State Requirements and FAQs Regarding Cremation Services in Arizona
Cremation services in Arizona are rising in popularity in regards to taking care of deceased loved ones. Part of the reason is that many religions accept this means of disposition and another rationale is that it is also a relatively economical, yet respectful choice. As a resident in Arizona, cremation services can be chosen for your loved one whether you live in Mesa or Tucson or anywhere else in the state. In addition, there are several options in regards to the disposal or storage of the cremated remains including urns, scattering gardens, cremation monument benches, columbariums and more. Cremation services in Arizona can help alleviate the stress of having some type of service right away as you can hold them at any time.
State Law and Legalities to Understand
According to state law in Arizona, cremation services must be authorized within fifteen days of death. The legal next of kin must sign a form requiring these services. Of course, a cremation cannot take place until the County Medical Examiner within your Arizona area authorizes it. They have to ensure that no evidence of criminal activity is present before the body is cremated.
In place of an authorization form, a competent adult that is a legal next of kin can prepare a written statement asking for cremation services in Arizona be performed for their deceased loved one. Of course, this form must be signed in front of a notary public who will verify the legal signature and date it. This can be helpful if you are not located in the same city as the funeral specialist handling the cremation. This set-up can also be completed by your dying one in advance and as long as they are of sound mind, the written, notarized document would be legally binding.
If you are the one arranging the funeral, you will be asked by the funeral specialist to sign a contract called "A Statement of Funeral Goods and Service" which outlines expectations including Arizona cremation services if that is what you want. This document outlines all itemized charges including the professional consulting fees. This document provides immunity and permission to the funeral business of your choosing whether in Phoenix or even Scottsdale to carry out the cremation services in Arizona for your deceased loved one.
Cremation Process
Once the funeral establishment receives your loved one's body, they place it within a combustible container in anticipation of the cremation process within the cremation chamber. During the Arizona cremation services performed, the body is exposed to intense flame up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is dust and bone fragments and any non-consumable pieces such as dental work and even hip joint replacement which are then brushed out of the cremation chamber into a cooling pan. Once the cremated remains have been cooled, these non-consumable pieces are separated by hand and magnets to be returned separately from the remains which are placed into an urn or other container you have chosen.
In some cases, loved ones can witness cremation services in Arizona. This depends on the funeral establishment handling the process whether they are in Flagstaff or Glendale. Some places have a special room where they can witness activities within the cremation chamber. From start to finish, the cremation process can take about three hours, depending on the size of the body.
With Arizona cremation services, no embalming is required before cremation, unless you are planning a full public visitation and service for your deceased loved one. By state law, any public viewing requires embalming. Otherwise, immediate family can visit the body before cremation is performed. A casket is not required for cremation so the body will be placed in a special, consumable container which can be burned too. The deceased can be dressed in clothing if wanted and displayed as if prepared for viewing. It is all a matter of choice for you if you are planning the cremation services in Arizona.
Other Information to Keep in Mind
Without previous instructions or pre-planning, you, as the authorized agent handling the cremation of your deceased loved one, are responsible for collecting the cremated remains once cremation services in Arizona have been performed. The funeral establishment will contact you when the remains are ready to be picked up. Keep in mind that if the cremated remains of the deceased are not picked up within 120 days after Arizona cremation services, the funeral establishment does have the authority to dispose of them in a legal way. This applies in any city or town in Arizona whether you live in Tempe or Yuma.
The cremated remains can be buried in a plot, entombed within a mausoleum or even stored within a columbarium, a respectful, dignified place of public storage specifically for remains. Of course, funeral establishments that offer cremation services in Arizona may also tell you that you can keep the specialized urn with the remains in your home or even scatter the ashes in a special place. Of course, the desired place of ash scattering will depend on whether you need to get formal, legal permission.
While there may seem to be many nuances to consider with Arizona cremation services, it doesn't have to be a stressful process. Contact a trusted funeral specialist in or near your hometown and they can walk you through the entire process. The only thing you need to concentrate on is honoring your deceased loved one's memory respectfully and with decorum. Cremation may not have always been a traditional way of sending off a deceased loved one in the U.S. but these days, Arizona cremation services can be quite dignified in addition to being an economical choice.
I found Heritage Cremation when I was calling funeral homes in the area to make cremation arrangements for my brother. The cremation cost was a big concern for me and compared to the other funeral homes I found Heritage Cremations had the best price and the most compassionate staff. I was a bit worried because the cremation services price at Heritage Cremation was so much less than the other cremation services I was quoted, but I have to say the cremation service was beautiful. Visitors actually complimented me on the cremation service, and the kindness of the staff at Heritage Cremation. 
