If you’re considering a cremation at a funeral home in Penn Township, PA for your eventual disposition or for a recently deceased loved one, you should learn more about the laws surrounding the practice.

Though cremation laws can vary from state to state, there are several basic ideas and rules that apply to almost every cremation all around the country. For example, there are laws about authorization. In most states the next-of-kin, or “authorizing agent,” can authorize cremation. The authorizing agent must complete, sign and submit an authorization form before the cremation can take place.

You are required by law to have a cremation permit. Once the death certificate is completed and the cremation authorization is filed, the county will issue a cremation permit. Cremation permits cost anywhere from $10 to $40 depending on the county. All cremation providers are licensed and certified, as there are specific rules and regulations in place to protect consumers and ensure safe handling of the deceased.

There are also laws about caskets, viewings, and handling of remains. Caskets are not required by law for cremations, but most states have laws stating that a rigid container must be provided for the cremation. These containers only have to be combustible and strong enough to support a body when being placed into the cremation chamber. Families viewing the cremation is not regulated by law, and therefore varies from crematory to crematory. Confirm with your chosen provider as its not guarantees. Laws about what you can and cannot do with cremated remain can vary greatly from state to state. However, most have similar general ideas like you cannot commingle cremated remains unless by deceased’s request, and you can only scatter cremated remains with appropriate authorization from the local authorities.

What about the costs? Crematories are obligated to provide clear and concise descriptions of all services included each cremation price, as people who gave recently suffered a loss might be more susceptible to bad business practices. Cremations range in cost depending on the service and merchandise.

Body transportation from state to state is also under a law. If the body is transported over a period of 24 hours or more after the death, embalming may be required. There are airline funeral shipping businesses that also have specific regulations and rules such as the purchase and use of a designated aircraft mortuary-shipping container. Finally, there are lots of laws protecting cremation consumers, from laws prohibiting crematories and funeral homes making false statements about body guarantees or cremation merchandise purchasing. If you want more information, check with your local or state government.

Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. can answer any more questions you may have about cremation laws, or Penn Township, PA funeral homes. We have years of industry experience and would love to use that expertise to help you in this sensitive area. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call to learn more about what we can do for you.