Select a crematorium, if applicable

In most cases, a funeral director can connect you with a crematorium if the deceased’s remains are to be cremated. But you also can contact a crematorium directly. As executor you might want to inquire about the cremation process to ensure the deceased’s body is treated with respect. Those who handle cremations typically follow a strict code of ethics. However, knowing that you asked questions and did some research about this often mysterious process can help provide comfort to you, as well as all of those who cared about the deceased. Feel free to ask for references.

Location and timing

Check where the cremation will be done, such as onsite or off. You also might want to check to see if a family member or designated individual can oversee the cremation. Some crematoriums offer comfortable viewing spaces for the family to use while overseeing a cremation. Others might welcome viewing, but have a more industrial atmosphere, which is free of comforts. Since many crematoriums complete multiple cremations a week, check to see what the time frame is between them receiving the deceased and completing the cremation, if you are scheduling funeral services.

Logistics

Another important issue to check on is whether the crematorium takes steps to make sure they track the deceased’s body and verify his or her identity throughout the process. This ensures the remains received are the correct ones. If no urn is being provided to the crematorium, check to see how the remains will be secured and stored. Prior to cremation, all metals, such as jewelry, belt buckets, piercings, etc., will be removed from the body. If you wish to have these items returned to you, let the crematorium know. If the deceased had artificial body parts, such as knee or hip replacements, or prosthetics, crematorium officials should be able to explain how these will be processed. Some of these items – such as pacemakers – are removed from the body in advance due to the dangers of incinerating them. Others will be removed as the remains continue to be processed into a finer ash.

It is important to note that often the cremated remains received will include some larger bone fragments or pieces. If these are to be spread by family members, you will want to relay this information so they do not feel something was done incorrectly by the crematorium and become upset as a result. If funeral planning is delayed and burial uncertain, you also should inquire how the crematorium will store cremated remains and for how long.