Understanding How Cremation Works When You Live Out of State
Florida is a state with a reputation for having a high percentage of retirees who move there to enjoy the sun and laid back lifestyle. Cremation services in Florida are used at an above average rate than other areas. Many families have parents or grandparents who reside in Florida, and this can cause some confusion if an elderly family member passes away in Florida but made it legally known in the form of a will that he or she wished to be laid to rest in another state. If a will directive doesn't exist for the disposition of the body, the next of kin may choose to have the body or ashes shipped from Florida. Cremation services in Florida are adept at dealing with out of state family members and can help you iron out all of the details to get your loved one's remains.
Florida Cremation Laws
Every state has laws that govern the act of burials and cremations. In Florida, any case of death must be handled by the local medical examiner first before the family can plan funeral arrangements or contact Florida cremation services. In the case of accidental or unexpected deaths, the medical examiner can usually perform the routine services within two days. It can be longer if the death is the result of expected foul play or other issues surround the reasons for the death.
The law states that there must be at least 48 hours from the time a person dies until the body can undergo the cremation process. Florida cremation services will not cremate a deceased person until 48 hours has passed, even if the next of kin signs off on a cremation before the time period is up. Those who qualify for next of kin status are the spouse followed by the next closest relative who is at least 18 years old. In the event that the next of kin lives out of state, the necessary paperwork can be faxed to acquire signatures.
Working with Florida Cremation Services Long Distance
If you won't be traveling to pick up the remains, you can work with the staff of the cremation services in Florida to arrange for shipping of the ashes. Florida law does not require embalming a body that won't be exposed to the public through a funeral service viewing, so you can skip this step when arranging the details. Depending on the Florida cremation services that you use, you may or may not be directed to work with a funeral director to help you with the shipping of the ashes.
Cremation services in Florida will use a combustible box to hold the body during cremation. Once the process is complete, the ashes will be collected and stored in a box suitable for shipping. The staff of the crematorium will separate any medical devices from the ashes before shipping. Most likely you will be given a schedule by the Florida cremation services to let you know when the cremation will be performed and the expected shipping date. You can request notification upon shipping, and it's a good idea to use a shipping service that provides tracking information. Experienced Florida cremation services directors frequently work with shipping companies to deliver bodies and ashes, so unless you have any special requests they should be able to handle everything for you in Florida. Just remember that if you fail to contact the funeral director or crematorium about shipping, the crematorium has the right to dispose of the ashes after 120 days.
Although, cremation services in Florida often cost less than a burial, expect to pay a few fees for the shipment of the ashes. The funeral director or crematorium will need to acquire the necessary paperwork or permits needed to ship the remains out of state, and they will charge you for all of the work involved in the shipping process. However, the cost of the shipping seems well worth it when you realize how easily the cremation services in Florida can handle all of the details so that you can spend time focusing on arranging a memorial or grieving with family and friends.
What to Do with the Ashes upon Delivery
When you receive the ashes from the Florida cremation services, they will be packed in an airtight box suitable for shipping. If you want to place the ashes in an urn or other decorative container, you can locate a local funeral home that can help you procure what you need or you can possibly order an urn from the cremation services in Florida. Grief may not hit you hard until you receive the ashes, so plan for a couple of days afterwards to process everything that's happened.
You may choose to display an urn during a memorial service for your loved one, or separate the ashes to scatter over different places. If you plan a future trip to Florida, the Florida cremation services that you use can inform you of the current laws regarding ashes. No matter what you choose, cremation services in Florida will work with you to help you during this tough time.
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. 
