Step 6: Arrange to scatter, bury, inter, or store cremains.

During cremation, a body is heated in an ovenlike device (called a retort) until it is reduced to an ashy powder and bone fragments. Depending on the size and composition of the body, the process takes from two to four hours -- and renders cremated remains, or cremains, weighing between three and nine pounds and fitting in a container somewhat larger than a shoebox.

Crematories will usually return cremains to a family member or other designated person in an inexpensive plastic or cardboard container. They can then be placed in an urn or other container to be buried, stored, or scattered.

Scattering cremains

Many people find it meaningful to scatter cremains in an area that was important to the deceased person during life.

• Some local and state laws control where and when scattering may take place, but there are fewer legal controls than most people assume. For example, all states simply require written permission from the landowner for scattering on private property, and that cremains be released a certain distance from the shore if scattered at sea.
• To check legal controls in your area, go to the local affiliate of the Funeral Consumers Alliance.

Commercial scattering services may also be hired to do the task. And while some people prefer to designate a firm to handle the details of the scattering, be advised that there are often hefty charges for this. Many commercial operations also append the word "Society" to their firm names, which implies that they operate as nonprofits, even though they do not.

Burying or interring cremains

Cremains may be buried in a cemetery, either in a regular grave or designated urn garden. They may also be placed in a columbarium -- usually a grouping of niches specially designed to hold cremains. They are most often located in a mausoleum, although some churches also provide them.

Some people choose to buy or provide a special container, usually called an urn, in which to place the cremains. There are no legal controls on the type required -- although a columbarium or cemetery may impose them if cremains will be interred or buried there.

Keeping cremains

Survivors are also free to keep cremains, usually stored in an urn or other container.