Acme, MI Cremation Services - Understanding the Decisions Process and All It Entails
Cremation services in Acme, MI are a viable option if you are dealing with the funeral planning of a loved one. While a casket burial is the predominant choice for many, it is likely because cremation is still something of an unknown to many people. However, if you understand the process of Acme, MI cremation services and all that it entails, you will see that it is a viable, dignified choice for the final disposition of a deceased loved one.
Decision-Making Time in the Event of Death
Acme, MI is only one of eight states in the country that requires that you hire a funeral director to handle disposition of the deceased. It doesn't matter whether you choose a casket burial or cremation services in Acme, MI, you cannot handle the transportation, movement or disposition without retaining the services of a specialist licensed in death care in the state.
Actually, having someone work for you can be extremely beneficial, especially when choosing Acme, MI cremation services. There are certain things that must happen before a funeral and final disposition and a funeral specialist can certainly help you accomplish them in short order. For instance, did you know that a death certificate must be filed with the state and signed by either the attending physician of the deceased or a medical examiner AND a licensed funeral director?
Cremation services in Acme, MI, as well as alternate disposition methods also require that a burial transit permit be generated, either by the funeral director or the County Clerk that certified the death certificate. This permit is essentially permission to transport the deceased to the crematory or funeral establishment. In addition, the medical examiner must provide a cremation authorization form as well. It is during this time when you, as authorizing agent or next of kin, informs them of whether or not your deceased loved one had a pacemaker or some other medical implanted device with batteries or radiated material. These items must be removed before Acme, MI cremation services officially commence as they pose a hazard within the cremation chamber due to the extreme temperatures. A funeral specialist can help you determine how this can happen.
Embalming Not Necessary for Cremation Services in Acme, MI
The good news is that embalming is not necessary, according to state law in Acme, MI. Cremation services cannot be carried out within the first 48 hours after death unless a communicable disease requires it. As long as the deceased is sealed within a leak-proof container, embalming is not necessary, even with public transport. However, if you want a public viewing before cremation services in Acme, MI, then embalming might be something you want to consider - not because of public health, but as a way to slow the decomposition process to maintain a good appearance of the deceased. While some options such as refrigeration or dry ice can help with preservation, embalming is the best choice if you want a public funeral before cremation.
Acme, MI Cremation Services - Funeral or Memorial Still a Possibility
There is no state law that says you cannot hold a funeral or memorial service before or after cremation services in Acme, MI. Any remembrance ceremony is not the final disposition; cremation or even casket burial is. Final disposition is the death care method of handling the deceased. If you choose, you can have the public viewing with a funeral ceremony before cremation. Or, you can choose to go with direct Acme, MI cremation services and have a memorial at a later time. It is all dependent on your wishes. Perhaps family and friends are coming from long distances can cannot make a funeral trip with short notice. A planned memorial scheduled after cremation services in Acme, MI can be an excellent way to handle family and friends who wish to participate in honoring the deceased.
No Urn Necessary for Acme, MI Cremation Services
Purchasing an urn is not a state law requirement. Keep in mind though that the crematory will placed your loved one's cremated remains in a temporary container. It won't be pretty to look at but if scattering the ashes is the ultimate goal after the cremation services in Acme, MI, the temporary container could suffice. However, if you plan to keep the cremated remains at home or even split them up amongst a few family members, having an urn would be especially helpful. Urns come in all shapes, sizes and appearances so you can choose something that best suits the deceased's life or hobbies. Urns are no different from other decorative containers like vases except that they can be sealed tightly to prevent the leakage of ashes.
No hard and fast rules exist in regards to scattering the ashes of the deceased after Acme, MI cremation services. However, it would be prudent to get permission from the property owner if the land is privately owned. For public lands, do not scatter the cremated remains near well-traveled paths as the ashes are a whitish-gray and noticeable. A water scattering is acceptable too. Because the ashes remaining after cremation services in Acme, MI are sterile due the extreme heat used, there is no danger to the public.
Cremation is a personal choice in regards to the final disposition of a loved one. The method is growing in popularity, not only because it is more affordable than a casket cemetery burial but it is also more widely accepted by society and most religions. Take comfort that with Acme, MI cremation services, your deceased loved one will be treated with respect and decorum.