Handling Cremation Services in Winchestr Ctr, CT after the Death of a Loved One
Whether the death of a loved one results from a terminal illness or happens unexpectedly, it's always difficult to deal with the processes involved in the disposition of the body. The two main choices available today are burial and cremation. The rate of Winchestr Ctr, CT cremation services is actually rising as more people are finding cremations more affordable than burials. According to Winchestr Ctr, CT law, a funeral home must disclose the overall cost of funeral services, including crematory services, when inquired by potential clients. You do not need to visit a funeral home in person in order to receive a quote. You can inquire over the phone about the cost of cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT.
Who Determines the Cremation Option?
In an ideal situation, the deceased had a legally written will that outlined exactly how he or she wanted the funeral arrangements handled. However, many family members find themselves needing to make important funeral decisions while trying to deal with the feelings of loss and grief. If the deceased did have a will and requested cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT, the professionals handling the disposition arrangements will legally need to comply with the deceased's wishes.
If the deceased did not have a will, the next of kin is the only person legally allowed to sign off for cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT. In rare instances, the next of kin may have another family member who contests the practice of cremation for personal or religious beliefs, but a contestation for personal reasons will not override the next of kin's authority to agree to Winchestr Ctr, CT cremation services.
How Winchestr Ctr, CT Cremation Services Work for Families
Cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT cannot happen within two days of death. After 48 hours has passed, the next of kin can opt to have the body cremated at the next available time or spend some time planning a memorial service and work with the crematory to schedule a time for the cremation. The Winchestr Ctr, CT cremation services will take special care to insure that the cremation is handled professionally and competently. This includes removing a pacemaker if necessary and separating any medical devices from the ashes.
If you want to have a viewing of the body before the cremation, you will need to pay for embalmment of the body before the public can view it. Winchestr Ctr, CT law states that embalming is not necessary unless the body has a communicable disease, but most funeral homes have policies that require embalming before allowing friends and extended family to view the body. With private Winchestr Ctr, CT cremation services, immediate family may be able to view the body right before cremation without it being embalmed. However, this sort of viewing is only intended for a few close family members, like parents, siblings, and children, and is held in a private room. You will need to arrange this separately with the cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT.
Cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT may also allow some family members to view the cremation. Called a cremation viewing, family members are able to enter a viewing area and watch as the remains are inserted into the cremation chamber. The actual process of Winchestr Ctr, CT cremation services takes hours, and family members are respectively asked to return to collect the ashes.
Scattering Ashes in Winchestr Ctr, CT
Once the cremation is over, you will receive the remains, often called cremains, of your loved one. These will be turned over to you in either a small box, or you can choose an urn or other container that Winchestr Ctr, CT cremation services professionals will use to collect the ashes and return to you after the cremation. Once you have possession of the ashes, there are a number of options available for scattering the ashes.
Some families like to scatter ashes in different areas. It's popular to choose places that the deceased like to visit or always wanted to visit. Funeral or the professionals with the , cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT can update you on any current laws regarding the scattering of ashes, but for the most part you are free to scatter the ashes where you wish.
Current laws regarding the sprinkling of ashes include getting permission if you wish to sprinkle them on private property, not sprinkling them anywhere that may affect the environment, like in a body of fresh water that's used for drinking purposes, and making sure to go three nautical miles off the coast if scattering them in the ocean.
Alternative Options for Ashes
If there is no will directive on where the ashes should go, the next of kin often has the responsibility of choosing what to do with the ashes. You can separate them amongst family members, choose to keep them in a decorative urn in your home, scatter some and keep some, or have cremation jewelry pieces made for each close member of the family. Professionals that handle cremation services in Winchestr Ctr, CT can help you with alternative ideas. Although death is a time of grief, a bereavement and funeral professional, along with Winchestr Ctr, CT cremation services, can help you simplify all of the details of a cremation.