What is Final Disposition of Remains
What is final disposition
Disposition or final disposition are terms used to describe the final arrangements for a decedent”s physical remains. Disposition ensures that the remains are handled in a way that is compatible with public health safety.
How does the disposition and the service differ
Disposition is usually part of a funeral service but can be done separately. This practice is referred to as “direct burial” or “direct cremation”.
What is burial
Burial or interment is the act of placing a decedent’s remains in a grave or tomb. Burial can occur:
- In the ground (grave) or in a structure (tomb, vault or mausoleum)
- In a cemetery or on personal land (as permitted by law)
- In a commercial or non-profit cemetery (as permitted by law)
- In a traditional cemetery or a green cemetery (as permitted by law)
Burial does not require embalming. Some people consider embalming for preservation but the preservation is temporary.
What is cremation
Cremation is the act of reducing a decedent’s remains to ashes. Cremation can occur at:
- A funeral home (with a crematory)
- A crematorium
Cremated remains may be buried in the ground, inurned in a columbarium, or scattered (where not prohibited). They can also be preserved in a container or as part of another object such as jewelry.
What is home burial
Home burial is sometimes associated with a home funeral. But one does not necessitate the other. A funeral home can prepare a body for home burial. A funeral home or crematory can handle the disposition, either burial or cremation, of a body that has been prepared at home. Home burial can involve either a full body or cremated remains.
Most states are very lenient about allowing full body burial on personal land. Your state’s death care statutes will detail the provisions. State statutes factor the impact on public health. But generally, full body home burial is possible, especially in rural areas. There may be some setback requirements. If you are in a more populous area, there are often additional ordinances, available in your municipality’s code department.
With home burial, regulations aren’t the only aspect to consider. In some states, home burial establishes a cemetery. There may be additional requirements as a result. For example, you may be required to grant access to the burial site. This access may come in the form of a “prescriptive easement” which attaches to the deed. This, in turn, could impact future sale of the property. Even the existence of a burial on the property may impact its sale. Some buyers may dislike the idea.
For professional advice on home burial regulations and implications, consult a state licensed real estate attorney.
End-of-life donation
It may be possible to donate a body for a given purpose. Each option has requirements, including pre-arrangement.
- Donation to the living: for organ transplants
- Donation to science: for research purposes
- Donation to schools: for medical and mortuary students
Note that disposition follows donation.