Understanding the More Stringent Laws Governing New Mexico Cremation Services
The death of a loved one is painful and it would seem the worst possible time to plan cremation services in New Mexico, whether you live in Santa Fe, Taos or really anywhere. However, you have to work through the grief to provide a dignified and respectful final parting for them. With the help of a funeral specialist, they can walk you through the procedures from all the legal paperwork required of New Mexico cremation services to the choice of an urn for the cremated remains.
A Permit and Death Certificate is Needed
For cremation services in New Mexico, a permit is required and must be issued by the medical examiner's office. In order for this to be expedited, the death certificate must be signed by the deceased's primary physician if at all possible. Hospitals and assisted health care facilities offer the easiest follow-through for this to happen before New Mexico cremation services can take place. However, in the case of a home death or an accident, proper protocols including calling 911 is typically required in order to obtain an official death certificate.
It is important to be patient during holidays and weekends as these times can create delays in the legal paperwork aspect of things. Therefore, knowing that refrigeration is a requirement 24 hours after death should be duly noted based on New Mexico statutes, whether you live in Albuquerque or Carlsbad. Other things may also delay cremation services in New Mexico so refrigeration is likely, particularly if your loved one is not to be buried or embalmed.
Authorization Forms are Required
New Mexico cremation services also require that a "Cremation Authorization Form" be completed by an authorized designee. By state law, if the deceased was married, immediate next of kin such as the surviving spouse is the designated person to complete the forms and authorize cremation. Next in line if the spouse is not a part of things is the majority rule of adult children. The deceased's parents are third in line and then the majority rule of any adult siblings the deceased might have.
The specialist within the funeral establishment you choose will help you with all the legal forms required to be completed for cremation services. In New Mexico, nothing can be done until every form is filled out and permits are obtained; no verbal instructions are allowed to be carried out. Only those arrangements made and included in the forms will be followed.
New Mexico Cremation Services in Detail
Direct cremation is a possibility, particularly if you do not want any public visitation with your deceased loved one. This option would be the most affordable and you can have a private visitation for immediate family without embalming; however, what do you do if family or friends truly need the closure of a funeral service with public visitation or viewing? You can choose this option for your cremation services in New Mexico but you should know that most funeral establishments will require that your deceased be embalmed before this happens. The embalming process helps keep your deceased loved one‘s appearance fresh for public viewing without decomposition taking hold.
A memorial service planned after New Mexico cremation services is another alternative. With this funeral option, cremation can happen as soon as paperwork is completed but the memorial service can wait until such time as your schedule and that of other loved ones and friends can be coordinated.
When the crematory receives your loved one, the body is immediately tagged with identification which remains with it for the entire process for cremation services in New Mexico. This procedure helps ensure that the cremated remains you receive afterward is indeed your deceased loved one. Because only one body can be cremated at a time, according to state law, the identification is removed before entering the cremation chamber. However, the tag awaits to be attached to the container holding the cremated remains once exiting the chamber.
After cremation, the cremated remains cool off and then are inspected for any metal pieces left over from clothing, dental appliances and medical devices. Any large bone fragments are crushed after New Mexico cremation services and reduced to a similar size as the other ashes. During the paperwork process, you should disclose to the funeral specialist whether or not your loved one has a medical device such as a pacemaker. This precautionary measure before cremation services in New Mexico commence helps ensure that no problems occur within the cremation chamber.
Rules about Scattering the Cremated Remains
After New Mexico cremation services, you have the choice of receiving your loved one's remains in a temporary container or an urn of your choosing. If your plan is to scatter the ashes in a sentimental place, the temporary container is a possibility as it is a part of the crematory's procedure. However, if you plan to purchase a niche within a columbarium, vault or commemorative garden area or chapel, an urn is the best choice for cremation services in New Mexico. Plus, an urn, particularly for a memorial service would be an attractive and touching addition. You can also display or store the urn in your home.
There are some strict laws in the state regarding the scattering of ashes. If you wish to do this on State Park or public lands, you have to apply for a special permit to do so. This makes sense as these areas are among the most beautiful and regulated in the state of New Mexico. Cremation services can lead to the scattering of ashes in less public areas such as private land which would require only permission of the land owner.
When in doubt, talk with the funeral specialist helping you with planning the final disposition of your deceased loved one. Cremation services in New Mexico can be a bit tedious paperwork-wise but with help, it can be a smooth transition from death to coping with grief.
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. 
