Advantages Of Using A Funeral Home After The Death Of A Loved One

While it is within your rights to have a memorial service and funeral for a loved one at your own home, you may want to think again. While it may seem like a less expensive option, you might find this not to be true. There is a lot more to taking care of the remains of a loved one than you might expect. Here are just a few things you should understand before attempting to claim possession of the deceased's body.

Laws and Paperwork

You need to contact the health department and county registrar to obtain the required paperwork. A signed death certificate is required before you can take possession of the body. You will also need permission from the county registrar to have the body buried, even if you will be using a cemetery. Since laws and regulations can vary depending on the state and/or county, be sure to ask what permits or other paperwork will be required. Quite often, you will have a limited time in which to carry out the final disposition of the body, so you want to be sure to have everything in order. When you use a funeral home, all of this will be taken care of for you.

Equipment

An unembalmed body must be kept refrigerated. It is highly unlikely you have a place to keep the body at the proper temperature. In addition, the time limits on keeping the body will be reduced, meaning you will need to hold any viewing for family and friends immediately. This to can pose a problem if you don't have a place that will fit everyone. You won't be able to stretch the viewing out for days. A funeral home can embalm and prepare the body for viewing so that constant refrigeration is not needed. In addition, it will have the refrigerated storage facility, so you can arrange to have the viewing done over a few days, giving everyone time to pay their respects.

Final Disposal

A funeral home will make all the arrangements for the burial of the body. You may choose to have it buried or cremated. You won't have to worry about transporting the body to the cemetery or the crematorium.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of using a funeral home is the fact that you are going to be emotionally stressed. While you may think you can handle everything in a timely manner, chances are you are going to need a lot of help. Handling and moving the body are not things many people will be able to do. Funeral homes will not only help with the physical and legal aspects of your loved one's final disposition, but they will also help you deal with the emotions you are going through.