if the doctor ...
|
| Moving Mother's Remains From Florida to North Carolina for Funeral Services | 8/5/2009 |
Q: My mother is terminally ill and we are making plans for her funeral services. She currently lives ...
A: If it is an anticipated death, do NOT call police or a medical examiner. The doctor will sign the ...
|
| Disinterment disaster | 8/5/2009 |
Q: my father in law was to be disinterred and relocated to another cemetery. he died and was layed to ...
A: How awful. Indeed, get a lawyer. A lawyer can do a lot more than the state can anyway. I am ...
|
| Moving Mother's Remains From Florida to North Carolina for Funeral Services | 8/4/2009 |
Q: My mother is terminally ill and we are making plans for her funeral services. She currently lives ...
A: Unless you are planning to drive the body yourself, the most economical way is to deal ONLY with a ...
|
| Arizona Revised Statute 36-326 | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I want to collect a body from the hospital and take it home for 2 or 3 days before taking it to the ...
A: "Registrar" is in the Health Dept., which may be city in large metropolitan areas and county ...
|
| probate court | 8/4/2009 |
Q: He lives in Greenland, MI and that's also where the cemetary is located. Any idea how much probate ...
A: Give me your direct e-mail, Aimee. Mine is lisa@funeralethics.org Looks like I was wrong about ...
|
| Arizona Revised Statute 36-326 | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I want to collect a body from the hospital and take it home for 2 or 3 days before taking it to the ...
A: Yes, you should request a transit permit. No big deal. It is sort of a travel record of where the ...
|
| Grave Marker/monument | 8/3/2009 |
Q: My brother is burried in a Texas cemetery. Before his children could come up with the money to buy ...
A: Who owns the cemetery? Do you know the name of the monument dealer who erected the stone? If the ...
|
| Home Burial in Tehama County, CA | 8/3/2009 |
Q: Tehama County says that a home burial is not legal because of the California Health and Safety ...
A: A local municipality--a city or county--has jurisdiction over local cemeteries. California law says ...
|
| dis-interring buried ashes | 8/3/2009 |
Q: The widow of a man whose ashes are buried in our church's memorial garden wants them back. I have ...
A: There is no legal obstacle to disinterring cremated remains, as the cremation process itself is ...
|
| burial vault | 7/31/2009 |
Q: MY BROTHER WAS MURDERED 13 YEARS AGO AND WAS BURIED IN THE STATE OF OHIO A POLPERS GRAVE I LIVE IN ...
A: Probably the casket has rusted out by now and a new casket will be required. It is not easy to lift ...
|
| "opening" or digging the grave | 7/30/2009 |
Q: I live in WI, and there is a cemetery near me that admits "green" burial. Plots are still available ...
A: I see no reason a funeral home has to open the grave. I bet they farm that job out to someone with a ...
|
| Cremation for a brother with no siblings | 7/29/2009 |
Q: My single brother has no children, only 4 siblings, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. I have all General ...
A: Unfortunately, funeral directors can be the biggest source of legal MISinformation! Probably hoping ...
|
| Opening of a Grave and moving the remains to another state | 7/28/2009 |
Q: My father was buried in Savannah, Georgia in July 1962. His wife, my mother is now deceased in Dec ...
A: Under the circumstances you describe, I don't think it should be too difficult. And it turns out to ...
|
| Remains of a fetus | 7/28/2009 |
Q: My daughter in NC learned the 15-16 week fetus she is carrying has no heartbeat. She will go to the ...
A: How difficult for your daughter. A fetal death certificate is issued for gestation of 20 weeks or ...
|
| Selling pre need insurance | 7/28/2009 |
Q: Lisa, I have been approached by a friend to join in a family connection to sell Pre Need Insurance ...
A: GOOD for you for being suspicious. Preneed sales, as well as funeral homes and cemeteries, are ...
|
| Burial laws/regulations in Wi. | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I plan on building mine and my wife's casket. Could you point me in the right direction for ...
A: E-mail me directly and I'll send you the WI chapter from the '98 edition of my book. I don't think ...
|
| Casket removed from Oregon and brought to Calif | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I want to move My Nana (buried in banks Oregon since 1976) to California as it is my desire to be ...
A: You need to know that after all this time it will be expensive and smelly with excessive ...
|
| Transporting from IL to WI VA spouse | 7/25/2009 |
Q: My mother is 92 yrs old and buried my Dad in a VA plot in Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward WI, 25 years ...
A: You obviously are being very thoughtful and thorough. If indeed your mother's body will need to be ...
|
| Is it legal to spread ashes in a public park | 7/24/2009 |
Q: I have recently decided that I would like to be cremated and have my ashes buried with a new tree on ...
A: Generally speaking, the don't ask, don't tell policy works well for public parks. Those folks are ...
|
| cremains removal authorization dispute | 7/24/2009 |
Q: my mom was adamant to us kids and my step-dad, before she died, that she was to be cremated with ...
A: Your step-dad had the legal right to decide what to do with the cremated remains UNLESS your mother ...
|
| death certificates | 7/23/2009 |
Q: Does one call the coroner, to obtain death certificates, and then make arrangements for cremation? ...
A: My book is out of print while I work on the next edition. If it is an expected death, DO NOT call ...
|
| Georgia Home Burials | 7/22/2009 |
Q: What is the law regarding Georgia home burials? Thank you.
A: Georgia state laws are silent in regard to home burial. Bibb County is a problem area. Otherwise, ...
|
| home funeral and burial | 7/21/2009 |
Q: What are the specific laws and procedures in New York state for a home burial? Can the casket be ...
A: You may dedicate land to be used as a family cemetery if it is less than three acres and more than ...
|
| embalming | 7/21/2009 |
Q: Hopefully my demise is still a long way off, but it can happen at any time, and lately I've been ...
A: The only time a body is required to be embalmed in Nebraska is when it is being shipped by common ...
|
| Michigan home-private burials | 7/21/2009 |
Q: What is the name of your book on how to handle a funeral without a funeral director? We are ...
A: Michigan is one of six states where a dead body becomes a hostage of the funeral industry until the ...
|
| FL rules for death | 7/21/2009 |
Q: Does FL require a death certificate for someone who dies at home and is buried privately? If so, ...
A: A death certificate is required in all deaths. If it is an unexpected death, then the medical ...
|
| Memorial Services | 7/18/2009 |
Q: My husband and I want to be cremated-A local funeral home can do that so we can have proper death ...
A: Your family may absolutely arrange for any memorial services the family might want without the ...
|
| i need help | 7/17/2009 |
Q: our friend just recently passed away and my friend who was the closet one to him even closer than ...
A: It depends on the state. And probably the deceased person didn't fill out the right paperwork to ...
|
| burial on private land | 7/17/2009 |
Q: My father owns and resides on 19 acres of land about 4 miles outside of Crivitz, Wisconsin. He has ...
A: State laws are silent on home burial, so unless there is a local zoning problem (unlikely), home ...
|
| father passed no money to bury him | 7/17/2009 |
Q: My step dad died yesterday. My mother estranged herself from him about eight years ago. My step ...
A: Did your step-dad have any assets (car or bank account or insurance) or was he eligible for ...
|
| Moving my son's body from Ga. to TN | 7/16/2009 |
Q: My son was buried in Georgia in 1992. I have since married and live in Tenn. Since it is over 150 ...
A: I am guessing it might run about $7,000, as a new casket is likely to be needed after all this time. ...
|
| Indigent cremations | 7/15/2009 |
Q: My neighbor just told me of the death of a man that we kind of know that is indigent. I imagine that ...
A: Someone will have to authorize the cremation. It would be that person's decision on what to do with ...
|
| My Uncle's remains | 7/13/2009 |
Q: My Uncle passed away on 7/4/09 in Sarasota Fl. He was being taking care of by another person in FL ...
A: The Living Will in Florida does NOT provide for a designated agent for body disposition. The power ...
|
| My Uncle's remains | 7/13/2009 |
Q: My Uncle passed away on 7/4/09 in Sarasota Fl. He was being taking care of by another person in FL ...
A: Florida laws honor the written wishes of the deceased. So if your uncle wanted cremation and ...
|
| Planning ahead for Conservation Burial | 7/11/2009 |
Q: What is the name of your book on how to handle a funeral without a funeral director? My family is ...
A: The '98 edition of my book is out of print. The next edition, with any luck, will get finished and ...
|
| Plot ownership | 7/11/2009 |
Q: I live in Illinois. I want to know how long a grave is "owned". Can it be reused after some period ...
A: Once a person is buried, the person should remain buried forever unless there is a court order to ...
|
| Moving remains | 7/10/2009 |
Q: My father died in 2005 and was buried on the farm in which we lived at the time. My parents were ...
A: I wonder if she lied to the court. As an adult, you had the legal rights to make the funeral ...
|
| Burial on private land in Texas | 7/10/2009 |
Q: Is burial permitted on private land in Texas? If so is this arranged through a funeral home? Can ...
A: If your land is in a rural area, then home burial is likely permissible, as most local zoning laws ...
|
| PA law re time limit after death for burial, transport of body from MD to PA. | 7/9/2009 |
Q: The funeral director nearest my farm in PA says there is a recent PA law that if a body is not ...
A: Yes, you are essentially correct. I answered a little too quickly, as the second page of the death ...
|
| Transporting Body out of Texas | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I am a social worker at a hospital in Texas - We have had several instances lately where parents of ...
A: How wonderful that you are so sensitive to this. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the TX chapter ...
|
| PA law re time limit after death for burial, transport of body from MD to PA. | 7/9/2009 |
Q: The funeral director nearest my farm in PA says there is a recent PA law that if a body is not ...
A: NO. A body must be embalmed OR refrigerated after 24 hours. Nothing about burial in the law that I ...
|
| Body relocated - Wisconsin | 7/7/2009 |
Q: My twelve year old son passed away suddenly in May, 2009. A family member suggested to bury him in a ...
A: I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. Ask the cemetery what information they will need before ...
|
| Disinterment & Reinterment | 7/6/2009 |
Q: My first baby was buried 13 years ago in San Mateo County, California, where we have lived for over ...
A: Talk to the cemetery where she is buried. If she was very young, she is likely buried in a ...
|
| Family member's body exumed and relocated | 7/6/2009 |
Q: My entire family on my father's side has been quarrelling for years. This past week it was drawn to ...
A: The spouse has all the rights, so the aunt doesn't have a leg to stand on unless there was something ...
|
| Cost of Burial and Probate | 7/3/2009 |
Q: My father passed in Feb 09. I have 5 sisters and none of them will contribute to the cost still ...
A: If there are few or no assets, how does the lawyer think he'd going to get paid? How dumb of the ...
|
| Help for my friend | 7/3/2009 |
Q: I wondered if you could advise me on behalf of a friend who has just lost his son aged 37 in a ...
A: I would urge your friend to go to the town or county where deeds are recorded and get a copy of the ...
|
| Direct cremation legal proceedure | 7/2/2009 |
Q: What options do I have for transporting the body to the crematorium and recovery of the ashes? I ...
A: The biggest problem will be finding a crematory that is willing to accept the body from a family ...
|
| Help for my friend | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I wondered if you could advise me on behalf of a friend who has just lost his son aged 37 in a ...
A: It depends on how the deed was written-- tenants-in-common or joint tenants with right of ...
|
| Dispersal of Ashes by Air Over Land | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I wrote you several days ago but did not receive a confirming email, nor did I expect one. I sent ...
A: You are correct. I never got your first question, so I'm glad you sent it again. I just answered the ...
|
| burial laws | 6/30/2009 |
Q: In the state of Colorado, do you have the right to be buried on your private property?
A: No state laws that say yes or no. If you are in a rural are outside the village or city limits, it's ...
|
| Grandparent | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I recently learned that my great great great great grandparents are buried on what is apparently ...
A: In what state are they buried now? Also in Iowa? Given how long ago they were buried, there won't be ...
|
| transporting cremated remains to UK | 6/30/2009 |
Q: My mother was born in Scotland but was a US Citizen at death. She has been cremated, no urn. What ...
A: Just make sure there is no metal urn as it needs to go through the scanner. Wood, cardboard, or ...
|
| Transporting an unembalmed body for burial in Utah | 6/30/2009 |
Q: My father just passed away. He lived in Los Angeles county, CA, but wanted to be buried in northern ...
A: If you are doing the transporting he does NOT need to be embalmed. Use frozen gel packs or dry ice ...
|
| Cremated Remains | 6/30/2009 |
Q: My grandmother passed away last year and we had her cremated. She had an insurance policy that paid ...
A: Is your grandmother already buried in the family plot? Even tho' he was married to her, I don't ...
|
| Deeds destroyed by sexton | 6/29/2009 |
Q: For several years I have been trying to get our township cemetery folks to help me identify the ...
A: With a town-owned cemetery you have no choice but to deal with the local officials. Is there an ...
|
| 1800's family graveyard on property of a house we would like to buy, | 6/26/2009 |
Q: It is fairly close to the house and I would like to know how easy or hard it would be to have it ...
A: I will do some further checking but I think NH laws are silent on this issue. Will post again when I ...
|
| My daughter's funeral expenses | 6/24/2009 |
Q: She died May 7, 2009, married 7 months I paid all costs - ins. gave $5,000. I came from out of state ...
A: The spouse has all the rights to make funeral arrangements unless the deceased left other ...
|
| Burials | 6/24/2009 |
Q: What are the rules regarding burials on private property in VA?
A: No state laws say you can or can't. If you have some acreage, say at least five acres, and are ...
|
| Transporting across country | 6/24/2009 |
Q: My mother-in-law is very ill. As the family discussed various issues, should she die, the discussion ...
A: It should be legal to transport her body by a family member. You will need to file the death ...
|
| Legal rights | 6/24/2009 |
Q: My wife was crematated. I did not pay for the cremation.A non-family member did pay for it. Do i ...
A: Yes, you absolutely as the spouse have all rights (if you were not estranged, in some states). How ...
|
| body | 6/23/2009 |
Q: Does Florida law require next-of-kin to claim a body or can the nearest relatives refuse to shoulder ...
A: To my knowledge, Florida is not one of the states that requires next-of-kin to foot the funeral ...
|
| Widow Rights to Plots purchased before marriage | 6/23/2009 |
Q: My husband obtained 3 burial plots in Florida.. He mentioned it to me in our 11 years together and ...
A: Contact the cemetery to make sure they are in your husband's name and not shared with anyone else. ...
|
| Burial in Madison County, Ohio | 6/22/2009 |
Q: Can you open an existing grave site to add ashes of a second person. If so, who has the rights to ...
A: Next-of-kin would have the rights or give permission. The cemetery is likely to want to charge you ...
|
| No burial insurance | 6/19/2009 |
Q: My nephew died yesterday in an accident. He had no insurance. Is there any help in the State of ...
A: None that I know of. If he was eligible for Medicaid, there may be a small amount of state or county ...
|
| Fathers Ashes Taken From Me By Sheriff... | 6/18/2009 |
Q: Parent passed last June without a will. Sibling and I agreed to cremate deceased and scatter ashes ...
A: You said "successfully petitioned the court for a hearing to remove her." But apparently they left ...
|
| Fathers Ashes Taken From Me By Sheriff... | 6/18/2009 |
Q: Parent passed last June without a will. Sibling and I agreed to cremate deceased and scatter ashes ...
A: I am guessing any legal fees would cost you more than any satisfaction you might get out of suing ...
|
| Fathers Ashes Taken From Me By Sheriff... | 6/18/2009 |
Q: Parent passed last June without a will. Sibling and I agreed to cremate deceased and scatter ashes ...
A: I don't think "tangible property" has anything to do with it. Unless there were written wishes of ...
|
| the cost of digging hole for cremation remains | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I will be burying my moms remains in a cemetery next to my dads BUT the cost is OUTRAGEOUS $675 for ...
A: Even the small town cemetery here in VT wants $100 to dig that hole, which I think it too much, too. ...
|
| burial rights | 6/16/2009 |
Q: In California, is it legal to bury human remains on personal rural property?
A: Towns are given the right to govern this in CA. No state laws say you can or can't. If you have land ...
|
| remains across state lines | 6/14/2009 |
Q: My parents have funeral arrangements already made in Oklahoma. But for now, they live with me in ...
A: What a thoughtful daughter! What have your parents already paid for? It would be helpful for you ...
|
| private family cemetery in Kentucky | 6/12/2009 |
Q: What is the law on establishing a private family cemetery on private property in state of Kentucky? ...
A: If your land is outside the village or city limits and if there is no local mention of family ...
|
| Texas and Burial Laws | 6/11/2009 |
Q: From what I have researched in Texas there is no law to buried on your own land as long as you ...
A: If your land is outside the village or city limits and there are no zoning laws, you're right. Yes, ...
|
| Private Property Burials | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I would just like to know the stipulations on a burial on your own private property? I heard that ...
A: The 24 hour business has nothing to do with home burial. There are no state laws that say you can ...
|
| burial without major funeral expenses | 6/7/2009 |
Q: I have terminal cancer and have been given 1 to 2 years. I hate the ridiculously high cost of ...
A: You have every right to limit funeral costs as you see fit. That said, it is very important to talk ...
|
| Moving an interred body from FL to LA | 6/7/2009 |
Q: My husband's mother was buried in Florida, where she was staying with his younger sister. The sister ...
A: If the mother left written wishes, those would prevail in FL according to FL law. But if she didn't, ...
|
| My Moms remains | 6/6/2009 |
Q: My mom died suddenly a few weeks ago (age 50) and due to financial reasons we had to have her ...
A: It makes my blood boil when cemeteries do that kind of money-grubbing sales pitch. I've been known ...
|
| SCI | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I heard from a funeral director in our area that SCI offered to buy them out, but when he refused ...
A: There is a Funeral Consumers Alliance in Chicago. I'm not sure if they do a regular price survey or ...
|
| Moving a body | 6/2/2009 |
Q: Does my sister in law have legal rights to move my brothers grave from Colorado to Kansas. They were ...
A: Since the wife was in the hospital and unable to assert her rights at the time, any Probate Court ...
|
| burial sites | 6/1/2009 |
Q: Lisa-we own a large piece of land in Green Lake county Wisconsin, we have it legally added to a LLC ...
A: No state laws regarding home burial, one way or the other, so you should have no problem. Draw a map ...
|
| Engraving Headstone without Burial | 6/1/2009 |
Q: My dad is buried in a cemetery in NY. My mom died recently and was cremated. The cemetery wanted ...
A: You're a woman after my own heart! Don't ask the cemetery to fix the marker. Get another monument ...
|
| Ohio Burial | 5/31/2009 |
Q: I have a question about what the laws are pertaining to Greene county as far as being buried on the ...
A: If your land is outside the village or city limits, then there should be no problem. (There are no ...
|
| Death Certificates | 5/29/2009 |
Q: My Wife works for a Cemetery / Funeral Home. She is constantly writing checks to one individual who ...
A: Only the Department of Vital Records can issue death certificates, and those come with a raised ...
|
| disinterment | 5/28/2009 |
Q: My sister committed suicide 28 years ago to escape an abusive husband. He recently died and now the ...
A: As siblings, you probably don't have any legal weight regarding funeral plans if there are other ...
|
| Oklahoma interrment | 5/26/2009 |
Q: Can private land, out in Pittsburg county, in Oklahoma, be earmarked for a family cemetery and what ...
A: If your land is outside city or village limits and if you have a fair amount of land, say five acres ...
|
| requirements for burial in sarasota fla. | 5/25/2009 |
Q: what permit is needed,and is a vault required to have a person buried on his family home land in ...
A: You should check what the deed restriction says, as that might change your possibilities. If that ...
|
| requirements for burial in sarasota fla. | 5/25/2009 |
Q: what permit is needed,and is a vault required to have a person buried on his family home land in ...
A: Unless you are in a rural area with a lot of land, say five acres or more, zoning is not likely to ...
|
| Death Midwife training | 5/25/2009 |
Q: I live in WY and wonder where I could get Death Midwife certification. I am interested in this. ...
A: At the moment, there are no standards for "certification" as a death midwife. You would find a class ...
|
| Should my dad have to pay for estranged brother's cremation? | 5/23/2009 |
Q: My dad and his brother have not spoken in years. My dad's cousin contacted him this week to let him ...
A: TX does have a law that requires the next-of-kin to arrange for and pay for disposition, as do one ...
|
| cremains | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I have two grave sites in a small cemetery in Indiana. My husbands cremains were interred this ...
A: This sounds like a for-profit cemetery trying to raid your pocketbook! Either that or some ...
|
| home wake in Alabama | 5/21/2009 |
Q: Can I have my wake at home & bypass the funeral industry entirely? I want to be cared for by family ...
A: You do not need to use a funeral director in Alabama at all, so, yes, you can have a home wake, home ...
|
| home burial | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I live in NW Florida I own 2.4 acres can I be buried on my property and have it be a home (green) ...
A: If your land is in a really rural area, you could possibly set up a family graveyard. If you are ...
|
| Relocated Remains... | 5/18/2009 |
Q: My Grandma died in 2001. She was cremated. At the time, my Grandpa and I were in shock, it all ...
A: Maybe when you contact the lady you should ask her who has the legal rights to determine funeral and ...
|
| Exhumation and Reburial | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I have a friend that has a child buried in one state and would like her moved to her home state. ...
A: If the child was an infant, it was likely buried in a combination casket-vault that should still be ...
|
| Relocated Remains... | 5/16/2009 |
Q: My Grandma died in 2001. She was cremated. At the time, my Grandpa and I were in shock, it all ...
A: Your grandfather has ALL RIGHTS to determine his wife's burial location and memorial marker. The ...
|
| Cost Cutting funerals | 5/15/2009 |
Q: My grandma ma let her ins policy lapse so now with her hanging on by a thread we are un sure how we ...
A: If you e-mail me directly, I can send you the GA chapter from my book on how to handle a funeral ...
|
| Disinterment-Reinterment/Family Plot/Affidavit | 5/15/2009 |
Q: (Question from Michigan) I have visited my father's grave a few times a year, and always on the ...
A: What a gawd-awful mess! How unkind! You don't need a lawyer to go to Probate Court. I would start ...
|
| Rights over parents plots | 5/14/2009 |
Q: My mother passed away in Feb 2008 and me and my father were the one's who went to the cemetery to ...
A: First of all, no one OWNS a plot, simply the right of interment, and both plots have been used in ...
|
| winter burials | 5/11/2009 |
Q: I am our townships Planning Commission chairperson. We are working on our Cemetery Ordinance. I ...
A: I believe NY is the only state requiring winter burials. Here in VT, most cemeteries have a "winter ...
|
| Iowa law | 5/9/2009 |
Q: Where can I go to find out if embalming is required, if I can make my own casket, and so forth in ...
A: E-mail me directly and I can give you the Iowa chapter from my book, now out of print. It's 10 years ...
|
| Idaho home burial | 5/9/2009 |
Q: My mom wants to be buried on her property in North Idaho. I can't find laws against it and the ...
A: If you e-mail me directly, I can send you the Idaho chapter from my book that will give you helpful ...
|
| scattering field | 5/8/2009 |
Q: Can I charge individuals for scattering cremains on my farm the way cemeteries do? What are the ...
A: That is clearly a gray area if you aren't allowing burials. Charging folks makes it a commercial ...
|
| embalming and cremation | 5/8/2009 |
Q: I'd like to know about embalming and cremation in OH. I have been to several memorial services and ...
A: You can certainly be embalmed prior to cremation, though you might not choose it if you knew what ...
|
| Burial Vaults | 5/7/2009 |
Q: I plan to start building all steel burial vaults but the problem I keep running into with funeral ...
A: I'm not sure why you would even want to make steel vaults. Like steel septic tanks, they'll ...
|
| law reguarding age of burial | 5/7/2009 |
Q: How old does the fetus have to be before the law requires you to have a funeral. In the state of ...
A: After 20 weeks, a fetal death is recorded on a fetal death certificate. You don't have to have a ...
|
| home burials | 5/7/2009 |
Q: My husband and I are looking for a place to retire, and are looking at property in CO, CA, WY, MT, ...
A: California makes it difficult to "establish" a family cemetery. Local municipalities are given ...
|
| Home Funerals in San Diego | 5/4/2009 |
Q: I'm a journalist at a local station in San Diego CA, and would very much like to do a story about ...
A: Abbie, thanks for your interest. You have some folks in that area who are active in assisting ...
|
| Scattering Cremains in Gulf of Mexico | 5/1/2009 |
Q: My husband passed away 16 yrs ago. His wish was to be scattered in the Gulf. Because I could never ...
A: Go right ahead. If some funeral director says it has to be three miles out, ignore it. The EPA has ...
|
| body relocating | 5/1/2009 |
Q: My mother-in-law passed away in 1995, now my father-in-law would like to move here to another ...
A: Is where she's buried now near any of the daughters? How far away from the daughters is the new ...
|
| body relocating | 5/1/2009 |
Q: My mother-in-law passed away in 1995, now my father-in-law would like to move here to another ...
A: Did your mother-in-law have any wishes in writing? If so, that should prevail. Otherwise, alas, the ...
|
| Bury me in a pine box | 4/30/2009 |
Q: My parents live in Ohio and own sixty acres out in the country. When they die they would like a ...
A: Starting a family graveyard in OH should be no problem. Draw a map of the land showing where the ...
|
| moving burial plot | 4/29/2009 |
Q: My husb died in rural VA-in our home and was buried on property. He was buried in biodegradable ...
A: How very unfortunate, Nancy! I'd be happy to talk with someone at the bank as it may ADD value to ...
|
| body transport | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I am thinking of a body transportation system to serve folks who die out of state or many miles from ...
A: There are already body shipping services such as Inman Nationwide as well as local ones that ...
|
| Right to refuse body | 4/26/2009 |
Q: I live in a small town with one funeral home and no others for 20 miles. I work in a nursing home ...
A: I doubt very much that a funeral home is obligated to pick up a body. In what state? Usually, the ...
|
| Private Property burial | 4/23/2009 |
Q: Simple: I want to build a concrete mausoleum. My spouse chooses not to be buried or cremated. Can ...
A: Before you decide on a mausoleum, you might want to find out more. It is a crock-pot for a smelly ...
|
| to be buried on my property | 4/20/2009 |
Q: I WANT TO BE BURIED ON MY PROPERTY. I live in southern Oregon. I live up on a mtn with acreage and ...
A: Oregon laws are mute on home burial. That said, there is a DREADFUL bill in the Senate--SB 796--to ...
|
| Wakes | 4/19/2009 |
Q: can we have my mothers wake at home in pinellas county FL.34684
A: Yes you may. If she dies at home, you could bathe and dress her yourselves and have visitors before ...
|
| Concrete Burial Vault | 4/18/2009 |
Q: Does PA require coffins or urns to be buried in a concrete vault? Do most states require this to be ...
A: No state requires vaults for either caskets or urns. In fact, NY forbids cemeteries from requiring ...
|
| Home burial | 4/17/2009 |
Q: I went to the library and looked through your book concerning home burial for the state of Ohio. ...
A: No marker is necessary, but I would strongly recommend that you draw a map of your property showing ...
|
| who has the say so? | 4/16/2009 |
Q: my father remarried and is the hospital not doing good.his now wife wants him burried by her and ...
A: Unless your dad has written instructions for his final disposition, then his wife gets to call the ...
|
| Beneficiary and Ownership of Insuarance Policy | 4/15/2009 |
Q: I am employed at a Funeral Home where I frequently assist in making Pre-need arrangements. While ...
A: Your funeral home MAY be named the beneficiary. Statutes: 30-2-13-12 (c) and 30-2-13-12.5 (b) ...
|
| Cemetery Property | 4/15/2009 |
Q: My grandparents bought 5 cemetery spaces in 1948 and both are now deceased and used 2 of the 5 ...
A: Here's the law-- Sec. 711.039. RIGHTS OF INTERMENT IN PLOT. (a) A plot in which the exclusive ...
|
| Columbarium | 4/13/2009 |
Q: In Ohio, what are the laws, regulations regarding the building of a columbarium? We've searched and ...
A: If this is strictly private and you are not selling space, go right ahead and build it. The state ...
|
| Can you tell me if there is funding in the state of missouri that will help with a funeral | 4/9/2009 |
Q: Her daughters and son doesnt have the money the funeral home is wanting up front to begin the ...
A: If the aunt was on Medicaid, there may be some state assistance. The funeral director should know ...
|
| Creamation Remains | 4/7/2009 |
Q: My brother passed away a year and a half ago, he laft behind his parents, wife, 6 brothers and 1 ...
A: Where does she want him buried? Would you agree to that? How much would that cost? You could ...
|
| Ohio Burial Laws for Cremated Remains | 4/7/2009 |
Q: We no longer live in OH, but my aged mother asks to be cremated and returned to OH. Is there any ...
A: If it is a for-profit cemetery, they're likely to want to charge you for a second right of ...
|
| Michigan, 1 acre, Cremated remains. family Burial plot | 4/7/2009 |
Q: MS Carlson, I wish to establish a family burial plot for cremated remains only. What are the rules ...
A: Family graveyards are permissible in MI outside village or city limits. Such land is exempt from ...
|
| Creamation Remains | 4/7/2009 |
Q: My brother passed away a year and a half ago, he laft behind his parents, wife, 6 brothers and 1 ...
A: The wife gave up some of her rights when she didn't pay for the funeral arrangements. How generous ...
|
| moving cremains across state lines into an existing grave | 4/2/2009 |
Q: The property on which my Dad's grave is located is being sold.(in MA) I want to move his cremains ...
A: You don't need a funeral home at all. The U.S. Postal Service is the only way to ship them. FedEx ...
|
| Transporting a body across state lines | 4/2/2009 |
Q: What are the laws regarding transporting a body from Tennessee to Virginia? The current proposal is ...
A: Yes, a family member may transport the body provided you have the burial transit permit. FYI, if ...
|
| probate | 4/2/2009 |
Q: I am being sued by a step brother for the ashes of our parents and I just received a subpoena duces ...
A: What will you be doing with the ashes after? Would you object to sharing them with any who want ...
|
| probate | 4/2/2009 |
Q: I am being sued by a step brother for the ashes of our parents and I just received a subpoena duces ...
A: This is a sticky wicket, to be sure. If I understand you correctly, this is a half-brother born to ...
|
| probate | 4/2/2009 |
Q: I am being sued by a step brother for the ashes of our parents and I just received a subpoena duces ...
A: The court procedures (subpoenas) are outside my area of expertise. That said, perhaps I can be ...
|
| Transportation of deceased relative | 4/2/2009 |
Q: What are the laws and regulations on transporting deceased relatives? My Dad wants to know if he ...
A: E-mail me directly and I'll send you the CA chapter from my book that's now out of print. He will ...
|
| legal resposibility for Father's funera; | 4/1/2009 |
Q: My father has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. He has a girlfriend of 30 years and had taken ...
A: In only a few states are you obligated to participate in planning or paying for a relative's ...
|
| Casket requirements | 4/1/2009 |
Q: Can you be buried in Carroll County Ga. in a home made wood casket and can you establish a burial ...
A: Yes, you can be in a home-made casket anywhere, in any cemetery. Home-made caskets tend to be too ...
|
| disposition of adult child remains | 4/1/2009 |
Q: adult son died without a will, his adult children cannot agree on disposition of cremated remains, ...
A: Splitting up the cremated remains is one way to resolve the issue. Otherwise, someone should go to ...
|
| Cremation in Alabama | 3/30/2009 |
Q: My sister just passed away in Anniston, AL. She was divorced and had three grown children. Her body ...
A: The only good news I have is that you can probably get a copy of her death certificate from the ...
|
| Disinternment of Grandparents | 3/30/2009 |
Q: My grandparents died in 1986 and 1988 and are buried in Alabama. My uncle has some land in ...
A: After all this time, the caskets have either rusted out if metal or fallen apart if wood. It will be ...
|
| Cost of cremation for estranged father of grown children | 3/30/2009 |
Q: He has no health insurance, no will, no living relatives,and no money. He left our 2 boys (now ...
A: Diabetes should not be a problem in being accepted by the Anatomy Board, but you should be able to ...
|
| Cost of cremation for estranged father of grown children | 3/29/2009 |
Q: He has no health insurance, no will, no living relatives,and no money. He left our 2 boys (now ...
A: Yes, it does seem rather cruel to contemplate being hit with funeral expenses for someone who was ...
|
| Cost of cremation for estranged father of grown children | 3/27/2009 |
Q: He has no health insurance, no will, no living relatives,and no money. He left our 2 boys (now ...
A: There are only a few states that require the next-of-kin to pay for funeral expenses. In what state ...
|
| moving cremated remains | 3/27/2009 |
Q: My infant daughters cremated remains are in Seattle WA. I would like to move her to Tucson AZ. What ...
A: Simply call the cemetery and let them know you will arrive to pick them up on such-and-such a day. ...
|
| insurance policy no good | 3/27/2009 |
Q: my half sister died and left a $10,000 policy and $1,000 policy with her 15 year old daughter as ...
A: Gawd, what a mess! A probate court might be able to force a release of the insurance since the ...
|
| Funeral expenses of an Aunt | 3/27/2009 |
Q: My Aunt passed away in September, 2008. For the last year of her life I had Power of Attorney for ...
A: Beverly, One of the reasons I asked so many questions is that the funeral home is REQUIRED by ...
|
| insurance policy no good | 3/27/2009 |
Q: my half sister died and left a $10,000 policy and $1,000 policy with her 15 year old daughter as ...
A: What kind of evidence do you have that the funeral home checked on these policies? Do you have ...
|
| Funeral expenses | 3/23/2009 |
Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ...
A: You don't need to use a funeral home at all. The family can to the paperwork and transport the body ...
|
| My Son's cremains | 3/23/2009 |
Q: My Son was murdered almost two years ago. His remains were cremated. He had no wife, so his Father ...
A: The laws in most states are not at all clear about this, with both parents typically having equal ...
|
| Cremation Authoration | 3/23/2009 |
Q: My brother who lives lives in Scottsboro Al.wants to be cremated, and was told by the local funeral ...
A: Alas, Alabama is not one of the states that allows one to name a designated agent for body ...
|
| Disinterring and moving a child | 3/22/2009 |
Q: My daughter's first child was born premature 3years ago and died within hours while they were living ...
A: Talk to the cemetery where the child is buried. Typically an infant is buried in a casket-vault ...
|
| cemetray plots | 3/20/2009 |
Q: My mom and dad divorced and my mother remarried. She and her husband are now both deceased but at ...
A: Cemeteries love this kind of mess because after a given number of years they get to resell something ...
|
| Caskets | 3/20/2009 |
Q: Is there a law as to what a casket or coffin should be built? Can they be built out of wood and do ...
A: No state has laws about how a casket is built. No seal needed. Home-made caskets tend to be too big. ...
|
| Home Wake | 3/20/2009 |
Q: I live in Pennsylvania. Is it possible/legal to have a funeral with a viewing or a home wake ...
A: Yes. You don't even need to use a funeral home at all in PA. The family may file the paperwork, ...
|
| Delayed Burial | 3/18/2009 |
Q: The funeral director was to ship my nieces remains to Ohio from Texas for burial. She died on 3/5 ...
A: By TX law, the death certificate should have been filed within 10 days. Sometimes doctors take a ...
|
| Selling Land with Family Graves | 3/18/2009 |
Q: If we sell a piece of land with a family cemetery: 1) Do graves negatively affect a land sale? 2) ...
A: It may or may not affect a sale. Many people find a family graveyard a charming bit of history. ...
|
| prepaid funeral and embalming | 3/16/2009 |
Q: I prepaid my funeral 20 years afo and have changed my mind and they wont give all of my money back ...
A: If you prepaid in KY, then 100% should have been put in trust, and 100% of what you paid and all ...
|
| 2nd rights | 3/13/2009 |
Q: My mother passed in 1985 and after the shock of being drug through the burial system my father ...
A: This sort of thing makes my blood boil!! They're getting paid twice for the same plot of land. ...
|
| burial rights | 3/13/2009 |
Q: if my friends mother wants him in charge of where shes buried does he have the right to carry out ...
A: Written and witnessed wishes of the deceased must be honored in WA. The law says: Right to Control ...
|
| Who can legally attend a funeral? | 3/13/2009 |
Q: My father and I are bitterly estranged. My grandmother (his mother) most likely will pass away very ...
A: If the funeral is announced in the newspaper, then it is a public event and you should be able to ...
|
| Grave ownership | 3/12/2009 |
Q: My Mothernlaw bought 3 graves in 2/1989 when her husband died. about 14 years later she dies and we ...
A: The city made the error and needs to fix it. Once a body has been buried, it should be allowed to ...
|
| Who can be buried in a family cemetery? | 3/10/2009 |
Q: We live in Michigan and plan to have a (green) family cemetery on our farm. I've read your answers ...
A: Yes, if you are not charging any money, then you'll be fine. GOOD LUCK! By the way, are you ...
|
| start a family cemetary | 3/7/2009 |
Q: Lisa, Can you tell me how find out if you can start a family cemetary in Muhlenberg County, ...
A: There are no laws one way or the other. So if you have rural land outside the village or city ...
|
| Cremation with minor children | 3/6/2009 |
Q: Does Florida have a law stating a person cannot be cremated if there are minor children? A funeral ...
A: That is total bullshit! No such law. The minor children can visit the grave for cremated remains. ...
|
| Burial placement order | 3/6/2009 |
Q: Is there a typical protocol for placement of husband and wife in burial plot? Is the wife to the ...
A: It really depends on the cemetery. And which is the "right"--what you see lying down or standing up ...
|
| Burial Plot Rights Parents vs. Widowed Wife | 3/5/2009 |
Q: My mom recently attempted to order a vase to place at my brothers grave site,however she was told ...
A: Are there children that the rest of the family will have or want to have contact with? Regardless, ...
|
| Disinterment & Reburial | 3/4/2009 |
Q: Our father died in 1985 and is buried in FL. Our mother died Feb 2008 and is buried in MD. Four of ...
A: For some reason I'm having trouble bringing up Florida statutes on my computer to check the ...
|
| Moving My Fathers Body | 3/4/2009 |
Q: My father is buried in a National Cemetery (He was in the army) in Nashville, TN (because his wife ...
A: I would start with her, with a nice note in writing so you have some documentation. If she refuses, ...
|
| Pre-arrangements for Mom - Complicated | 3/4/2009 |
Q: Ms. Carlson, First, Thank you for this wonderful service - I'd never felt so victimized until trying ...
A: John, Sign up your mother as a member of the Los Angeles Funeral Consumers Alliance -- ...
|
| Moving My Fathers Body | 3/4/2009 |
Q: My father is buried in a National Cemetery (He was in the army) in Nashville, TN (because his wife ...
A: Would his wife object to the move? I think she still gets to call the shots even though she's ...
|
| Maiden names on headstones | 3/4/2009 |
Q: I live in Calgary, Alberta and my sister passed away almost two years ago in England. She was ...
A: I certainly understand the genealogical desire to have all pertinent names on a head stone. If the ...
|
| Cremains in Church Garden | 3/4/2009 |
Q: Our church is thinking about adding a memorial garden in the back where people can scatter (not ...
A: Yes, that would be legal. One is supposed to notify the state where the disposition of cremated ...
|
| Rights to Ashes | 3/4/2009 |
Q: I have two nephews ages 6 and 11 whose Mother just passed away. Her Mother who who disowned her and ...
A: I would think there is some state agency to oversee the kids' welfare and that someone would ...
|
| Disinterment & Reburial | 3/4/2009 |
Q: Our father died in 1985 and is buried in FL. Our mother died Feb 2008 and is buried in MD. Four of ...
A: It sounds as if you may have asked at the wrong court. You need a PROBATE COURT for these things, ...
|
| Rights to Ashes | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I have two nephews ages 6 and 11 whose Mother just passed away. Her Mother who who disowned her and ...
A: The minor children have no rights, I'm sorry to say. Was there a husband, even if estranged? How was ...
|
| Opening of graves | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I recently learned that to open our graves purchased 52 years ago will now cost $1050, 7 times the ...
A: Yes, you can bury cremated remains anywhere with the landowner's permission. But there might be ...
|
| Stillbirths | 3/3/2009 |
Q: Are all stillbirths required to have a death certificate issued in the state of California? Are ...
A: A fetal death certificate is required in CA after 20 weeks of gestation. That is typical of most ...
|
| disposition of cremains | 3/2/2009 |
Q: My parents have a cemetary plot in PA. I contacted the cemetary regarding putting my parents' ...
A: This sounds like a for-profit cemetery that has made up its own rules to raid your pocketbook. ...
|
| Family Burial Plot on Your Land in Oklahoma | 2/27/2009 |
Q: What do you need to do to have a family burial plot on your own land in Oklahoma?
A: I am assuming you have a lot of land in a rural area outside the village or city limits. If so, draw ...
|
| casket transportaion | 2/27/2009 |
Q: The nursing home where my mom resides in Philadelphia PA, has asked us to have funeral arrangements ...
A: Will there be any services with the casket present other than perhaps a graveside service? If not, ...
|
| who's responsible for funeral cost | 2/27/2009 |
Q: My oldest son passed away October 2006, he left behind two children and an ex-wife,mom&stepdad& ...
A: The son's estate should have paid the funeral costs. A car or house, for example, or any other ...
|
| exhuming a body | 2/25/2009 |
Q: Our step-dad has threatened to move our mom's body to another state. Mom has been gone almost a year ...
A: Unfortunately, unless your mother had her wishes in writing, her spouse gets to call the shots. That ...
|
| TX TO MO TRANSPORT | 2/25/2009 |
Q: Our grandfather is near death and we will have services in Rosenberg, TX w/the actual burial in ...
A: One of you could transport the body. That would be entirely legal, even if you had to rent a van. ...
|
| body transport | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I am trying to locate a body transport business to move a body and casket from Venice Fl. to Tampa ...
A: Ask the Mass. funeral home to make arrangements, not the FL one. And tell them you expect them to ...
|
| transporting body from alabama to another state | 2/24/2009 |
Q: Can I transport the body of a deceased love one by myself from alabama to be buried in florida?
A: Yes, but Alabama requires that the body be embalmed first. Also, the cemetery to which the body ...
|
| my land | 2/22/2009 |
Q: I live in Georgia and wanted to be buried on my land. What do I have to do? Who do I contact to ...
A: If you are in a rural area outside city or village limits and have a fair amount of land, and are ...
|
| Florida burial rules/fees | 2/21/2009 |
Q: My mother lived in Fl for many years and will be buried beside my father in the Garden of Memories, ...
A: You sound like a very well-educated and conscientious person. I see that this is a funeral home ...
|
| Dead body transportation | 2/20/2009 |
Q: I am trying to pre-arrange my final services. I wish to dontate my body to the Washington University ...
A: What a generous offer. Ask the med school if they have any recommendations. I have no idea how close ...
|
| cremated remains | 2/19/2009 |
Q: My friend Lisa lost her Father and Mother a day apart in January, they lived in Tennessee. They were ...
A: Boy, you certainly got my blood boiling!! Is it the funeral home or the cemetery -- or is it a combo ...
|
| state laws in Alabama | 2/19/2009 |
Q: Can you direct me? I am trying to find out about specific laws governing furnerals and burials in ...
A: Yes, indeed. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the updated Alabama chapter from my book. ...
|
| Wife killed by Husband - Who decides burial | 2/19/2009 |
Q: In Texas Husband kills wife - Wife's family want her to be buried in A. Husband wants to decide ...
A: Here is my direct e-mail if you need it-- lisa@funeralethics.org I'm not sure where in TX you are, ...
|
| Burying Cremains/Separating Ashes | 2/17/2009 |
Q: In Brief: My 9 yr. old stepdaughters mother died 3 years ago and the maternal grandmother had her ...
A: There is absolutely no law or cemetery regulation that I know of that would forbid the burial of ...
|
| Headstone | 2/14/2009 |
Q: My sister passed away, and my parents paid for the funeral even though she was married and has 2 ...
A: Genealogists appreciate having maiden names on headstones as it makes their work much easier, ...
|
| cremation | 2/14/2009 |
Q: What is the law in AR on disposition of cremation? Also what is the law in AR for not using funeral ...
A: In all states, you can pretty much do as you wish with cremated remains. If you e-mail me directly, ...
|
| burial ground | 2/12/2009 |
Q: I live in Bakersfield CA my parents are buried at Hillcrest right next to eachother, my Dad died ...
A: This cemetery is owned by Service Corporation International that has a reputation of manipulating ...
|
| Body Transport | 2/12/2009 |
Q: My parents currently reside in Florida, they have burial plots in upstate New York. As their health ...
A: If there will be no services in Florida, work with the NY funeral director only. He/she will call a ...
|
| PRIVATE TRANSPORT OF DECEASED BODY | 2/9/2009 |
Q: We live in Oklahoma and I am trying to find out if we can transport our mothers body from one town ...
A: You don't need to have the body embalmed at all. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the Oklahoma ...
|
| cemetery photography rights | 2/9/2009 |
Q: I'm an Ohio author who wants to do a book involving photographs of unusual and/or famous historical ...
A: I don't know the answer to that but have forwarded your question to Clyde Chamberlain who writes a ...
|
| Funeral Costs | 2/9/2009 |
Q: I was married to my husband for 6 years. He died suddenly of a heartattack in 11/08. He left written ...
A: How too bad that their shares weren't put on their credit cards at the time of the funeral. And how ...
|
| funeral pyres | 2/7/2009 |
Q: what are the laws in wis. concerning them and if it's part of my religion what do i need to know ...
A: You will need a medical examiner's permit to cremate in WI. My guess is you'll have a hard time ...
|
| very upset mom | 2/4/2009 |
Q: Lisa, Received the rules: Fresh cut or silk-life flowers are permitted in a permanent vase, year ...
A: While that is generally true, there are many exceptions state-by-state. Maine statutes state that a ...
|
| very upset mom | 2/4/2009 |
Q: Lisa, Received the rules: Fresh cut or silk-life flowers are permitted in a permanent vase, year ...
A: I'm sure they'll say the bricks interfer with mowing, which they do. You should certainly ask for ...
|
| very upset mom | 2/4/2009 |
Q: Lisa, My 17 yr old daughter is buried at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Maryland. I have ...
A: Do get a copy of their regulations. What was removed? Just the brick border? Guess I'm feeling a ...
|
| Cremation | 2/4/2009 |
Q: My fiance and father of my children ages 8,6,2 passed away seven months ago. His mother took urn ...
A: Unfortunately, unless your fiance left written wishes to the contrary, I'm guessing that his parents ...
|
| very upset mom | 2/3/2009 |
Q: Lisa, My 17 yr old daughter is buried at Meadowridge Memorial Park in Elkridge, Maryland. I have ...
A: You likely have absolutely no rights. Number 1, you don't own the site, just the interment rights. ...
|
| rights of next of kin | 2/2/2009 |
Q: My adult friend's biological father died;he divorced her mom and remarried;the wife is next of kin, ...
A: I would think the wife has lost all rights. Your friend should go to the court in that county and ...
|
| Disinterment & Reburial | 2/2/2009 |
Q: Our father died in 1985 and is buried in FL. Our mother died Feb 2008 and is buried in MD. Four of ...
A: I believe you will have to go to Probate Court in Florida. You don't need a lawyer in Probate. I ...
|
| Multiple remains in one site | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I will be buried in Florida. I have the cremains of my mother, father and fiance and would like to ...
A: If the cemetery is a for-profit cemetery, which most in FL are, then they will surely want to charge ...
|
| CREMATION CERTIFICAT | 1/31/2009 |
Q: we did not receive cremation cert,or burn tag is the cremation cite non consumer friendly also.In ...
A: Do you have a cemetery plot where you want to bury the cremated remains? Ask if the cemetery will ...
|
| name on headstone | 1/31/2009 |
Q: A friend of mine has been widowed twice, and wants to be buried next to her first husband. She has ...
A: Sorry, I shouldn't try to answer so late at night. ;-) What I was trying to say was if there were ...
|
| name on headstone | 1/31/2009 |
Q: A friend of mine has been widowed twice, and wants to be buried next to her first husband. She has ...
A: One of the advantages of cremation is that the cremated remains can be dispersed to various family ...
|
| death in Canada, transport to US | 1/30/2009 |
Q: My 84 year old mother is coming to visit me in Alberta, Canada for an extended time, perhaps three ...
A: I am assuming you might choose not to have any services in Canada, as I'm guessing she knows few ...
|
| CREMATION RIGHTS MO. | 1/30/2009 |
Q: My brother pssed in missorie,the girl friend told funeral director to cemate him.I SHOULD ALSO SAY ...
A: I'm sorry about your loss. Unfortunately, coroners are not always very consumer-friendly. You ...
|
| transporting loved one from one cemetary to another | 1/28/2009 |
Q: I want to remove my husband from one cemetary to another (their only a block or two from each other. ...
A: You'll get the fastest answers from the town cemetery. I think you may need to go to Probate Court ...
|
| Funeral Expences Laws | 1/26/2009 |
Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ...
A: I apologize for not being clearer. Yes, you need to use a funeral director in LA. But if you hold ...
|
| Funeral Expences Laws | 1/26/2009 |
Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ...
A: One can make your own casket or buy one out-of-state, and the funeral home must accept it, according ...
|
| Funeral Expences Laws | 1/26/2009 |
Q: Could you please tell me the best ways that we can cut the expenses of an upcoming terminal family ...
A: If all in the family are willing to consider the generous idea of donating the body for medical ...
|
| next of kin rights | 1/25/2009 |
Q: My question Is My (common-law spouse) was killed, His father took control of the burial had him ...
A: You'll have to talk to a lawyer. Unless the dad has very deep pockets, a lawyer will want you to pay ...
|
| next of kin rights | 1/25/2009 |
Q: My question Is My (common-law spouse) was killed, His father took control of the burial had him ...
A: It does sound like a pretty bad situation for you. I'm sorry for what you went through. You asked, ...
|
| Exhuming my fathers remains for DNA test | 1/25/2009 |
Q: First thank you for this service. My father passed away in 1953 in Oklahoma and 55 years later ...
A: Go to the probate court in your county. You don't need a lawyer. Take whatever evidence you have ...
|
| Disinterment in New Hampshire | 1/24/2009 |
Q: A person (veteran) buried in a municipal cemetery because of indigence with no known relative, who ...
A: Wow! That is a TOUGH one! Here is NH statute. I believe someone would have to go to probate court to ...
|
| laws of cremated remains | 1/22/2009 |
Q: I have a father whom passed away in Kingman AZ 2-17-08, my mom traveled here to my home to live in ...
A: Your dad's ashes belonged to your mother, and unless your dad had written out his wishes as to what ...
|
| Home Funeral Service and Burial | 1/22/2009 |
Q: I live in KY and want to know if it's possible for the family and myself to do everything involved ...
A: Yes, you may handle everything yourselves. E-mail me directly and I can send you the KY chapter from ...
|
| North Carolina Burial Laws | 1/21/2009 |
Q: Are there any laws governing where you can bury a person? We live in a rural, unincorporated area, ...
A: E-mail me directly and I'll send you the NC chapter of my book which refers to the laws in that ...
|
| Illinois Law | 1/18/2009 |
Q: Can you please tell me if "Home Funerals" are allowed in the state of Illinois. And are there any ...
A: Yes, but depending on where you are, you may run into problems with authorities who think it isn't. ...
|
| who controls cemetary plots | 1/18/2009 |
Q: My parents were both buried in the plots they purchased. My sister always stated to everyone in the ...
A: Each cemetery has its own rules, so I would ask your question of the cemetery folks. You might go ...
|
| Burial | 1/17/2009 |
Q: I want to be buried in a pine box and buried on my on land. I live in North Carolina, Randolph ...
A: The NC laws are mute on the topic of home burial. Draw a map of your land showing where the family ...
|
| Grave Markers ? | 1/15/2009 |
Q: My Father just passed last week, My parents had already bought a few plots when we were children, ...
A: If the cemetery gives you a hard time even tho' you and your sister now know the legal rights you ...
|
| Cremation buriel | 1/14/2009 |
Q: Can I buried my dad's cremated remains on our ranch in Calfornia?
A: Yes. If your dad was cremated in CA or IN, the state may ask you to fill out where they are buried ...
|
| transporting from state to state | 1/14/2009 |
Q: I recently heard their might be opportunities to transport deceased loved ones from Florida. How do ...
A: Check with the professional licensing department. They license body transport services. In-state ...
|
| Grave Markers ? | 1/14/2009 |
Q: My Father just passed last week, My parents had already bought a few plots when we were children, ...
A: Jan, The cemetery may NOT require you to use them to place the marker. Tell them they are violating ...
|
| death midwife certification | 1/13/2009 |
Q: I live in Florida and recently saw an article about death midwives. I am interested in learning ...
A: Check with either of these ladies. Both travel around the country to give workshops-- Jerrigrace ...
|
| transporting the dead | 1/13/2009 |
Q: we have a very close friend dying of brain cancer, and we have been caring for him in a different ...
A: Yes, you can transport him yourself. E-mail me directly and I'll send you the CA chapter from my ...
|
| Burial conditions | 1/9/2009 |
Q: I strongly prefer burial without embalming and without any casket. I do not want a concrete vault. ...
A: Burial in WA requires an "established" cemetery. That said, there is growing interest in ...
|
| Unusual death situation | 1/7/2009 |
Q: My sister and I haven't seen my father in 30 years. We were recently notified of his passing. My ...
A: No FL law that I know of re the $500! Aid to the indigent is something usually decided in a dept. of ...
|
| Family Cemetery Burials not being allowed | 1/6/2009 |
Q: I live in NC. Current owners of the family cemetery are refusing to allow further burials of family ...
A: I would have to do more research to be able to answer that with any authority. Is it measured out in ...
|
| caskets | 1/6/2009 |
Q: My family has used the same funeral home since I was 9, now I'm 51. They have taken care of everyone ...
A: This is a new group with some *terrific* people. And, yes, they've done a price survey and found ...
|
| caskets | 1/6/2009 |
Q: My family has used the same funeral home since I was 9, now I'm 51. They have taken care of everyone ...
A: It sounds as if the funeral home manipulated you at a vulnerable time. The rental caskets are all ...
|
| Unusual death situation | 1/4/2009 |
Q: My sister and I haven't seen my father in 30 years. We were recently notified of his passing. My ...
A: I do not know what the state will pay, but I'm quite sure the law does NOT require family to pay. A ...
|
| Unusual death situation | 1/4/2009 |
Q: My sister and I haven't seen my father in 30 years. We were recently notified of his passing. My ...
A: Why would a funeral director have contacted your sister or even known how to? The funeral director ...
|
| death " midwife" | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I have tried to find a death midlife in Oregon and so far have not been successful. Do you know of ...
A: I don't know of any in your particular area. Contact Erin or Kathy Phelps at Omega in Portland. Good ...
|
| Pre-need plot, cript and stone tranfer to family member | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I own a pre-need plot, cript, headstone in Independence, Mo., and wish to transfer it to a family ...
A: Here is a link to the complaint form for that agency. Ignore page 2 as it has to do with healthcare. ...
|
| Pre-need plot, cript and stone tranfer to family member | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I own a pre-need plot, cript, headstone in Independence, Mo., and wish to transfer it to a family ...
A: Tell them you will report them to the Office of Professional Regulation if they try to pull such ...
|
| right to bury their own | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Is there a right to bury one's own in the state of Alabama? Can the family transport the body in a ...
A: I know of no cemetery lists for your state. The laws in AL don't address home burial one way or the ...
|
| right to bury their own | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Is there a right to bury one's own in the state of Alabama? Can the family transport the body in a ...
A: Yes, a family may transport the body or handle everything without a funeral director in AL, provided ...
|
| Cemetery practices | 12/30/2008 |
Q: My mother was buried last week (12/23)at a Chicago cemetery. When my sister returned today, the ...
A: If it is a religiously-owned cemetery, there won't be much you can do except to harrass the church ...
|
| Laws for transporting cremation ashes from one state to another | 12/28/2008 |
Q: My mother-in-law lives with us in AZ and has a prepaid casket and plot in PA. Someone told us that ...
A: Was the casket prepaid at a funeral home or cemetery in PA? Was only the casket prepaid or the whole ...
|
| NC law on dying, death and cremation | 12/25/2008 |
Q: My family is Buddhist, and we have particular religious practices and rituals we would like to ...
A: You may do that. When you think you might be facing a death fairly soon, it's important to walk ...
|
| Private property burial | 12/25/2008 |
Q: My father would like to buried on his property in Trinity county in northern California. Is that ...
A: Towns have the authority to regulate cemeteries. Draw a map of the land showing where you would like ...
|
| Transporting the recently deceased | 12/22/2008 |
Q: My wife and I have a scheduled c-section for a baby that is not expected to live more than a few ...
A: I'm so sorry. How very difficult for you. There will be a death certificate at the hospital. That is ...
|
| burying your own in indiana | 12/20/2008 |
Q: can a person bury their love ones in indiana without using a funeral home having to be embaulted ...
A: The short answer is "no." Burial must be in an "established" cemetery. You could see if the town ...
|
| Green Burial | 12/17/2008 |
Q: We are interested in possibly using part of our farm in Montgomery County, Maryland, as a memorial ...
A: You don't need any special permission to do this--for family, for example-- unless you are charging ...
|
| Responsible for burial | 12/15/2008 |
Q: The Circuit Court of Maryland appointed an employee of the court the financial responsibility for an ...
A: The financial guardian will have to account for how the money was spent. If it was all used up, then ...
|
| Power of Attorney and Son | 12/14/2008 |
Q: My mother recently passed away. My Mother gave POA to my Aunt who refused to list me on the ...
A: In what state did your mother live? In most states the POA dies when the person dies. Did your ...
|
| Responsible for burial | 12/12/2008 |
Q: The Circuit Court of Maryland appointed an employee of the court the financial responsibility for an ...
A: No, the finanical guardian should have borne all funeral expenses, especially with the house as an ...
|
| Moving remains from one state to another | 12/10/2008 |
Q: My husband's 5 yr old daughter died 11 yrs ago. She was buried in FL where he was living at the ...
A: Contact a local funeral director there in SC. He/she can make arrangements with a Florida funeral ...
|
| Can parents be forced to allow brother to be moved? | 12/8/2008 |
Q: My brother committed suicide this past July. He left no will or instructions. He was 40 years old. ...
A: Here is a link to Maine law-- ...
|
| rights to ashes son and his x-fiance | 12/8/2008 |
Q: my son and his fiance of 4 1/2 years had twin girls born dead. my son has the ashes right now and ...
A: Most states consider cremation the "final disposition" and have few if any laws about what happens ...
|
| Can parents be forced to allow brother to be moved? | 12/7/2008 |
Q: My brother committed suicide this past July. He left no will or instructions. He was 40 years old. ...
A: Tell me in what state, and I'll check the state laws. But the problem may be a very grey situation. ...
|
| North Carolina Burial Laws | 12/6/2008 |
Q: Are there any laws governing where you can bury a person? We live in a rural, unincorporated area, ...
A: Home burial in a rural area in NC is likely permissible in your area. There are no state laws that ...
|
| Can parents be forced to allow brother to be moved? | 12/6/2008 |
Q: My brother committed suicide this past July. He left no will or instructions. He was 40 years old. ...
A: Bio mother will have to go to Probate Court to force the father to make any other changes. Since ...
|
| mail cremated remains | 12/6/2008 |
Q: my brother recently died in England. i am his only family can i have his cremated remains mailed to ...
A: I am not sure about English law. If he didn't leave any instructions to the contrary and has no ...
|
| Restricted burial plot - CA | 12/2/2008 |
Q: Carlson - My grandparents purchased two plots in Santa Barbara in 1968. My grandfather is buried ...
A: Have your father ask to be shown the law. I don't believe it exists in CA. NY requires that it be ...
|
| funeral arrangements | 12/2/2008 |
Q: funerals are pricey,anyway of buying casket,vault less expensive or even cremating,is it better to ...
A: Alas, Indiana is one of seven states that require you to use a funeral director whether you want one ...
|
| burial in SC | 12/1/2008 |
Q: Is it lawful to be buried in my property in the state of SC? What do I need to do so I can be buried ...
A: If you are in a rural area outside the village or city limits, then home burial is likely permitted. ...
|
| Husband's rights in deceased wife's funeral arrangements | 11/29/2008 |
Q: My brother's wife just passed and he says she wanted to be cremated but there is nothing in writing. ...
A: No, the spouse is the legal next-of-kin, and without something in writing from the deceased, he/she ...
|
| Personal property burial rights | 11/27/2008 |
Q: Is it still legal in Texas to have yourself or family members buried on private property, such as ...
A: Yes, if you're in a rural area. Draw a map of the land showing where the family graveyard will be ...
|
| Moving My grandfather's grave in nj | 11/27/2008 |
Q: two years ago yesterday my grandfather died and against mine and my mother's wishes my family buried ...
A: It is likely to cost close to $7,000. Legal next-of-kin get to decide-- spouse or majority of adult ...
|
| Helping a friend in Michigan | 11/27/2008 |
Q: My close friends brother is close to death in a hospital in MI. I wish to assist my friend in anyway ...
A: Where in Michigan? There are some funeral directors who will work with you for fairly affordable ...
|
| help | 11/25/2008 |
Q: My mother's wishes were to have her ashes buried along with her mother. My mother passed last year ...
A: I think your mother's siblings--your grandmother's children--are the only ones with rights to that ...
|
| disenterment | 11/24/2008 |
Q: My dad's urn was buried in a family plot in a Catholic Cemetery in Illinois but my mother who is ...
A: No penalty that I know of, for anyone, as your mother has all legal rights. Is one allowed to plant ...
|
| disenterment | 11/24/2008 |
Q: My dad's urn was buried in a family plot in a Catholic Cemetery in Illinois but my mother who is ...
A: Your mother is the only one "involved" as she is legal next-of-kin with the right to do as she ...
|
| Wisconsin cremation questions | 11/21/2008 |
Q: Is it possible to have teeth (with amalgam fillings) removed after death and disposed of prior to ...
A: A number of states are looking at this because the European Union passed an agreement in 2003/4 to ...
|
| Wisconsin cremation questions | 11/20/2008 |
Q: Is it possible to have teeth (with amalgam fillings) removed after death and disposed of prior to ...
A: The funeral industry is discussing this issue. A lot of funeral directors are hesitant. And rigor ...
|
| Father died in Florida | 11/20/2008 |
Q: My father died in Florida while I was out of town on a cruise. They called me on the ship to tell ...
A: Do you have any objection to the cremation? Do you have any reason not to honor your father's ...
|
| Florida Burial Laws | 11/19/2008 |
Q: If one of us dies at home of old age or some kind of illness, can we just bury the person? Can that ...
A: No, you do not need a funeral. You can bury or scatter cremated remains anywhere. If you are ...
|
| embalming and home wake service | 11/19/2008 |
Q: In the state of Kentucky is it legal to not embalm the body and keep them at home for a viewing/wake ...
A: KY has no embalming requirements at all. And, yes, a home funeral is permitted. You don't need a ...
|
| Cremation Laws in FL | 11/17/2008 |
Q: Carlson, My grandmother recently passed in Tampa, FL. The funeral home that is supposed to be doing ...
A: If your grandmother prepaid for her cremation or had in writing that that's what she wanted, Florida ...
|
| Florida pre-paid refund | 11/16/2008 |
Q: My elderly parents lived in Florida until five years ago. While there, they pre-paid their funerals ...
A: Florida laws are DREADFUL. You would be lucky to get 40% of the funeral refunded and nothing for the ...
|
| death certificate | 11/16/2008 |
Q: My life partner(domestic partner)of 6 years passed away on August 11, 2008 in Missouri. He was not ...
A: Unfortunately, the national death certificate standard treats separated as still married. In that ...
|
| Cremated remains in Maryland | 11/14/2008 |
Q: My mother is buried in one of the local cemetaries. My sister just died and is being cremated. Can ...
A: NOT illegal to scatter in any state, with landowner's permission. NOT an environmental hazard at ...
|
| Cremated remains in Maryland | 11/14/2008 |
Q: My mother is buried in one of the local cemetaries. My sister just died and is being cremated. Can ...
A: The cemetery is likely to want to charge you for a "second right of interment." So my typical answer ...
|
| Organ donation/science donation and funeral costs | 11/13/2008 |
Q: I read another posting about organ donation and saw that you mentioned that if the body was donated ...
A: I researched the med school requirements, so checking my book or checking directly with the nearest ...
|
| Organ donation/science donation and funeral costs | 11/12/2008 |
Q: I read another posting about organ donation and saw that you mentioned that if the body was donated ...
A: Only about three percent of deaths are suitable for organ donation--heart, lung, etc.--as you have ...
|
| home burial | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I own 10 acres in Bucks County PA, Bedminster Twp. I'm a moderately healthy 56 year old male and ...
A: If you're reasonably sure that you're not likely to move elsewhere before you die (or are willing to ...
|
| Daughter's death certificate | 11/9/2008 |
Q: My daughter died from diabetes November 6, 2008 in Oklahoma. I am told by the Medical Examiners ...
A: They may be doing various tests to see if there could be other causes. And they may be backed up. ...
|
| Disinterment & Transportation | 11/9/2008 |
Q: My father's remains are buried in FL. Our mother passed away recently and is buried in MD. We ...
A: Unless your father left specific written wishes, your mother's statement should be sufficient. Check ...
|
| Transport accross state lines for research | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I am coordinating a medical research project involving the donation of organs after death. For many ...
A: Only two states require embalming when crossing state lines--when shipping from NJ and AL. The law ...
|
| from grave to cremation | 11/5/2008 |
Q: My father was buried in PA 34 years ago. My mother died 2 months ago and was cremated. Is it ...
A: Check with the cemetery in PA to see if you need a disinterment order from the Probate Court. You ...
|
| Mo burial | 11/4/2008 |
Q: In Missouri is it legal to be buried on your own property without being embalmed or having to go to ...
A: Yes, if you are in a rural area. My book, "Caring for the Dead," is now out of print, but if you ...
|
| disinternment and transport | 11/3/2008 |
Q: my mom is buried in florida, my dad just recently passed and was buried in pa, we want to have my ...
A: The cemetery is likely to refuse an outside company to do the disinterment, for "liability" reasons ...
|
| Transporting a deceased person from one state to another | 11/3/2008 |
Q: My mother lives in Seattle Washington. She wants to be buried here in Missouri when she dies. What ...
A: If you are doing the transporting, you will need to file the death certificate and get the burial ...
|
| vaults, liners, cement vaults | 11/1/2008 |
Q: Lisa, From Iowa, again. I've discovered out how to personally obtain many funerary items myself ...
A: Most vault dealers will NOT sell directly to the public. One midwest farmer discovered that a ...
|
| headstones | 10/31/2008 |
Q: My mom passed away in March.The cemetery showed us in the paperwork of the plot owners (3 of our ...
A: What a mess!I think most cemeteries let the lot-owners call the shots. How too bad the cousins are ...
|
| Cremation laws in Alabama | 10/30/2008 |
Q: My brother recently died and his wife had him cremated and was told that she could not have his ...
A: I suggested one possibility, if the crematory is some distance away. If the funeral home doesn't ...
|
| Home/Farm burial in Henry county KY | 10/28/2008 |
Q: I am interested in knowing how to establish a family burial plot on my 15 acre farm in Henry Co., ...
A: The laws are silent on family cemeteries, so you should have no problem. Draw a map of the land ...
|
| natural burial | 10/28/2008 |
Q: Is it legal in California? If yes, how do we find a local organization? Thanks for your attention.
A: Yes. You can check the website of the Green Burial Council, but you should also check with a few ...
|
| natural burial in PA | 10/26/2008 |
Q: i don't want to be embalmed or cremated. the FD who handled my father's arrangements said that in ...
A: If you own rural land in PA, you could be buried on your own land. Check with any of the local ...
|
| logistics and cost of natural burial | 10/25/2008 |
Q: I love the idea of going directly into the ground when I die. But I live in Salt Lake City and ...
A: Check with any of the existing cemeteries to see if they are setting aside areas for green burials. ...
|
| California Stillborn Laws | 10/22/2008 |
Q: I was wondering what the laws are in California regarding a stillborn's remains. The children would ...
A: I am guessing that there are various policies from one hospital to the next. You should also know ...
|
| cemetery plot ownership | 10/21/2008 |
Q: First, thanks so much for your service. My dad bought a cemetary plot in the 1930s in Pennsylvania. ...
A: It sounds very tacky, indeed. Who owns the cemetery? Can they help you out with insisting the heart ...
|
| Selling Burial Plots | 10/21/2008 |
Q: Can you recommend an honest website that I could use to sell burial plots?
A: No. If they want front money to list the plot, don't do it. It's VERY hard to sell unwanted plots. ...
|
| Purchase of Headstone | 10/20/2008 |
Q: My nephew died in Dec of 2007. His father purchased the burial plot without my sister (nephews ...
A: A couple of questions-- How old was the nephew when he died? Who was the last custodial parent if ...
|
| rate of decomposition | 10/20/2008 |
Q: My cousin was a very bad diabetic and he passed away 4 months ago. He was buried without a vault ...
A: It's very difficult to predict how fast or slow decomposition might take. Temperature will have ...
|
| graveyard on your own land | 10/17/2008 |
Q: I live in Louisiana and was also thinking about being buried on my land. Can you tell me the laws ...
A: Burial in Louisiana must be in a duly authorized cemetery. Home burial would probably be permissible ...
|
| sharing ashes | 10/17/2008 |
Q: My ex-wife will not share our 22 year old daughter, Christina's ashes.I have been waiting for more ...
A: You don't need a lawyer to go to Probate Court. That's one of the great advantages of cremation, ...
|
| Green Cemeteries in Iowa | 10/17/2008 |
Q: I am working to add a "green" section to our cemetery here in Grinnell, Iowa. The local funeral ...
A: Byron, Are you the casket maker? Sent me your direct e-mail for the Iowa chapter. My e-mail is ...
|
| Claiming the body | 10/17/2008 |
Q: What procedure and documents, if any, are needed in order for a relative to claim the body of the ...
A: In what state? There are 7 states where you must use a funeral director. In some states, a body may ...
|
| natural burial in Iowa | 10/15/2008 |
Q: Can you please direct me to the laws on natural burials on personal/private property in Iowa, US? ...
A: The Iowa laws are silent on this issue. If you are in a rural area, draw a map of your land showing ...
|
| Cemetery Plots | 10/13/2008 |
Q: If someone buys and gives you a cemetery plot years ago with the intention that they want you to be ...
A: In the first question you sent me I think you said there was a name on the plot for the person your ...
|
| Cemetery Plots | 10/13/2008 |
Q: If someone buys and gives you a cemetery plot years ago with the intention that they want you to be ...
A: Has someone else been buried in the plot yet? If so, it may be hard to get that person moved. The ...
|
| green cemeteries | 10/12/2008 |
Q: From Iowa...please advise re. the availability of any green cemeteries. How does one start a green ...
A: Doesn't surprise me, this "green washing" just to catch a fad. Did you also notice that as a result ...
|
| green cemeteries | 10/12/2008 |
Q: From Iowa...please advise re. the availability of any green cemeteries. How does one start a green ...
A: Talk to Dennis Britson in the Dept. of Insurance which regulates some cemeteries. You can tell him ...
|
| Funeral Requirements for Stillborn in Ohio | 10/10/2008 |
Q: Are there any laws regarding the disposition of a stillborn in the state of Ohio? My girlfriend was ...
A: There will be a stillbirth certificate of death for that triplet. It is possible the hospital might ...
|
| burial at home | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I saw an answer you gave to an Ohio women (dated Nov. 06) in which you said there were no laws ...
A: In CA, one has to be buried in an "established" cemetery, but towns have jurisdiction over ...
|
| legal requirements to care for dead | 10/8/2008 |
Q: What are the legally required steps to care for our parents at home upon their death? (we reside in ...
A: You should be able to get my book "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love" from the library ...
|
| death of sister | 10/7/2008 |
Q: My sister died in Florida last week. She left no will but expressed her desire to be cremated. Our ...
A: Find another funeral home ASAP! It sounds like one owned by a major Wall St. corporation. Where in ...
|
| Rights to cremains | 10/7/2008 |
Q: Who has legal rights to my father's ashes - his(unregistered domestic partner) or his children? No ...
A: Ask to see the law. Did the domestic partner pay for the cremation? That might have complicated ...
|
| Death Certificate | 10/7/2008 |
Q: I am having a problem getting my father's death certificate. He died in his sleep at a Des Moines, ...
A: File a complaint with the state Dept. of Health, Vital Statistics division. The death certificate ...
|
| home funeral helper | 10/6/2008 |
Q: I am looking into the possibility of becoming a Home Funeral Helper in California. Ive read your ...
A: You can sell caskets and urns with no problem, but you might not want to rush into business, as it's ...
|
| Starting a Family Cemetery | 10/4/2008 |
Q: We want to create a family cemetery on our property in Pennsylvania. We are having a hard time ...
A: Hand-drawn should be fine. And certainly any identifying text will be helpful. P.S. Most people ...
|
| disinterment and reburial | 10/2/2008 |
Q: My mother wants to move the remains of her 2-year-old daughter from a cemetery in San Miguel ...
A: I have NO ideas what the laws are in Mexico. If the area where the child was buried is very arid, ...
|
| Burial on private land | 10/1/2008 |
Q: We own and live on 80 acres in Oklahoma. Can we be buried on our own land?
A: Yes, you should have no problem as there are no OK laws one way or the other. A good guideline is ...
|
| body transport business | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I work in the medical field full time and someone approached me last week about starting a local ...
A: This is governed on the state level, not federal. A few states license body transporters--VA and FL ...
|
| PRIVATE PROPERTY BURIAL | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I LIVE IN MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE 40 ACRES. COULD WE BE BURRIED ON OUR OWN ...
A: Yes, Michigan has an excellent home burial statute. A family graveyard under one acre and outside ...
|
| Starting A Cemetery | 9/25/2008 |
Q: very helpful! How much land do I need to have in Rual Clark CO.Mississippi to open a Cemetery for ...
A: I would start with the local zoning administrator if there is one. Or the local Health Department. ...
|
| Transporting body from Texas to Alabama | 9/25/2008 |
Q: My dad is in the last stages of cancer and doesn't have long to live. He will have a funeral ...
A: You can transport the body yourself. Alabama expects the body to have been embalmed. You may need a ...
|
| Moving My Sister to NY from CO | 9/24/2008 |
Q: My sister has been buried in Colorado since 1983. My entire family has been living in NY for the ...
A: Cremation sounds like the most reasonable and affordable option all around. The casket has likely ...
|
| transport body to another state | 9/24/2008 |
Q: My mother lives in CA & wants to be buried in TX. I can't find any info on transportation options ...
A: Will you want to transport the body yourself or hire a funeral director? If you are hiring a funeral ...
|
| Funeral Arrangements | 9/24/2008 |
Q: Recently our step-father passed away. He and my mother had purchased a $10,000.00 life insurance ...
A: It would seem to me that the fairest solution would be to have your mother write a will--you can ...
|
| Moving my brothers remains | 9/23/2008 |
Q: Do you know how much it cost, or how do my family go about getting the remains of my older brother ...
A: Should be no problem at all. I'm assuming your brother had no wife and that his parents or siblings ...
|
| tombstone and burial plot ownership | 9/22/2008 |
Q: In 1944 Chester Kline purchased a 6 plots in a row gravesite in Pa. His 11yr old daughter was buried ...
A: I would think you'd have the right to restore the tombstone. I believe you would need to go to ...
|
| Moving my brothers remains | 9/22/2008 |
Q: Do you know how much it cost, or how do my family go about getting the remains of my older brother ...
A: It will probably cost $7,000 or more. You'll likely need a new casket if it was a body burial not ...
|
| Next of kin responsibility overseas. | 9/21/2008 |
Q: The Father of a friend of mine--Maureen--died recently in the United States. He had moved here ...
A: Tell Maureen not to worry. Regardless of whomever wrote her, she has no obligation whatsoever if she ...
|
| Moving a body | 9/20/2008 |
Q: Several years ago my wife and I had a baby that lived for only a few minutes. We do not like the ...
A: Here are the laws. It's pretty straight-forward, and you shouldn't have any problem. The cemetery ...
|
| burial lots | 9/18/2008 |
Q: 39 years ago my mother died suddenly at 47 yrs old. A little over a year later my dad remarried to ...
A: You might tell your dad that if he is unwilling to give or sell you the third lot now that you will ...
|
| Starting A Cemetery | 9/17/2008 |
Q: I need to know how to start a cemetery in rural Clark Co. Mississippi.I already have the land to do ...
A: No state agency regulates cemeteries in MS. You'll have to see if there are any local zoning laws. ...
|
| Ohio Laws on Open/Closed Casket Viewing | 9/16/2008 |
Q: My 16 year old nephew was killed in a car accident 9/8/08, with the funeral home visitation on ...
A: I know of NO state that gives any funeral director higher rights than the next-of-kin! Yes, a ...
|
| private property burial in KY | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I live in a rural area of KY.( Nicholas County community of Headquarters ) My neighbors are in the ...
A: Most states have few laws on cemeteries, private or otherwise. You might contact the Health Dept. A ...
|
| FInding out what burial is allowed | 9/11/2008 |
Q: Lisa: We have plots in a cemetery that is very much in the country. It is somewhere around Eldred ...
A: Skip the IFDA. They'll give you canned information that favors the industry profits. Check out ...
|
| Friendly Funeral | 9/11/2008 |
Q: I used to work with SCI here in Redding Ca. After working for them I am hoping to start my own ...
A: Are you a licensed FD? If so, you shouldn't have any problem. You say you want to start your own ...
|
| cremated remains to Ireland | 9/11/2008 |
Q: I am the executor of an estate in which the deceased wished to have the ashes placed in Ireland. ...
A: I would think carrying them to Ireland the surest way to get there safely. Just make sure they're in ...
|
| do I need a funeral home | 9/9/2008 |
Q: I am taking care of my cancer ridden mother and she has no money. She doesn't want a funeral. Do I ...
A: You can file the death certificate and get the Final Report for Disposition and cremation permit and ...
|
| Who pays for cremation or burial | 9/8/2008 |
Q: My father was recently diagnosed with heart problems. He has no life insurance. If he dies who pays ...
A: From what you're telling me, you could probably duck any responsibility and the state or county ...
|
| Who pays for cremation or burial | 9/8/2008 |
Q: My father was recently diagnosed with heart problems. He has no life insurance. If he dies who pays ...
A: There are only a few states that require next of kin to pay for funeral expenses. I don't think NJ ...
|
| home vigil | 9/8/2008 |
Q: I heard that there was a law in Colorado that allowed for a home vigil of the body for three days ...
A: If disposition has not occurred within 24 hours, the body must be embalmed or refrigerated. Dry ice ...
|
| Green Burial in Michigan | 9/6/2008 |
Q: I am interested in starting a Green Burial business in the state of Michigan. I do not know where ...
A: The Cemetery Commission in the Dept. of Licensing governs for-profit cemeteries and crematories. ...
|
| Ashes | 9/5/2008 |
Q: In Texas can we bury the ashes of my parents on our own land? We want to place a marker (head stone. ...
A: You may bury cremated remains anywhere in all states, with the land-owner's permission. Yes, you may ...
|
| burial | 9/4/2008 |
Q: Do we need to use a funeral home and can my Dad be buried on our land in Texas? If so what are the ...
A: No you do not need a funeral home in TX. E-mail me directly and I'll send you a copy of the TX ...
|
| Transporting body | 9/4/2008 |
Q: It is legal to transport my Dad from Texas to New Mexico for burial? If so, what permits do I need? ...
A: Yes. The death certificate needs to be filed in TX first with the local health department which will ...
|
| Cremation Urns | 9/4/2008 |
Q: My Mother asked to be cremated however, when we approached the funeral director for a display of the ...
A: Obviously, your funeral director was trying to dissuade folks from that choice. Smart funeral ...
|
| body-shipping service | 9/3/2008 |
Q: Why do body-shipping services have ads they say "professional trade only" or equivalent. This is ...
A: Ooops! I typed too fast. Sorry about that. CT, IN, LA, MI, NE, NY, UT all require some involvement ...
|
| body-shipping service | 9/3/2008 |
Q: Why do body-shipping services have ads they say "professional trade only" or equivalent. This is ...
A: Body shipping services pay WAAAY below the retail rate for the services they need like embalming. ...
|
| FInding out what burial is allowed | 9/2/2008 |
Q: Lisa: We have plots in a cemetery that is very much in the country. It is somewhere around Eldred ...
A: In all states, cemeteries are pretty much allowed to make up their own rules. Is your cemetery a ...
|
| Burying Cremated Remains In MD | 9/1/2008 |
Q: My Step-Dad just passed away and wanted to be buried on my land. I live on 5 acres in rural Carroll ...
A: You can bury cremated remains anywhere in any state, with the land-owner's permission. No other ...
|
| abandoned cemetary | 9/1/2008 |
Q: We are thinking about buying a piece of property. It has an abandoned cemetery on it. (cemetery is ...
A: Personally, I think it is a terrible idea to move old cemeteries. They are a wonderful and often ...
|
| Funeral visitation | 8/28/2008 |
Q: A friend of mine passed away on 8/24/08 and the sister of the deseased would not let the step ...
A: If a visitation is announced to the public, in the newspaper, then anyone can attend. In some ...
|
| bringing body back to Indiana from Texas | 8/26/2008 |
Q: My Nephew passed away at MD Anderson Hospital of Cancer. He lived in Indiana prior to going into ...
A: There are a LOT of variables. If there are no services planned in TX, then it will be cheaper to ...
|
| Rights of ownership concerning Family Plot | 8/25/2008 |
Q: My brother who was only 39 passed away suddenly 15 years ago and a 15 space family plot was ...
A: Was your mother the custodial parent for your brother or was he already an adult when they divorced? ...
|
| Exhuming and Cremation | 8/25/2008 |
Q: My sister was killed in 1976 and buried in Oregon. None of our family live down there anymore and ...
A: Is there any reason why both parents wouldn't agree to the move? Will the cemetery buy the plots ...
|
| Rights of ownership concerning Family Plot | 8/25/2008 |
Q: My brother who was only 39 passed away suddenly 15 years ago and a 15 space family plot was ...
A: See if the cemetery has a form for "transfer of ownership." If so, get your dad to sign that for ...
|
| transport cremated remains to Mexico | 8/24/2008 |
Q: My friend had a visa from Veracruz, Mexico and was in the US working and had an accident. He was ...
A: Make sure the cremated remains are NOT in a metal container, as the box has to go through x-ray. ...
|
| Rights of ownership concerning Family Plot | 8/24/2008 |
Q: My brother who was only 39 passed away suddenly 15 years ago and a 15 space family plot was ...
A: You say that your father AND your mother purchased the 15 plots. Call or go to the cemetery and see ...
|
| Georgia Cemeteries | 8/22/2008 |
Q: If an individual person owns a private cemetery that is still an active cemetery (it is not a ...
A: This sounds like such a specialized situation that I would go to the Secretary of State's office and ...
|
| transporting a deceased relative | 8/21/2008 |
Q: We have lost our mother recently and want to know the process of transporting her embalmed body from ...
A: The funeral home in MO should have all the permits if they knew that burial in AR was planned. ...
|
| Disinterment | 8/20/2008 |
Q: I’m hoping you can help or point me in the right direction. In 2004 my brother passed away, was ...
A: I'm guessing that once buried there is little inclination to see a person moved, even though it was ...
|
| Cemetery Neglect | 8/20/2008 |
Q: My Mother was buried 3/10/07. My Father & her stone was moved for the burial. In May of 08 I went to ...
A: Alas, the Real Estate Board regulates for-profit cemeteries in PA, but they do diddley squat. If you ...
|
| home burial in Florida | 8/19/2008 |
Q: We are unable to find info regarding home burials (or burials on personal property) in Florida. Can ...
A: A good guideline is 150 ft. from a water supply and 25 ft. from a power line or neighbor's boundary. ...
|
| cemetery | 8/19/2008 |
Q: Can you tell me how find out if you can start a family cemetary in Hill County Texas (on rural ...
A: Draw a map of the land and pay to have it recorded with the deed. A good practice is 150 ft. from a ...
|
| do I need a coffin at all? | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I want to be natural worm food when I die, and I wonder why I need a coffin at all. (I know it's ...
A: Then you must be interested in what's called "green" burial, a growing movement that I totally ...
|
| Wisconsin Law | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I am researching what it takes to open my own conservation cemetery in Wisconsin. Do you have any ...
A: Cemeteries in WI are regulated by the Dept. of Regulation and Licensing. They may have a hard time ...
|
| disinter a body | 8/15/2008 |
Q: My mother passed away in 2001. She is buried in California. My brother lives in Oregon while I live ...
A: In CA, the written wishes of the deceased will prevail. Did your mother have any such written ...
|
| Private burial in SC | 8/15/2008 |
Q: My father thinks he wants to be buried on his own land in SC. What hoops do we have to jump through ...
A: The state laws are silent on this, so if the land is in a rural area, draw a map of the land showing ...
|
| Planning for a mothers Passing | 8/14/2008 |
Q: My mother is in China I am a US Citizen and she is Chinese Citizen. She is 97 and her health is ...
A: Bringing cremated remains should not be at all difficult. I have no idea about shipping a body. I ...
|
| home burial | 8/14/2008 |
Q: my friend is planning her estate she would like to be buried on her land in upstate NY do you know ...
A: My direct e-mail is lisa@funeralethics.org My book is now out of print while I work on a new ...
|
| Family Jewlery | 8/14/2008 |
Q: My friends mother passed a couple of month ago. Her much younger sister has taken it upon herself ...
A: If the daughters are both adults, they would have equal rights. Send them to the bathroom and tell ...
|
| home burial | 8/14/2008 |
Q: my friend is planning her estate she would like to be buried on her land in upstate NY do you know ...
A: Yes, it's possible assuming her land is rural, but, alas, she will still need a funeral director to ...
|
| church cemetery | 8/10/2008 |
Q: ARE THER ANY LAWS IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA CONSERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHURCH CEMETERY
A: No. You should have no trouble setting up a church cemetery. You'll have to deal with local zoning ...
|
| body transport | 8/8/2008 |
Q: I'm interested in future transport of my relative's dead body (currently on hospice re: cancer)from ...
A: Once you have the death certificate you can get an out-of-state-disposition permit from Vital ...
|
| Visitation rights | 8/7/2008 |
Q: In Georgia My GGGG Grand Uncle is buried on private property. His headstone was removed by persons ...
A: From the search I just did, GA law does not seem to be a specific as other states about access. ...
|
| Death Certificate | 8/6/2008 |
Q: My live in boyfriend of 12 yrs died unexpectedly. His ex-wife, sister & two adult sons came out of ...
A: You can get a death certificate from the Health Dept. and/or the city in which he died. There is ...
|
| Florida authorization for cremation | 8/5/2008 |
Q: My father is in final week of life. He and my mother (deceased) purchased preneed cremation ...
A: I'll have to go looking for the exact statute, but according to Florida law, the written wishes of ...
|
| Funeral Expenses | 8/5/2008 |
Q: My mom passed away in March of this year. My dad had a small life insurance policy on her but it was ...
A: If it was funeral insurance, not life insurance, I think that might be true. But it sounds as if it ...
|
| Green Burials | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I want all the info I can get on having a "green" burial in Alabama. If I have a place to be buried ...
A: Green burials are really very simple--no embalming, no metal casket, no vault. One can be buried in ...
|
| gravemarker requirements | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I live in California. My Grandmother, who has been dead for 15 years, still does not have a grave ...
A: Yes, the cemetery has to accept outside markers, and any setting or inspection fee must be ...
|
| Wall built around grave site | 7/30/2008 |
Q: My great grandfather was buried in Wilson, NC on a piece of plot that is now private property to ...
A: Here is the law. Show it to them and see if something can be worked out. Otherwise, go ahead to ...
|
| Caskets | 7/26/2008 |
Q: I have just started a new company in Asheville NC- I am making 100% biodegradable nontoxic caskets ...
A: Contact the local Funeral Consumers Alliance for one sympathetic group. Most are more interested in ...
|
| Burial | 7/26/2008 |
Q: In Ohio, can a person be buried on his own propert if there is not an established family cemetery?
A: Yes, if you're in a rural area. Draw a map of the land showing where the family cemetery will be and ...
|
| Double Interment | 7/26/2008 |
Q: My dad passed away and was buried here in NC in 2000. My family and I often visited the grave at ...
A: I'd get a lawyer to write the cemetery to remove the other person. You could try a letter on your ...
|
| What do I go from here? | 7/24/2008 |
Q: First and foremost I am so happy to have come across this site. I really need some help (aka ...
A: As a veteran, I hope you know your father was entitled to a free burial plot in a VA cemetery along ...
|
| burial costs responsibility | 7/21/2008 |
Q: who is responsible for burial costs, family or spouse state of louisiana?
A: The spouse has the right to determine funeral plans. If he/she fails to do so or can't afford to do ...
|
| Green Burial | 7/21/2008 |
Q: I'm really interested in 'green burial.' What would an individual have to do to get into that line ...
A: Your first hurdle will be with the local zoning folks and the cost of land acquisition. There do not ...
|
| Rights to ashes in Kansas | 7/20/2008 |
Q: My sister inlaw has left the ashes at the funeral home. Does the father,brother or his kids have the ...
A: A spouse has the legal right to decide the funeral disposition. I'm assuming she also was the one to ...
|
| Embalming | 7/20/2008 |
Q: In which states, if any, is embalming required by law? Is embalming required if the body is ...
A: That is total BULL-HOCKEY! Is there some funeral director telling you this stuff? If so, he/she ...
|
| Cemetary accidently sold plot and used it | 7/18/2008 |
Q: A Cemetary here in NJ has buried and I am guessing also double dipped selling the plot next to my ...
A: Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Who owns the cemetery? Sometimes the folks who run ...
|
| Sister near death has questions about transporting body across state lines | 7/18/2008 |
Q: My sister has terminal pancreatic cancer and lives in Ohio. She has made no funeral arrangements to ...
A: It will be least cumbersome to have her cremated in Ohio. Then take her cremated remains to KY. Any ...
|
| several problems with grandma funeral | 7/18/2008 |
Q: i had a few questions. My grandmother passed away this week and we have had a ton of issues and ...
A: The adult children are the legal next-of-kin, so the funeral home was at fault for doing anything ...
|
| vault | 7/18/2008 |
Q: is it a law in the state of maine to have to buy a vault? ty you judy
A: No, it is not a law in ANY state. That said, many cemeteries require one to keep the earth from ...
|
| Cemetary accidently sold plot and used it | 7/17/2008 |
Q: A Cemetary here in NJ has buried and I am guessing also double dipped selling the plot next to my ...
A: The cemetery certainly has to correct the situation, as it was their mistake. Is there another plot ...
|
| cemetery spaces | 7/13/2008 |
Q: i see on ebay, people selling spaces at a profit, i thought that was against the law. was told you ...
A: I doubt if people are actually selling them, as fewer and fewer are wanted now that cremation and ...
|
| Rights to cremated remains | 7/13/2008 |
Q: My step-daughter (14 years old) would like to have 1/3 of her mother's remains (she has two ...
A: As a minor, the children have no rights. How too bad if the grandmother won't cooperate. There is ...
|
| Remains from Germany to U.S. | 7/13/2008 |
Q: My grandfather was buried in Munich, Germany in 1955. We would like to transport his remains to be ...
A: The body and the casket have likely disintegrated to a very large degree, so exhumation is likely to ...
|
| Casket | 7/13/2008 |
Q: I already own a plot but I do not want my children to spend money on a casket. I want to be view and ...
A: Check with Crestwood Memorial Chapel. They used to be on Spring St. in Manhattan but they've moved ...
|
| Cremation | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I am considering being cremated and wonder what the state law requires. I specifically do not wanted ...
A: In what state? Near what large city? What you're describing is called a "Direct Cremation with a ...
|
| cremation | 7/10/2008 |
Q: Dad died 94 Mom 08. I(daughter) have disposition rights of both.Dad is in memorial park and director ...
A: I have quite a few questions: * Were both cremated? * If so, where are your mother's cremated ...
|
| Setting up a private cemetery | 7/10/2008 |
Q: My husband wants to be buried on our property deep in a cave in Minnesota. What is the best way to ...
A: I suspect if you didn't mention the cave when drawing the map, you could go ahead and set up the ...
|
| Setting up a private cemetery | 7/10/2008 |
Q: My husband wants to be buried on our property deep in a cave in Minnesota. What is the best way to ...
A: Families cemeteries are permitted in MN. The land must be surveyed and a plat recorded with the ...
|
| Preparation and Transportation | 7/8/2008 |
Q: Lisa, We tried to find your book at the local library, but no luck. In the not too distant future, ...
A: Give me your e-mail and I'll send you the old GA chapter in a pdf file. My direct e-mail is ...
|
| Moving a cemetery | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I have purchased an 800 acre tract to develop and there is a small cemetery on one of the corners. ...
A: In what state? Even if the laws permit it, please don't! You will rile the natives something fierce, ...
|
| Multiple burials in California | 7/8/2008 |
Q: Carlson, I read your answer that multiple cremations can be laid to rest in one plot in Alabama. ...
A: The cemetery regulations, not state law, are the controlling factors in any cemetery in any state. ...
|
| Establishing Family Cemetery in TN | 7/7/2008 |
Q: My parents own 19 acres in Hardin County, Tennessee, and want to establish a family cemetery on part ...
A: Family burial grounds are permitted in TN. Draw a map of the land showing where the graveyard will ...
|
| questions about a "green burial" | 7/5/2008 |
Q: I am soon to be making out my last will and testament so in case my family members need my last ...
A: There are some folks in northern CA trying to set up a green burial ground, I believe. A for-profit ...
|
| Burying cremated remains in an existing gravesite | 7/5/2008 |
Q: My father is buried in a small cemetary in Miflin Alabama, Lay Cemetary in Baldwin County. My ...
A: Yes, that is perfectly legal and often done. If it's a for-profit cemetery, they will likely want to ...
|
| several questions | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I have several questions, and if you can give me legal backing for them, I will be glad to pay for ...
A: Here is the GA statute on disinterments-- *** Current through the 2007 Regular Session *** TITLE ...
|
| changing Indiana law | 7/2/2008 |
Q: How would one go about getting the burial law in Indiana changed, which as you mentioned, is one of ...
A: Josh Slocum in the national office of the Funeral Consumers Alliance may have some contacts of ...
|
| Burying a loved one without | 7/1/2008 |
Q: Lisa, My cousin left her husband because he wasn't caring well for her triplets and two other ...
A: The only requirement for using a funeral director in MI is for filing the death certificate. That ...
|
| Burying a loved one without "assistance" | 6/30/2008 |
Q: Lisa, My cousin left her husband because he wasn't caring well for her triplets and two other ...
A: She is not obligated to pay for anything, especially as an estranged spouse. I'm not sure who would ...
|
| creating a church burial plot in North Carolina | 6/30/2008 |
Q: Lisa - I started to look up the answer in the list of questions and answers but WOW! there are so ...
A: Sandy, My book is now out of print, and I'm working on a new edition. I can e-mail you the NC ...
|
| rural burial | 6/29/2008 |
Q: my daughter recently passed away and my wife and I woukld like to bury her on our property in rural ...
A: Burial in CA must be in an "established" cemetery. Talk to your local zoning officials about ...
|
| moving a gravesite | 6/29/2008 |
Q: I have an infant son buried in a cemetary in FL. If I move to VA I want to have his body moved to a ...
A: You can transport the body yourself. The FL cemetery may not know you have that right. They may make ...
|
| Burial on private property in GA | 6/29/2008 |
Q: Do the laws in GA (Carroll County) permit burial on private property? I have 22 acres, zoned ...
A: The laws in GA don't address this. So . . . draw a map of the land showing where the family burial ...
|
| burial laws Washington State | 6/27/2008 |
Q: May I bury my husband on on 135 acre property-wash him myself and have our boys build a casket? ...
A: No, cremation must be in a licensed crematory in WA. Not a very efficient method, either. We had one ...
|
| burial laws Washington State | 6/26/2008 |
Q: May I bury my husband on on 135 acre property-wash him myself and have our boys build a casket? ...
A: Burial in WA must be in an established cemetery. Talk with your local town about setting up a family ...
|
| who is the legal next of kin | 6/26/2008 |
Q: Who would be the legal next of kin, my son's father is in the last stages of a neurological disease. ...
A: The parents would be the legal next-of-kin. I presume your son has been visiting his father during ...
|
| embalming viewing | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I have noticed that you never see a body embalmed on TV or something else like youtube. Is there ...
A: It's an invasion of privacy issue, for one. And it's a VERY unpleasant process, quite barbaric. If ...
|
| strangers cremation remains in our plot by mistake | 6/24/2008 |
Q: My immediate family (father, mother, brother & me) have marked plots in a very old (19th century) ...
A: Since the funeral home made the mistake, it's up to the funeral home to correct it, at no cost to ...
|
| cremation | 6/23/2008 |
Q: My friend has given me power of attorney over his end-of-life decisions and has designated me as his ...
A: Alas, MI law allows one to put one's wishes in a will but also allows next-of-kin to over-ride those ...
|
| Burial verse wishes of cremation | 6/23/2008 |
Q: My daughters friends who was 18 committed suicide. He left a note giving specific instructions that ...
A: In what state? Some states have laws that the written wishes of the deceased must prevail, tho' at ...
|
| private cemetery | 6/22/2008 |
Q: We live in Michigan on a 60 acre farm and would like to establish a private cemetery. We are ...
A: Michigan has excellent home burial statutes. Family graveyards under one acre and outside the city ...
|
| interment rights | 6/19/2008 |
Q: Eight years ago we purchased monument 15- 4, 5, 6. (I understood them to be plots) The contract ...
A: This sounds like a for-profit cemetery. Makes my blood boil when they pull this stuff. My typical ...
|
| Family Cemetery | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I have about 4 acres in Ohio that I now live on, I would like to convert it to a family cemetery, ...
A: How do your kids feel about this idea? In my family, we're in far-flung states. My father died in ...
|
| Family Cemetery | 6/17/2008 |
Q: I have about 4 acres in Ohio that I now live on, I would like to convert it to a family cemetery, ...
A: I am assuming you'd like to dedicate a small portion of your 4 acres for a family cemetery, as four ...
|
| exhuming my brother's body | 6/17/2008 |
Q: My brother was killed in an accident eighteen years ago. He was married at the time of his death to ...
A: You don't need a lawyer to go to probate court. I would start with the court in Macon and get their ...
|
| exhuming my brother's body | 6/16/2008 |
Q: My brother was killed in an accident eighteen years ago. He was married at the time of his death to ...
A: I believe she is still the legal-next-of-kin. Is she unwilling for you to move his body? You could ...
|
| green burial protocol for NH | 6/13/2008 |
Q: I attended the Vt funeral alliance meeting last month. My mom is 89 and I am going to be caring for ...
A: Robin, My direct e-mail is lisa@funeralethics.org or phone at 802-482-3437. Because the laws in NH ...
|
| Cemetary Plot | 6/12/2008 |
Q: If you have a family member (in this case a baby) buried at a small cemetery that originally let you ...
A: Yes, cemeteries can make their own regulations. Many if not most will not permit anything other than ...
|
| Ownership of Burial Site | 6/10/2008 |
Q: My father purchased a plot in the early 70's and now does not want to use it. When we contacted the ...
A: Nothing in CA statutes requires you to sell the plot back to the cemetery. And, to my knowledge, ...
|
| Ownership of Burial Site | 6/10/2008 |
Q: My father purchased a plot in the early 70's and now does not want to use it. When we contacted the ...
A: In what state? That's true in Arkansas and NY (plus 4% per year interest for the increased value). ...
|
| Viking funerals | 6/10/2008 |
Q: Do you know of how to go about getting a Viking funeral arranged. I live in the northwest and would ...
A: In Washington state, all cremations must be done in a licensed crematory. You're not likely to get ...
|
| Right to ashes | 6/10/2008 |
Q: My brothe passed away in late March. In October 20007 he had a "commitment" ceremony with his ...
A: Who gave the ashes to the fiance? If the funeral home did, then your mother should demand that they ...
|
| exhuming my fathers body | 6/8/2008 |
Q: What do I do to exhume my dads body. To have a autopsy performed on him. My dads death is ...
A: Go to probate court. You do not need a lawyer. The more evidence you have to substantiate your ...
|
| legal right to authorize cremation | 6/6/2008 |
Q: I reside in the state of Florida fist off. My question is my godfather who has been a father to me ...
A: Fine to put his wishes in a will, but often the will is not available at the time the body is picked ...
|
| private family cemetary | 6/6/2008 |
Q: can we start a family cemetary on our 25 acre farm in lamar co georgia
A: The GA laws are mute on the subject and don't say one way or the other. My advice is to draw a map ...
|
| Private property Burial Wyoming | 6/5/2008 |
Q: I live in Laramie County, Wyoming. I have a property of about 6 acres and am not legally part of any ...
A: I don't have time right now to get out the laws for WY, but what I wrote in my book 10 years ago was ...
|
| legal right to authorize cremation | 6/5/2008 |
Q: I reside in the state of Florida fist off. My question is my godfather who has been a father to me ...
A: The state of Florida does not have a designated agent for body disposition law but it has laws that ...
|
| Easement in gross for cemetery access on private property | 6/3/2008 |
Q: A family cemetery where our ancestors are buried lies on private property. According to tax ...
A: I would speak with the current land-owner or has the land-owner not been cooperative? Typically, a ...
|
| Who has rights to moms remains | 6/2/2008 |
Q: My fiancee and I recently got the call from family in MA that his mother had a heart attack and was ...
A: Even though all siblings have equal rights (without written wishes of the deceased), the fact that ...
|
| who owns rights to burial plot | 5/28/2008 |
Q: My parents purchased their burial plot prior to their deaths. They were married 50 yrs when my ...
A: I think you have every right to have it removed, UNLESS the cemetery can show you something in ...
|
| Role of friend in deciding disposition when no next of kin available | 5/27/2008 |
Q: What is considered a reasonable attempt to locate next of kin when someone dies without a will and ...
A: Check on body donation to the state anatomy program. They would pay for cremation after study. Since ...
|
| headstone | 5/27/2008 |
Q: My mother passed and my other sibling decided to put a different name on her headstone which is not ...
A: Who paid for the plot where she is buried? Is her second husband still alive? If not, where is he ...
|
| Exhumation and Relocation | 5/26/2008 |
Q: My family is looking for information about exhuming and relocating a family member. She is currently ...
A: You can expect the cost to range from about $5,000 to $7,000. After any period of time, for example, ...
|
| headstone | 5/26/2008 |
Q: My mother passed and my other sibling decided to put a different name on her headstone which is not ...
A: Are there only the two of you? Were one of you estranged at all from your mother or were both of you ...
|
| lowering of casket in ground at funeral service | 5/23/2008 |
Q: Are there any state laws or individual funeral home/cemetery rules regarding allowing mourners at a ...
A: No, this is not covered in any state laws I've read. I certainly think a family has a right, ...
|
| moving cremated remains | 5/23/2008 |
Q: My son died last Dec and was cremated. We left part of his remains in Virginia and took the rest ...
A: I suspect you may need to go to probate court to get a disinterment order. You don't need a lawyer ...
|
| disinterring a body | 5/21/2008 |
Q: My father, a soldier, died when my mother was 8 months pregnant with me back in 1962. His brother ...
A: Is your mother still alive? She has priority in this decision. If not, then a probabate court would ...
|
| TRANSPORTING REMAINS STATE TO STATE | 5/19/2008 |
Q: DOES A BODY HAVE TO BE EMBALMED IF BEING TRANSPORTED FROM ONE MORTUARY TO ANOTHER FROM RENO TO LOS ...
A: Many airlines ask that a body be embalmed, although I believe Delta honors religious objections to ...
|
| cremation | 5/19/2008 |
Q: I have a brother in TX, I am his only left family member; he wants to send me his remains and I an ...
A: If your brother is a veteran, he is eligible for a free burial plot and marker in a VA cemetery. ...
|
| Dispute over Father's cremated remains | 5/16/2008 |
Q: My father died 2 years ago in KY. He was living next to my sister at the time. We have an older ...
A: If you can find the address of the probate court in the county where your sister is in KY, write to ...
|
| Transporting Body | 5/15/2008 |
Q: My father is close to dying and wondering what to do when the day comes. If he dies at home, is an ...
A: It sounds as if your father's death is an expected one. In which case, an autopsy will not be ...
|
| moving a headstone | 5/14/2008 |
Q: I am trying to move my mother-in-law from KY to OK. Her remains are inside the headstone. What do we ...
A: There is no reason you couldn't move her if you're physically able to do so. I wouldn't even mention ...
|
| Urn to Italy | 5/14/2008 |
Q: It was my grandmother's wish to have her ashes brought to Italy for burial. A family friend has ...
A: The urn will need to go through xray, so make sure the cremated remains aren't in a metal container. ...
|
| Reburial of Silent Film Star | 5/14/2008 |
Q: Some of his fans would like to see his remains interred in a more honored section of the same ...
A: I don't think so in California-- This applies to moving the remains out of the cemetery-- 7500. ...
|
| Wait time after death for cremation | 5/13/2008 |
Q: What is the wait time after death for cremation in West Virginia? Is there a site I could research ...
A: I have that information in each state chapter in my book, but not as a comparison of all states. ...
|
| Reburial of Silent Film Star | 5/13/2008 |
Q: Some of his fans would like to see his remains interred in a more honored section of the same ...
A: I would think there might be some distant relative somewhere who would agree. Then the funds to pay ...
|
| transporting a body from state to state | 5/12/2008 |
Q: My cousin died last Saturday in SC. He weighs over 700lbs and the funeral home is telling the family ...
A: Yes, this is allowed. But they could surely find someone to do the driving if the family didn't want ...
|
| Transporting across state lines | 5/9/2008 |
Q: My father was a trucker driver and died in an accident in Kansas. We are trying to bring his ...
A: I'm very sorry about your loss. No, he doesn't need to be embalmed to cross state lines. It may be ...
|
| exhumation | 5/8/2008 |
Q: My brother-in-law, who was only married to my sister for 6 months, has said if we do not give him a ...
A: Your brother-in-law certainly sounds like a controlling bastard. Yes, he has all the rights to do as ...
|
| PA laws in regard to burials | 5/6/2008 |
Q: My husband and I are caretakers for a small country cemetery in Pennsylvania. Many of the local ...
A: If you will e-mail me directly, I'll attach a copy of the PA chapter from my book with helpful ...
|
| cremation in Wisconsin | 5/5/2008 |
Q: My friends mother who recently passed away wanted to be cremated.The funeral director told them that ...
A: No such law. To misrepresent the law is a violation of the FTC Funeral Rule. This funeral home ...
|
| Cemetary wants to change plot | 5/2/2008 |
Q: The day after my dad was buried the cemetary rep stopped by and said they made a mistake and they ...
A: Since the cemetery made the mistake, they might have to deal with it. You should find out if someone ...
|
| Funeral Plot Right Dilemma | 5/1/2008 |
Q: I am asking if I have a way to go about claiming burial plots and if I am entitled to them. Here is ...
A: What are the chances cremation is an acceptable option for you and/or your kids? You can bury quite ...
|
| Transportation of cremated remains overseas | 5/1/2008 |
Q: My Mother passed away 11/17/07 (in Fort Worth Texas)and was cremated. Her final wishes were that ...
A: You shouldn't need any paperwork. If you are taking the cremated remains on a plane, make sure ...
|
| Moving my son's body from GA to NC | 4/30/2008 |
Q: My son was married and died four years ago and is buried in Georgia in a private cemetery. His wife ...
A: even if re-married, has the say-so. Will she cooperate? You may need to go to the probate court for ...
|
| learning the trade | 4/24/2008 |
Q: I would like to be in the Green Burial casket and advisory trade. Where do I begin? I don't want to ...
A: What on earth do you have in mind? Are you planning to sell "green" caskets? If so, you need to ...
|
| Private Cemetery | 4/22/2008 |
Q: Can I build a private cemetery on my 10 acre estate in Illinois? I don't want to bury underground. ...
A: Check with the local zoning re a private cemetery. No state law would forbid it. You may want to ...
|
| selling cemetery plots | 4/21/2008 |
Q: Lisa. Thanks for being available for questions; I appreciate any help you can give. My mother ...
A: Not sure about TX, but forbidding profiteering is typical in some states. Any idea why someone who ...
|
| SCI: Full cost recognition | 4/21/2008 |
Q: I'm researching corporate accounting systems that encourage environmental pollution. I've tried ...
A: Sara, nice to hear from you. My direct e-mail, by the way, is lisa@fuenralethics.org I'm guessing ...
|
| IL Law (case and statutory) regarding cemetery disinterment | 4/19/2008 |
Q: Can you direct me to case law as well as statutory law that governs cemeteries in Illinois and the ...
A: Here is the statutory citation: 410 ILCS 535/21 It really isn't hard at all to do the on-line ...
|
| legal cremation | 4/17/2008 |
Q: Our father passed away in texas i month ago. We were notified 19 days after hid death and after he ...
A: No, the step-son had NO legal right to authorize the cremation unless your dad had put him in charge ...
|
| home funeral and transportation of deceased | 4/15/2008 |
Q: We are a family from Iowa seeking information on having a home funeral for our Mother. Our family ...
A: I couldn't agree more with what Cynthia wrote. Go to the library and get my book, "Caring for the ...
|
| private/family cemetery | 4/15/2008 |
Q: Can you tell me what the laws are in Texas to being buried on your own property or setup of a family ...
A: There are no specific laws regarding this. Draw a map of your land and have it recorded with the ...
|
| Private arrangements for Mom's funeral | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I'm so happy to have found you through a google search! I've never seen this website before. My ...
A: Sue, Here is my direct e-mail-- lisa@funeralethics.org and my phone-- 802-482-3437 . . . if either ...
|
| burial on rural home property | 4/10/2008 |
Q: I was wondering what the law is in Oklahoma regarding burial on a home property. We own 350 acres ...
A: There are no laws to say you can or can't, so go right ahead. Draw a map of the land showing where ...
|
| PA laws re: filing death certificate | 4/8/2008 |
Q: Is PA one of the seven states that require a funeral director or designee to file the death ...
A: No, PA is not a restrictive state. They are CT, IN, LA, MI, NY, NE, UT. And, of course, folks run ...
|
| Moving ashes out of state or Country | 4/7/2008 |
Q: On behalf of a friend: My friend's husband passed a month ago.He died in California. Now she's ...
A: It makes my blood boil when FDs pull this kind of illegal manipulation!! In CA, one *does* have to ...
|
| Transporting a Body | 4/4/2008 |
Q: When my mother passes away at the care facility will I be able to transport her body to the ...
A: Alas, no. Michigan is one of seven restrictive states that requires a funeral director to file all ...
|
| Scattering Father's Ashes On Land | 4/1/2008 |
Q: My father died in 1999. He was cremated (as he requested). I still have his ashes in the box they ...
A: Sorry to be tardy answering. I'm on vacation and checking e-mail from away. Yes, his ashes can be ...
|
| Texas Law about moving headstones or gravesites | 3/29/2008 |
Q: I am considering buying a parcel of land that contains a headstone and gravesite of a family member ...
A: The Dept. of Health would determine your right or anyone's right to move a grave, and certainly the ...
|
| Questions to ask before you buy a family plot | 3/28/2008 |
Q: My dad recently passed away and he's buried in a National Cemetery (Military Cemetery)my mom when ...
A: You've certainly asked a VERY complicated question to which there is NO easy answer. First off, how ...
|
| Transporting a body... | 3/28/2008 |
Q: My brother-in-law may pass in the near future. He lives in NC and his pre-arrangements are in FL. ...
A: Embalming is not required by NC for any circumstance, and that is the only state that would dictate ...
|
| No money for cremation | 3/23/2008 |
Q: My uncle recently died in a hospital in New York. His childred have no money, he was recently in a ...
A: There is modest state assistance, I believe. The hospital social worker should know. His body could ...
|
| private burial | 3/22/2008 |
Q: In California, is it legal to be buried on private rural property without the involvement of the ...
A: Burial must be in an "established" cemetery in CA. That said, check with your local county or town ...
|
| Idaho's "Prearranged funeral plan" | 3/21/2008 |
Q: An Idaho friend wants to be cremated in her home state (not embalmed), and wants to have the ...
A: You shouldn't have a problem in Idaho to plan a home funeral. If death occurs in a hospital, you ...
|
| Indiana burial laws | 3/20/2008 |
Q: I have my husband's ashes which we were originally going to scatter. However, I'm rethinking it and ...
A: Indiana is a very frustrating state, if you want to know the truth. I wrote in the Indiana chapter ...
|
| Burial of pets with owners | 3/19/2008 |
Q: My father has a terminal degenerative brain disease. He has requested that I have his pet dog buried ...
A: No such statutes which is why you couldn't find them. Check with the funeral director you expect to ...
|
| private or family cemetaries | 3/18/2008 |
Q: Are private or family cemetaries legal in Ohio? If so, are any permits needed or specific land ...
A: Ohio has no laws regarding this, but I'm sure private family cemeteries can be found all over, ...
|
| private service | 3/17/2008 |
Q: My sister recently passed away leaving no spouse or children, during her lengthy illness I was her ...
A: I think what you've planned honors your sister's wishes, and I would find it astonishing that anyone ...
|
| Missouri Pre Funeral Arrangement | 3/15/2008 |
Q: 30 years ago when my teenage daughter died I bought a pre arranged funeral service for myself. Now ...
A: Missouri laws on prepaid funerals are TERRIBLE, and I would have advised against prepaying if you'd ...
|
| Donation | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I've read several articles about the donation, more specifically tissue donation, and the money that ...
A: I am very troubled by the body parts industry because it is not being regulated by the feds or ...
|
| How long can we wait to call the mortician? | 3/11/2008 |
Q: My grandpa is expected to die soon (at home)and my grandma has expressed her desire to be with him ...
A: Temperature has more to do with decomposition than the time elapsed after death. At 70 degrees or ...
|
| Transporting body | 3/11/2008 |
Q: My mother lives with me in Washington state. She plans to be buried in Texas next to my dad. She ...
A: Yes. You will need to get the burial transit permit from the funeral home before you depart to give ...
|
| Burial expenses | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I am helping a friend. her mom is dying and she has no money to bury her. What can she do?
A: There may be more choices than you or your friend realize. In what state? In all but 7 states, a ...
|
| Transportation of my mother's body | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if it is legal for my brother to fly his plane from Meridian, MS to Nashville, TN ...
A: Yes, and you don't even need a hearse to meet the plane. A family member can transport the body. You ...
|
| Exhuming and moving a urn | 3/5/2008 |
Q: My sister died 11 Sep 06 in Annapolis, MD. She was cremated and buried in Carbondale, PA. My ...
A: Your sister's husband has the legal right to determine her funeral plans, although he may have given ...
|
| consumer rights to plot | 3/4/2008 |
Q: My son passed away one year ago and our family has always placed pictures, balloons, memorabilia, ...
A: Many cemeteries have such regulations, as the items get knocked off and in the way of mowers. Some ...
|
| Florida Burial | 3/4/2008 |
Q: I have a question that expands on an earlier one that you answered about burying two sets of ...
A: Does your father have any information about this? Unless your parents were divorced, I don't think ...
|
| burial requirements | 3/1/2008 |
Q: I live in Texas what can you purchase to be buried in that is considered not made of impermeable ...
A: I don't believe the six inches of gravel are required by law, only two feet of soil on top. A good ...
|
| burial in Mo. | 2/28/2008 |
Q: My father is in hospice care at my sisters house. We have already reserved a free plot for him at ...
A: See if the hospice or family doctor will supply the death certificate. Otherwise, you'll have to get ...
|
| moving cremated remains | 2/27/2008 |
Q: Since my brother's death in CA, his wife had kept his cremains in an urn. Recently she died. Her ...
A: There are no "cremains police" to see if his wife still has the urn. Therefore, anyone may ship them ...
|
| exuming a body to be creamated | 2/26/2008 |
Q: MY 21 YEAR OLD NEPHEW PASSED AWAY ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS AGO. HIS MOTHER WANTS TO EXHUME HIM TO BE ...
A: If the nephew has no spouse, then BOTH of his parents are legal next-of-kin and get to call the ...
|
| Texas law on building in a cemetary / moving graves | 2/22/2008 |
Q: I am considering purchasing a 33 acre parcel of land that contains an old (abandoned)community ...
A: I want to let you know that I have a personal bias against moving old grave sites and would hope ...
|
| outdoor funeral pyre in WA | 2/20/2008 |
Q: I live in WA state. My mother is dying. Her express wishes are for a pagan ceremony and an outdoor ...
A: No. We had one in Vermont in '87 at a Buddhist center, but the environmental folks just ruled that ...
|
| outdoor funeral pyre in WA | 2/19/2008 |
Q: I live in WA state. My mother is dying. Her express wishes are for a pagan ceremony and an outdoor ...
A: WA requires that all cremations occur in a licensed crematory. So no outdoor pyre in WA. Some ...
|
| Spouse's right to final buriel plot (Texas) | 2/17/2008 |
Q: My husband died on Dec.21, 2007. At the time of his death, he did not have a burial plot nor did he ...
A: As spouse, you have rights as to the disposition of your husband's remains, regardless of where he ...
|
| 2nd rights | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I live in AZ and my Father past away in 1980 and he is burried in a local cemetery. My Mother past ...
A: Yes, this sounds like a for-profit cemetery that will make up their own rules any way they want to ...
|
| cemeteries | 2/16/2008 |
Q: What is the proper course of action when a person is buried in the wrong plot?
A: There are several choices: If the plot where the burial took place has not been sold to someone else ...
|
| Legal Right to Refuse to Bury Next of Kin ? | 2/15/2008 |
Q: I live in Massachusetts. I have a brother who lives in New York state. We haven't been on good terms ...
A: There are only a few states that require the family to pay the funeral bill, and NY is not one of ...
|
| Backyard burials in Texas | 2/14/2008 |
Q: Lisa, I too live in Tarrant Co.,Texas in the Arlington area and was wandering what would have to be ...
A: I don't think your church will have any problem at all setting up a cemetery for its members on its ...
|
| Cremation legal authorization | 2/14/2008 |
Q: I am in Springfield Illinois.I have come to know that while cremating a body the funeral homes ...
A: A person may now authorize his or her cremation prior to death, and that should be binding. Here is ...
|
| correct to ship ashes from Oregon to LA,CA | 2/14/2008 |
Q: Is it ok for a Mortuary in Oregon to cremate a person and put the loose ashes in an urn placed a wad ...
A: My book, "Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love," is available through www.funerals.org but it ...
|
| Ashes and property dipute next of kin son or sister? | 2/12/2008 |
Q: Lisa My Mother in-law passed away 1-9-08 and her 1/2 sister claims that she was entitled to all of ...
A: I would let the aunt know that the SONS are next-of-kin, and you have gotten that advice from the ...
|
| Ashes and property dipute next of kin son or sister? | 2/12/2008 |
Q: Lisa My Mother in-law passed away 1-9-08 and her 1/2 sister claims that she was entitled to all of ...
A: One or both sons are the legal next-of-kin, NOT the aunt/sister. You do NOT have to relinquish any ...
|
| organ donation and home wakes | 2/6/2008 |
Q: The question was raised at a workshop we gave recently about whether you could still hold a home ...
A: Organ and tissue donation have changed drastically in the last few years. Here's the scoop: Organ ...
|
| embalming | 2/4/2008 |
Q: Is it the law to be embalmed>
A: It depends on the state and the circumstances. Half the states have no embalming requirements at ...
|
| My Brothers Wishes | 2/4/2008 |
Q: My brother passed away after a long illness. He gave me (his sister) our mother and his wife ...
A: The wife gave up her right as next-of-kin when she let someone else pay for the cremation. However, ...
|
| funeral expenses | 2/1/2008 |
Q: I have been helping a friend who has pancreatic cancer. diagnosed in oct 06, given 3-6 months to ...
A: The funeral director should know what state or county benefits are available to low-income people. ...
|
| does my husband have to pay for his fathers funeral | 1/30/2008 |
Q: when we ask to be part of the funeral arrangments he refused we didnt get ask to go in the second ...
A: The brother/uncle is NOT next-of-kin. In almost every state, it goes-- * spouse * adult children * ...
|
| St. Louis | 1/30/2008 |
Q: I asked the medical examiner's office about getting a blank death certificate for the MD to fill out ...
A: No, the M.E. is NOT correct. Here is the law: Title 193.145 . . . 4. The funeral director or person ...
|
| Outer burial container requirements in Illinois? | 1/29/2008 |
Q: "The Southern" in Illinois just ran a story on natural burial. ...
A: You certainly are on the ball and up-to-date on green burials, Cynthia. You're right about the ...
|
| RE: Burial of Family Member in same plot | 1/28/2008 |
Q: My brother just passed away and he wanted to be buried on top of our father. My father is in a ...
A: Yes, especially if it's a for-profit cemetery. Actually, those cemeteries usually want to charge you ...
|
| Embalming without being asked | 1/27/2008 |
Q: This past September my grandfather came to my house for home hospice. Knowing that he was going to ...
A: By Michigan law, a body that won't reach its destination in 48 hours must be embalmed. Alas, unlike ...
|
| Embalming without being asked | 1/27/2008 |
Q: This past September my grandfather came to my house for home hospice. Knowing that he was going to ...
A: Situations like this make my blood boil. According to the Federal Trade Commission, they cannot ...
|
| rights of next-of-kin | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I am not sure where to begin. My sister allegedly passed away in Texas on March 22, 1997. A Death ...
A: Danny, You said there was a death certificate, that she was cremated, and that her cremated remains ...
|
| Moving ashes from Oregon to Missouri | 1/23/2008 |
Q: My mother died 2 and a half years ago. She was cremated and put in an urn/vault combo and buried in ...
A: Talk to the cemetery about disintering the ashes. I wouldn't mention your half sister to them. ...
|
| Private cemetery | 1/22/2008 |
Q: Can you tell me what the laws are in Florida to be buried on your own property or setup s family ...
A: Cemeteries less than five acres do not need to be registered with the state. If you are in a rural ...
|
| can not pay for fathers funeral | 1/21/2008 |
Q: My soon to be daughter in law father past away 1-19-08. No one including her can get pay or have ...
A: Good question. Every state is a little different, and I'm not sure in NC. But the family certainly ...
|
| can not pay for fathers funeral | 1/21/2008 |
Q: My soon to be daughter in law father past away 1-19-08. No one including her can get pay or have ...
A: If the deceased person was on welfare or Medicaid, there may be some state or county help. The ...
|
| Cremation remains | 1/18/2008 |
Q: In Missouri, when a person dies, are there laws that require their cremated remains to be buried? ...
A: No, re burial. In ALL states, the family may take the cremated remains home. There are no "cremains ...
|
| rights of next-of-kin | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I am not sure where to begin. My sister allegedly passed away in Texas on March 22, 1997. A Death ...
A: Actually, you would not typically be required to sign a death certificate unless you were acting as ...
|
| Death record/cause of death | 1/18/2008 |
Q: My fiance died Christmas Day. We were long distance, so I was not there. Prior to his death, I had ...
A: I am so sorry for the death of your fiance. And how cruel for the family to leave you out of the ...
|
| Moving ashes from Oregon to Missouri | 1/17/2008 |
Q: My mother died 2 and a half years ago. She was cremated and put in an urn/vault combo and buried in ...
A: Actually, all adult children have equal rights as next-of-kin. How many of you are there? Where do ...
|
| natural burial | 1/16/2008 |
Q: When I die I would like to be taken to a remote place in the mountains of Utah and be buried. How ...
A: That would be easy with cremated remains, but if you are talking body burial, you will need the ...
|
| "Green Funeral" | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I'm a fairly young person and don't plan on passing on anytime soon, however i am still concerned ...
A: Your best bet is to look for a small-town cemetery that would happily cooperate with your wishes to ...
|
| refunds from prepayment deals | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I recently had someone ask me a question that I thought I'd refer to you, Lisa. Someone has made ...
A: It depends on the state, among other things. And was the original contract set up as irrevocable for ...
|
| Cremains Burial | 1/15/2008 |
Q: Is there any law in Florida that prohibits burying two sets of cremains in the same cemetery plot?
A: No laws at all on that. What these cemetery rascals often want to do is to charge you for a "second ...
|
| Private Land Burial | 1/13/2008 |
Q: My husband and I are purchasing 80 acres in Wilson County, Texas. The area is very rural, near the ...
A: I suspect you won't have any problems. Check Texas Health and Safety code 711.008 which sets limits ...
|
| Can anything be done? Please help. | 1/13/2008 |
Q: My mother was buried in Alabama (which is @ least a 6 hr drive from where I currently reside) in ...
A: What a problem!! The cemetery is clearly at fault here. Who owns the cemetery? I'm wondering if the ...
|
| A&P students witness embalming | 1/11/2008 |
Q: We are opening a new FH in a small town in Oregon and working w/local Jr. College. The professors ...
A: I'm of mixed feelings on this. Yes, I think you may be asking for problems if these aren't mortuary ...
|
| Burials... | 1/11/2008 |
Q: I work at a cemetery so my friends were asking me about burials but they were things I don't know ...
A: Alas, Washington is one of the few states that requires body burial in an established cemetery ...
|
| exuming a body from texas | 1/10/2008 |
Q: I lost my son 24 years ago. He is buried near Dallas, TX. Nobody in the family lives in Texas, ...
A: It sounds as if she's on some kind of power trip to annoy you. Did your son have a wife? If not, his ...
|
| Maine Private Cemetaries | 1/6/2008 |
Q: We own 40 acres in rural northern maine. We would like to create a private family cemertary. Are ...
A: You've got exactly the right idea, and, yes, that is legal. Family burial grounds of not more than a ...
|
| Need Permit for Burying Ashes in PA? | 1/6/2008 |
Q: We want to bury our oldest brother's ashes at the same grave site of our brother who was stillborn ...
A: No permit is needed. Check with the cemetery to see what their policy is. They may want to charge ...
|
| Cemetery plot owner's rights | 1/4/2008 |
Q: My parents are buried in a cemetery in a tiny northern Wisconsin town. The cemetery belongs to the ...
A: Probably not since the church owns the cemetery. Your concerns certainly sound valid, however. In ...
|
| Cremation | 1/4/2008 |
Q: A friend recently passed away and it was his choice to be cremated. His wife/children were told ...
A: Glad my information came in time for help. What was the original price the scoundrel what trying to ...
|
| Disinternment of ashes | 1/3/2008 |
Q: What do we legally need to do to dig up our daughters urn. The cemetery in which she was buried cut ...
A: Check with the cemetery to see what their policy is. Generally speaking, the disinterment of ...
|
| Miscarriage/Texas | 1/2/2008 |
Q: My friend just lost her baby. She was approximately 16 weeks along & already knew it was a girl. In ...
A: I think your friend just wrote to me, and I answered. There will need to be a fetal death report, ...
|
| Spreading Ashes in NYS | 1/2/2008 |
Q: What is the law with regards to the disposition of cremated human remains in New York State - both ...
A: No laws, one way or the other. Generally accepted practice is with the permission of the landowner. ...
|
| Green Buteal | 1/2/2008 |
Q: Green Burial I live in Washington state. What would I need to do if I can’t find a Green Cemetery ...
A: I believe there are lots of small county cemeteries in WA that would permit green burials. Have you ...
|
| Cremation | 1/1/2008 |
Q: A friend recently passed away and it was his choice to be cremated. His wife/children were told ...
A: That is a blatant lie, and the family should file a complaint with the state funeral board. EVERY ...
|
| Ohio Law & Burial on Private Property | 1/1/2008 |
Q: I am in Stark County Ohio, Paris Township, basically in the country. Due to cancer at 37 years old ...
A: Certainly the home funeral and wake should be easily managed. Go to the library and get my book, ...
|
| Casket rental in New York City | 12/29/2007 |
Q: My mother wishes to be cremated. Is it legal and can you rent a casket in New York (New York City). ...
A: Yes, cremation is legal, and renting a casket is legal. The funeral home I recommend in NYC is ...
|
| WHO HAS THE LEGAL RIGHTS TO ASHES | 12/27/2007 |
Q: MY FATHERS ASHES ARE IN MY POSSESION AND I AM HIS OLDEST SON,BUT HIS THIRD WIFE SAYS SHE HAS THE ...
A: I checked with one lawyer the last time you wrote, and he said he tho't my previous answer was ...
|
| pine box | 12/26/2007 |
Q: Are pine box caskets allowed in Michigan?
A: Yes, in all and every state. In fact, NO state has any laws dictating the kind of casket one must ...
|
| Any Benefit of Having Husband's Urn at Where You LIve | 12/24/2007 |
Q: Make a long story short, my aunt(by marriage) now wants to have my uncle's urn(locates oversea in a ...
A: Good for you for being creative about alternatives! That's exactly the kind of alternative I've ...
|
| Cremation | 12/23/2007 |
Q: In my earlier quiestion i forgot to also ask , can afuneral home refuse to cremate me without it ...
A: If you are low-income and eligible for Medicaid, there may be state or county assistance. A hospital ...
|
| moving my sister from NJ to GA | 12/22/2007 |
Q: My parents are thinking about relocating to a warmer less costly area, but would not dream of it ...
A: There will be an opening/closing charge on each end--$400-$800 x 2??--a new casket most likely, if ...
|
| Home death and burial | 12/20/2007 |
Q: Is home burial allowed anywhere in California? If not, are "green" burials allowed anywhere near ...
A: Alas, burial in CA must be in an "established" cemetery, and I suspect starting one would be quite ...
|
| Home burial Marion County Florida | 12/13/2007 |
Q: I own 5 acres in the Ocala National Forest, Marion County Florida. My son is buried in South ...
A: You are having trouble because there are no laws in Florida that address this, although cemeteries ...
|
| prepaid funerals | 12/10/2007 |
Q: How much money is spent in the U.S. annually on prepaid funerals? Could you break it down by state?
A: About one-third of all funerals are prepaid. If a current report that the funeral industry is ...
|
| Permit for ashes | 12/7/2007 |
Q: My mom was recently cremated in Miami and we would like to take her ashes home to England. Can you ...
A: You should have no problem carrying them on the plane. Just make sure they're in a container that ...
|
| Transporting an Urn to Mexico and back to USA | 11/27/2007 |
Q: My father passed away last week and we had his remains cremated. He was born in Mexico City and a ...
A: There shouldn't be any U.S. problems, but you might check with the Mexican consulate. But I don't ...
|
| creation and maintenance of family cemetary in Shelby Co. Alabama | 11/26/2007 |
Q: Can you give me a little guidance on how to create a family cemetary in shelby Co, alabama. Who do ...
A: If this is truly to be a family cemetery where relatives will be buried without charge, it should be ...
|
| home burial on acreage in California | 11/25/2007 |
Q: We live on 20 acres in Nevada County California. How do we find out if a home burial is legal and ...
A: Burial in CA must be in an "established" cemetery. Also, there's a statute that says that six or ...
|
| embalming | 11/22/2007 |
Q: Is it required to embalm in Florida? If it is not a requirement, can there be a closed casket ...
A: Refrigeration OR embalming is required after 24 hours, a reasonable requirement given the climate ...
|
| Funeral Home selling lots that flood | 11/15/2007 |
Q: A funeral home in Sunnyvale, Texas, who started their own cemetery is selling lots to unknowing ...
A: The Dept. of Banking regulates perpetual care cemeteries in Texas. My guess is that they are more ...
|
| home burial for my father | 11/12/2007 |
Q: My father has expressed a desire to be burried "traditionally" in a simple pine box and burried on ...
A: Home burial is permissible in MO. Land not to exceed one acre must be deeded in trust and the deed ...
|
| burial of ashes | 11/11/2007 |
Q: Can an urn of ashes be buried on a plot with a casket in it? If so how many urns could be buried on ...
A: Cemeteries have different policies on this. No state laws anywhere address this. It makes me pissed ...
|
| Pet Burial | 11/11/2007 |
Q: Lisa. I see that you have answered many questions on exhumation and while my question has nothing to ...
A: Alas, I know of no state laws that protect pet cemeteries for perpetuity in any state. If your wife ...
|
| exhumation | 11/9/2007 |
Q: I wanted to exhume my brothers cremains that were buried by his friends in a local cemetery the ...
A: If the cemetery is giving you a hard time, you could certainly get a lawyer to write a threatening ...
|
| exhumation | 11/9/2007 |
Q: I wanted to exhume my brothers cremains that were buried by his friends in a local cemetery the ...
A: How and why did his friends arrange for the burial of his cremated remains without family ...
|
| funerals | 11/8/2007 |
Q: What do I do if my significate other passess on. We are both on fixed disability income with no ...
A: Would you believe--I have information on almost all other med schools in NY but NOT Rochester. They ...
|
| unclaimed cremains | 11/6/2007 |
Q: What can a funeral home do when cremains remain unclaimed, in Texas?
A: Here is the law-- Sec. 716.302. DISPOSITION OF CREMATED REMAINS. (a) An authorizing agent shall ...
|
| funerals | 11/5/2007 |
Q: What do I do if my significate other passess on. We are both on fixed disability income with no ...
A: Would you consider donating your body to a medical school to be used for study? If you let me know ...
|
| Embalming | 11/5/2007 |
Q: I've read that embalming isn't a requirement in the state of Ohio...but is it required if there is ...
A: Ohio has NO laws requiring embalming at any time, for any reason. That said, many funeral homes will ...
|
| home wake | 11/3/2007 |
Q: MY HUSBAND IS A VIET NAM VET, SERVICE RELATED 20 IN CONTACT WITH AGENT ORANGE, NOW HAS PANCREAS ...
A: Even though family funerals are legal in Illinois, you'll run into some problems with officials who ...
|
| moving from one location to another | 10/31/2007 |
Q: i am an only child and about 10 years ago my father died. he is buried in a private cementary in ...
A: Yes, you're on the right track, but you should know that it's VERY difficult to sell cemetery lots. ...
|
| moving from one location to another | 10/30/2007 |
Q: i am an only child and about 10 years ago my father died. he is buried in a private cementary in ...
A: It could cost about $7,000 as you are likely to need a new casket and grave liner, as well as a ...
|
| burial | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I live in an area that is zoned rural residential on 1.55 acres in Michigan. Can I bury a body on my ...
A: If you are outside the city or village limits, it should be fine. The family graveyard itself must ...
|
| Burial on private property | 10/23/2007 |
Q: I live in KY. IS it possible to be buried on my private land or must I be buried in a public ...
A: If your property is in a rural area, there should be no problem. Draw a map of your land indicating ...
|
| Selection of grave or tomb | 10/21/2007 |
Q: While arranging for the burial of my brother in our family tomb in New Orleans, my siblings and I ...
A: The practice you ran into in New Orleans is probably influenced by the high water table which limits ...
|
| moving a priest's Mom and Sister... | 10/21/2007 |
Q: I recently visited my childhood priest who is now retired and living on his family farm just east ...
A: There should be NO problem setting up a "family burial ground" on the priest's property. Ideally ...
|
| private owners cemetery | 10/18/2007 |
Q: A man in Radford, Va purchased a land there were burials. Two happen to be my husband's ...
A: Do you know if the family burial ground is documented in the deed to the land? That would be helpful ...
|
| cremated remains | 10/16/2007 |
Q: My grandmother was cremated about 12 years ago and I just found out that her remains were never ...
A: I'll try to do some research on Texas, but I know of no state that requires the funeral home to keep ...
|
| MOVING MY KIDS | 10/16/2007 |
Q: I had twins in 1994 which they both passed away they are buried in north Bergen NJ. the mother and ...
A: It would be the NJ probate court, but ask the cemetery first. You could do that without a lawyer ...
|
| MOVING MY KIDS | 10/15/2007 |
Q: I had twins in 1994 which they both passed away they are buried in north Bergen NJ. the mother and ...
A: You would need to contact the cemetery to see what they require for removal. You may need to go to ...
|
| Moving my dad from one VA cemetary to another | 10/14/2007 |
Q: My dad is buried on Long Island in a vet cemetary. My husband and I live in Lake George and my mom ...
A: I'm sure this is probably possible, esp. as there may be more space in the Lake George area, and the ...
|
| Funeral Protocol | 10/9/2007 |
Q: I work at a diverse company with different nationalities and ethnic groups. We are trying to create ...
A: I don't have any particular books to recommend, but here is a link to some quick on-line ...
|
| Funeral Pyres | 10/7/2007 |
Q: Greetings, I saw your previous answer regarding funeral pyres, recommending a green burial as an ...
A: In some states, a cemetery is considered a permanent easement on the land, and moving such for ...
|
| Funeral Pyres | 10/6/2007 |
Q: Greetings, I saw your previous answer regarding funeral pyres, recommending a green burial as an ...
A: In 43 states, including Wisconsin, a family may handle a death entirely without using a funeral ...
|
| green burial | 10/5/2007 |
Q: I live in Alabama. I am having difficulty finding info on laws or requirements of a green burial ...
A: The reason you're having a hard time getting info is because there aren't any laws on the subject in ...
|
| Funeral Expenses | 10/4/2007 |
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 ...
|
| CREMATION | 10/2/2007 |
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, ...
|
| CREMATION | 9/28/2007 |
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 home | 9/20/2007 |
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 mother | 9/20/2007 |
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 body | 9/5/2007 |
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 Reburial | 8/31/2007 |
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 grave | 8/23/2007 |
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 grave | 8/23/2007 |
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 Ca | 8/22/2007 |
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 Disinternment | 8/21/2007 |
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 Pa | 8/20/2007 |
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 Funeral | 8/19/2007 |
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 Missouri | 8/19/2007 |
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 4-14-07 | 8/17/2007 |
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 help | 8/11/2007 |
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 / reinternment | 8/9/2007 |
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 Law | 8/9/2007 |
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 Garden | 8/9/2007 |
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 cemetry | 8/8/2007 |
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 site | 8/7/2007 |
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 costs | 8/7/2007 |
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 dating | 7/30/2007 |
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 remains | 7/28/2007 |
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 carolina | 7/22/2007 |
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 procedures | 7/19/2007 |
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 cemetery | 7/18/2007 |
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 cemetary | 7/14/2007 |
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 rights | 7/14/2007 |
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 expense | 7/12/2007 |
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 expense | 7/12/2007 |
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 headstones | 7/10/2007 |
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 headstones | 7/9/2007 |
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 expenses | 7/6/2007 |
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 expenses | 7/4/2007 |
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 cemeteries | 7/4/2007 |
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 ...
|
| cemetery | 7/1/2007 |
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 conservation | 6/30/2007 |
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 Texas | 6/28/2007 |
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 funeral | 6/23/2007 |
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 Carolina | 6/18/2007 |
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 rentals | 6/17/2007 |
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 ...
|
| Cemeteries | 6/16/2007 |
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 - Louisiana | 6/15/2007 |
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 Ohio | 6/13/2007 |
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 lines | 6/9/2007 |
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 Arkansas | 6/9/2007 |
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 ...
|
| Help | 6/7/2007 |
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 ...
|
| Help | 6/7/2007 |
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 services | 6/6/2007 |
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 pay | 6/5/2007 |
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 rights | 6/4/2007 |
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 preneed | 6/4/2007 |
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 va | 6/3/2007 |
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 preneed | 6/1/2007 |
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 body | 6/1/2007 |
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 body | 5/31/2007 |
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 Burial | 5/29/2007 |
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 MICHIGAN | 5/28/2007 |
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 Cemetaries | 5/27/2007 |
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/burial | 5/24/2007 |
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 cemetary | 5/23/2007 |
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 Michigan | 5/19/2007 |
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 Michigan | 5/18/2007 |
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's | 5/17/2007 |
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 pays | 5/7/2007 |
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 property | 5/6/2007 |
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 ...
|
| embalming | 5/2/2007 |
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 Vermont | 5/1/2007 |
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 Ashes | 5/1/2007 |
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, Ohio | 4/30/2007 |
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 cemetary | 4/26/2007 |
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 cemetary | 4/26/2007 |
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 burial | 4/25/2007 |
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 property | 4/24/2007 |
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 PROPERTY | 4/24/2007 |
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 payment | 4/21/2007 |
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 remains | 4/21/2007 |
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 rental | 4/17/2007 |
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 Oklahoma | 4/15/2007 |
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 Oklahoma | 4/15/2007 |
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 church | 4/15/2007 |
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 Oklahoma | 4/14/2007 |
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 casket | 4/14/2007 |
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 Oklahoma | 4/14/2007 |
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 Oklahoma | 4/13/2007 |
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, ...
|
| burial | 4/9/2007 |
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 Land | 4/5/2007 |
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 Land | 4/3/2007 |
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 cemetery | 3/30/2007 |
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 KS | 3/30/2007 |
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 site | 3/30/2007 |
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 service | 3/28/2007 |
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 speaker | 3/26/2007 |
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 burial | 3/13/2007 |
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 Casket | 1/15/2007 |
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 Pennsylvania | 1/8/2007 |
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 burial | 12/6/2006 |
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 burial | 12/6/2006 |
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 cemetery | 11/30/2006 |
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 Florida | 11/29/2006 |
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 Remains | 11/23/2006 |
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 body | 11/22/2006 |
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 urn | 11/13/2006 |
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 burial | 11/9/2006 |
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 ...
|
| Statistics | 11/8/2006 |
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 service | 11/3/2006 |
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 service | 11/3/2006 |
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 able | 10/31/2006 |
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 CERTIFICATE | 10/26/2006 |
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 Cemetery | 10/24/2006 |
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 scattering | 10/16/2006 |
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 Louisiana | 10/16/2006 |
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 vaults | 10/15/2006 |
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 member | 10/12/2006 |
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 Cemetery | 10/5/2006 |
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 Texas | 10/5/2006 |
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/funerals | 10/5/2006 |
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 michigan | 10/5/2006 |
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. ...
|
| funeral | 9/30/2006 |
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 funeral | 9/29/2006 |
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 Cemetary | 9/24/2006 |
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 Expense | 9/24/2006 |
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 Expense | 9/23/2006 |
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 question | 9/17/2006 |
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 Business | 8/8/2006 |
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 shiva | 7/26/2006 |
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 cemetary | 7/16/2006 |
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 ...
|
| Costs | 7/12/2006 |
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 burial | 7/11/2006 |
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 funeral | 6/23/2006 |
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 wear | 6/22/2006 |
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 ...
|
| Cemetery | 6/14/2006 |
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 cemetary | 6/5/2006 |
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 Arkansas | 5/8/2006 |
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 Law | 4/12/2006 |
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 Law | 4/12/2006 |
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 PA | 3/13/2006 |
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 cemetery | 3/13/2006 |
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 donation | 12/12/2005 |
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 Remains | 10/21/2005 |
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 service | 10/4/2005 |
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 ...
|
| cremation | 10/3/2005 |
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 Missouri | 7/21/2005 |
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 ...
|
| Funeral | 7/20/2005 |
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 State | 6/14/2005 |
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 cremation | 5/9/2005 |
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 cremated | 11/13/2004 |
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 cemetery | 11/11/2004 |
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 question | 11/4/2004 |
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 state | 10/23/2004 |
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 state | 10/23/2004 |
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/cremation | 9/2/2004 |
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 question | 8/31/2004 |
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 remains | 8/31/2004 |
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, Florida | 8/30/2004 |
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 ...
|
| cremation | 8/14/2004 |
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 burial | 8/10/2004 |
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 ...
|
| funerals | 7/8/2004 |
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 memorial | 5/11/2004 |
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 funerals | 3/16/2004 |
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 ...
|
| exhuming | 5/20/2003 |
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 funerals | 3/30/2003 |
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 ...
|
| Remains | 11/26/2002 |
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 cemetery | 8/15/2002 |
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 planned | 1/10/2002 |
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 Rentals | 7/24/2001 |
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 Funerals | 5/4/2001 |
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 Vaults | 1/31/2001 |
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 help | 10/23/2000 |
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 reports | 7/8/2000 |
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 name | 6/20/2000 |
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 ...
|
