Final Arrangements Questions

1. How can I get financial assistance with cremation?

   Yes, there are a number of places that may offer financial assistance in covering the cost of cremation, likely to run from about $1,000 to 2,000.
   1 Expert Answer, 7 Community Answers

2. Are prepaid cremation plans tax deductible?

   Funeral arrangements of any sort are not typically tax deductible on the Federal level. State tax codes vary widely but think, what would you list it under on a tax form? Too late to be a medical expense. Too cheeky to refer to it as a second home. Perhaps as a 'relocation expense'...
   1 Expert Answer

3. How Do I Set a Limit for the Cost of my Cremation in Honolulu, Hi?

   Most of us think about what we want when we die. Few of us, however, actually do something with those thoughts. Good for you for taking that extra step! In doing a little research about prices in your state for cremation services, it looks like it can easily fit into the amount you’re thinking aboutut...
   1 Expert Answer

4. Is it common practice to investigate a death inside a hospital?

   Most hospitals either have regular meetings or prepare internal reports -- often weekly --in which they review any deaths that have occurred in the hospital during that period. This is often called a mortality or morbidity review/report. Particularly given the circumstances surrounding your mother...
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5. I need assistance in cremation costs for my brother.

   Please accept my condolences for your loss. Brothers can be pretty special.
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6. Can my cremated ashes be buried on my own private property in PA.?

   This is a good question - lots of people wonder about this. When issues come up about a body that's been cremated, it's much different than one that hasn't.
   1 Expert Answer

7. Does a body need to be in a vault if not embalmed?

   In almost every state, it is not a law that a casket has to be placed in a burial container; it is the cemetery that makes that requirement or does not. Call the cemetery where she will buried and ask if they require a burial vault.
   1 Expert Answer

8. What Is a "Green Funeral?"

   A green funeral involves conducting final arrangements and disposing of a body in ways that restore and conserve the environment, without using the harmful chemicals and nonbiodegradable materials commonly used by the funeral industry.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer

9. How Does Embalming Work?

   Embalming is a process in which blood and gases are removed from a body and replacement fluids are pumped in to temporarily retard its disintegration.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

10. Who has legal rights to cremains?

    Your state, Illinois, has a very specific law controlling who is entitled to control a deceased person’s cremated remains, also known as cremains.It provides that the following people, in the order listed, have the right to control them:
    1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers

11. How do we deal with the expenses associated with the cost of burying my mother when her life insurance policy doesn't cover everything?

    If the life insurance policy or other assets of your mother are not sufficient to pay for her burial, there are some other sources for assistance in this dire time.
    1 Expert Answer

12. Is it illegal to bury someone without a vault in West Virginia?

    West Virginia laws do not require a vault or liner, but many cemeteries require some type of outer burial container to prevent the grave from sinking in the future, so you’ll need to check with individual cemeteries.
    1 Expert Answer

13. How do I begin the process of working through my grandparents final arrangements?

    You are asking about two separate, but related, issues. 1. How to pre-pay for final arrangements? 2. What is the best way to transfer assets after death?
    1 Expert Answer

14. If family cannot be found, can a friend claim someone's remains?

    This is a good question but I'm a little unclear about a couple of things. First I'm not sure who the "us" is that you're referring to. Are they and you part of the "old workplace" that you mention? As far as any family members not being known, the state of Pennsylvania laws require that a family member sign legal authorizations for a person to be cremated...
    1 Expert Answer

15. Can you bury a casket in the ground in the state of Florida?

    That's an interesting question but I'm not sure exactly what you're asking.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

16. How do I find out who maintains a cemetery?

    The easiest way to find the caretakers of a cemetery is to call your local funeral homes. They usually have contact information for any cemetery in your area. If they can't help you, please feel free to email me on this site.
    1 Expert Answer

17. If a sibling dies with no spouse, is it the legal responsibility of the remaining siblings to pay for his burial?

    Siblings are not usually legally responsible for paying for another sibling’s burial, although one or more of them may be asked to cover the bill, at least temporarily.
    1 Expert Answer

18. Is the nursing home my cousin died at entitled to her tax return?

    Sorry, I can't give you a definite answer. I do not know Pennsylvania law on this point.
    1 Expert Answer

19. Is it possible to give our home to our church in exchange for funeral expenses?

    You should be able to make arrangements with your church to leave it (or them) you home. with it/them agreeing to pay your funeral expenses. You'd be best protected with a formal, written agreement, perhaps some form of a charitable trust. Your church should be able to help you with this, or at least direct you to someone who could help you...
    1 Expert Answer

20. Is it ok to send out an announcement of a death, and invitation to a Celebration of Life sercive by email?

    This is a good question. It means that although there are time constraints, you still want people to be aware of this important information. There may be those who think this is not the best way, but I think it's okay. Sometimes the timing of services requires that large numbers of people be notified...
    1 Expert Answer