How do I make sure I am cremated?

Some states recognize your authorization for cremation in a will or living trust. However, these documents are not accessible until after your death and, in many states, upon your death. Your closest relative, next of kin, or power of attorney for health care will be the one to make the final disposition decisions.

How do you make sure your funeral wishes are followed?

Are you cremated straight away?

Yes. In most cases the body is cremated as soon as the service has finished. The only exception to this would be if the funeral service is late in the day or if there is some problem with the crematoriums facilities.

Does your coffin get cremated with you?

Do they burn the coffin at a cremation? Yes, the coffin (or whatever type of container selected to hold the body) is burned along with the body.

Do they leave your clothes on when you get cremated?

Typically, if there has been a traditional funeral (with the body) present, the deceased will be cremated in whatever clothing they were wearing. If the cremation is done right after death, then it is usually done with the deceased wearing whatever clothing they were wearing at the time they died.

The process of a cremation and a crematorium WARNING!!! GRAPHIC

Which part of human body does not burn in fire?

Quite often the peripheral bones of the hands and feet will not be burned to such a high intensity as those at the centre of the body, where most fat is located.

Does the body feel pain during cremation?

Does the body feel pain during cremation? A body is dead when cremated. Pain cannot be felt because there are no nerve impulses.

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

They cover the legs in a casket because the deceased is not wearing shoes in many cases due to the difficulty of putting them on stiff feet. Also, funeral directors may recommend it to save money, for religious reasons, in the event of trauma, for easier transportation, or with tall bodies.

What is removed from a body before cremation?

How is a body cremated? Before the cremation can take place, any metal parts attached to the coffin, like handles, are removed. The cremator is heated to a temperature between 800-1000 degrees. The coffin is then inserted into a cremation chamber – with the deceased placed feet-first.

Is it OK to split ashes?

Because the cremated remains (a.k.a, "ashes") are a coarse, dusty material, just like sand or gravel they can be divided after cremation. This means that you are not limited to just one disposition option. Instead, you can divide the remains and: Keep the larger portion at home and scatter some at a favorite location.

Can you touch cremated ashes?

Is it safe to touch cremated remains? A.) While it is safe, remains can get stuck to your skin quite easily. It's best to wear gloves or use a spoon to scoop out remains before scattering.

How soon after a cremation do you get the ashes?

The cremation itself takes about three to four hours, with another one to two hours for processing. Once a body is cremated, it typically takes seven to ten days to return the ashes to the family.

Can you view the body before cremation?

Is a Viewing Allowed Before Cremation? Yes, a viewing is allowed before cremation. Let's discuss some of the most common options for seeing your loved one's body for the last time. » MORE: Easy as 1-2-3, make a free online will in minutes.

Can a letter of wishes be ignored?

Can a Letter of Wishes be ignored by an executor? Do you have to follow a Letter of Wishes? As a Letter of Wishes is not legally-binding, it does not have to be followed. You should choose executors/trustees that you trust to follow your wishes as closely as possible.

What are your final wishes?

It may not be a legally binding document, but at a minimum, it is a statement of your wishes and other information that you hope your family will follow. In the event of death, many people have certain desires regarding the type of funeral, final interment, and other matters that cannot be taken care of in a will.

Are funeral wishes legally binding?

Are funeral wishes in a will legally binding? In short, no. Under current law, funeral wishes in a will are not legally binding. The executors appointed in a will have ownership of the body and are technically considered the decision-makers with regards to funeral arrangements.

Does the skull burst during cremation?

A newborn, which has mostly cartilage and very little set bone, might not even leave any remains after cremation. A common misconception is that the head of a burned body will explode if there is no wound or hole in it, much like a microwaved potato with no puncture in the skin.

How many bodies are cremated at once?

Only one body can be cremated at once, and all cremated remains must be cleared from the cremation chamber before another cremation can begin. These standards do mean that you may have little input into any 'customization' of a cremation process.

Why are bodies buried facing west?

Depending on the geographic location of the burial, many Jewish people bury their deceased facing west because they want to face the land of Israel. Many believe that by facing west, they will be positioned to return to their homeland when resurrection finally arrives. A similar burial pattern is present among Muslims.

Why are caskets only half open?

Viewing caskets are usually half open because of how they are constructed, according to the Ocean Grove Memorial Home. Most of today's caskets are made to be half open. They cannot lie fully open for viewing.

Do funeral homes drain blood?

The embalming process helps to keep the body from deteriorating and consists of a number of toxic chemicals. The blood that is drained from the body is allowed to be disposed of through standard drain systems which is then cleaned when it enters water waste management.

Do human ashes smell?

Most people who keep the ashes of a departed human or pet loved one at home say they detect no odor from the cremains. A few respondents indicated a very slight metallic odor or a very slight scent of incense. Your experience of keeping cremains at home may vary, depending on the type of container you choose.

What happens to the soul 40 days after death?

It is believed that the soul of the departed remains wandering on Earth during the 40-day period, coming back home, visiting places the departed has lived in as well as their fresh grave. The soul also completes the journey through the Aerial toll house finally leaving this world.

What does God say about cremation?

The Bible neither favors nor forbids the process of cremation. Nevertheless, many Christians believe that their bodies would be ineligible for resurrection if they are cremated. This argument, though, is refuted by others on the basis of the fact that the body still decomposes over time after burial.