Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation

 What is a Direct Disposal Crematory?
 How is the Cremation Society different?

Direct Disposal Crematory is a crematory that advertises low prices to the general public and attempts to compare it's services to those of a full service cremation service offered by traditional funeral homes or a Cremation Society. These direct disposal crematories are a good option for those individuals whose primary interest is only price. If cost is your only criteria, a Direct Disposal Crematory may be your choice. However, for families who want to ensure that the quality of service (who is doing the cremation and are the ashes I receive back actually the ashes of the deceased) and the value received may would be better served by a traditional funeral home or a Cremation Society. Refuse any attempt to upsell or get you to spend more money than the amount quoted initially. Investigate into the owner of the direct disposal service. Often it is owned by a cemetery or funeral home. One may find that the cost difference to use the underlying funeral home would not be that great. A funeral home may offer it's cremation service for only a couple hundred dollars more that that same firm would charge at it's direct disposal crematory. The peace of mind using a traditional funeral home or Cremation Society often outweighs the small increase in price.

 I understand that more and more people are choosing cremation.
 Is this because the cost is lower? 

While it is true that the cost of cremation is about 20% to 24% that of body burial, many people are choosing and planning cremation because of other factors. These include the simplicity and dignity of cremation services, environmental concerns, and the flexibility cremation offers in ceremony planning and in the disposition of the remains.

 If cremation is chosen, is a funeral home called at the time of death? 

The Cremation Society of Virginia is licensed to provide all services directly to the family. It is not necessary to engage the services of a separate funeral home. The Cremation Society will make the removal from the place of death whether it be from the residence, hospital, nursing home, or other facility.

 Why is there such a difference in price between the cremation society
 and funeral homes? 

The cremation society is able to provide the same service at a lower cost for two reasons: First, we have members that share the costs and benefits of belonging to the society. Secondly, we do not have the overhead of a funeral home. We do not own expensive buildings, drive expensive hearses, or have a tremendous salaries expense. Because of their much higher operating costs, they are not geared to provide economical services to those families that do not want or need all of the frills but still want quality service.

 Why do you charge a $35.00 registration fee? 

The Cremation Society of Virginia charges a small, nonrefundable membership fee to maintain records on file for members with important vital statistic information and specific requests and wishes. In addition, this small membership fee helps us to keep our prices low and assists us in offering our members more benefits. An additional benefit is the cost savings extended to members.

 Does a body have to be embalmed before cremation? 

Embalming is not required by law. However, if there is to be a public viewing or if the body is taken into a church, embalming may be necessary. As cremation specialists, The Cremation Society of Virginia does not offer embalming-if embalming is desired-we will help in arranging these services with the funeral home of your choice or, upon request, provide a list of reputable funeral homes in our area to provide these services.

 Is it necessary to use a casket for cremation? 

No, state and local laws do not require a casket for cremation. However, most crematories do require the body to be placed in some type of container to encase the body. Being a bona fide cremation society, we do not sell caskets but offer the minimum alternative container that the crematory requires.

 Exactly what happens at the crematory?
 Can a family member or clergy be present at the cremation? 

The deceased is placed in a combustible box and then placed in the cremation chamber. Depending upon the crematory, family or clergy may be present at the initiation of the cremation process. After the body is placed in the chamber intense heat (about 1500 degrees) is used to reduce the body to bone fragments. These bone fragments also consist of a minimal amount of ash from the box. These are pulverized to a uniform consistency and placed in the desired container. Family or clergy can choose to receive the cremated remains at the crematory or we will deliver the cremains to a church or directly to the family.

 What do cremated remains that are returned to the family look like? 

The quantity of cremated remains of an adult is returned in a box that measures 4 ½ x 7 x 9 inches. Since it consists mostly of bone fragments, it is fairly heavy, approximately 7-8 pounds. Because of pulverizing, the appearance is somewhat like that of crushed seashells. We, therefore, discourage the use of the term “ashes” and instead use the term “cremated remains.” Unless an urn is purchased, the cremated remains are returned in a plain temporary container.

 Is the deceased cremated unclothed? 

The deceased may be clothed as desired by the family. A military uniform, scholastic robe or other special garment may be cremated. Often the special clothing is neatly folded and cremated with the deceased.

 What happens to parts of the body or clothing that won't burn? 

These parts include metal buttons and medals, hip replacement joints, dental gold, etc. After cremation, large fragments of metal that can readily be separated from the ashes are removed and discarded prior to pulverizing. Dental gold is not recoverable and is dispersed through the remains. By policy, there is a strict prohibition of dental gold removal at any time the deceased and cremated remains are in the custody of the Cremation Society of Virginia. Some items have to be removed from the deceased prior to cremation because of the explosive risk. These include; cardiac pacemakers and implanted measured dose dispensing devices.

 If I don't have a traditional funeral, I would still like to have some sort of
 ceremony so that family, friends and associates can gather to commemorate
 the event. What are my choices? 

Cremation offers a wide array of ceremonies from which to choose. A memorial service can be held in a place of worship or at The Cremation Society of Virginia, with or without the cremated remains. The service can be delayed as long as necessary after the death to allow family and friends to gather from distant locations. Some churches and retirement communities routinely handle memorial services themselves, without the involvement of the cremation provider. Other possibilities include graveside services at the cemetery or columbarium. A scattering ceremony offers a personal touch that only cremation can provide. Burial at sea is also a viable option.

 What happens if I want to be cremated when I die, but a family member is
 opposed to this choice? 

It is always best if an agreement can be reached that the family will respect the wishes of the person who chooses cremation, and will abide by that agreement after the death occurs. Discussion with a cremation counselor, funeral director, clergy, chaplain or other advisor may help with this decision. If an agreement cannot be reached before the death occurs, the person choosing cremation may decide to make plans for cremation despite the opposition. In this case, he should ensure that he specifies the desire for cremation and that these plans are on file, preferably prepaid with the cremation provider. We encourage that the desire for cremation be made in a notarized statement other than the will, as the will is usually not probated until well after death has occurred. It is also important for you to know that you can not rely on your power of attorney to sign off for your cremation, as POA ceases at death.

 My family may be willing to accept my plans for cremation, but they would
 like me to have a traditional funeral service. Is this possible? 

Yes, however, The Cremation Society of Virginia does not have the facilities for embalming and does not supply caskets but can use a funeral home of your choice or we will provide a list of reputable funeral homes in our area for such purposes.

 I'm not certain what should be done with my cremated remains.
 What are my choices? 

One possibility is to request that the cremated remains be returned to the nearest of kin, so that a decision about their disposition can be made later. Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery plot or placed in a mausoleum or columbarium. If the cemetery is far from the place of death, the cremation provider can send the remains by registered mail. Some churches have a columbarium or memorial garden where cremated remains can be placed; this is usually limited to church members and their families. Family members can also bury cremated remains on their own private property, depending on local ordinances. Scattering of cremated remains is an increasingly popular choice. The scattering can be done by The Cremation Society of Virginia, by the family or clergy, either privately or as part of the ceremony. 

North Carolina law states (90-210.46.(f): Cremated remains can be scattered on any uninhabited public land or public waterway. (Private land requires permission of the land owner.) Careful thought should be given to the matter before choosing scattering in a location that will be frequented by family members; depending on their personal philosophies, they may be either comforted or distressed by knowing that this has been done. We strongly recommend that careful consideration be given to the irreversible action of scattering to ensure this is the desired manner of disposition. Virginia law appears to be silent on the scattering of ashes. This section will be amended once specific information is available.

 What advantage would there be to prepaying my cremation costs? 

There are two major advantages to prepayment. One is that you may take advantage of the current prices with an inflation proof contract. This means that no further money will be due at the time of the cremation. This advantage will prevent your survivors from having to pay for your last needs at a time when circumstances such as a catastrophic illness may reduce their ability to pay without hardship. The other advantage is not related to cost; it has to do with the desire many people feel to be independent and to take care of their own needs without placing the burden on others who will be grieving the loss of a loved one. The consideration also applies to people who feel it is likely that they will have no family member available to take care of their final arrangements.

 Is it possible to be an organ donor and still be cremated? 

Yes, being an organ donor does not mean that you can not be cremated or even buried for that matter. All organs are harvested prior to any services or ceremonies. For additional information on donating your organs you may contact LifeNet at 800-847-7831 - Life Net - Virginia Beach.