FAQ's

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and ash through the application of intense heat and/or direct flame. It is important to understand that cremation is not the final disposition of the remains. Following cremation, the family will need to decide an appropriate final disposition. The cremated remains may be kept in an urn, buried in a cemetery, or scattered in a special place in keeping with current state rules and regulation.

The process itself is brief, usually requiring 3 – 6 hours at a normal operating temperature of 1600 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The time required depends upon the size of the individual and type of container or casket selected. In Louisiana, it can take several days to secure the necessary documents and comply with the legal waiting period before the cremation can occur. Because of the finality of cremation, in many states, there exists a mandatory 48-hour waiting period which ensures the cremation does not occur prematurely. If a waiver to cremate can be obtained from the legal authority where the death occurred, it may be possible to proceed with cremation prior to any required delay.

No. It is illegal to do so. Additionally, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. We rigorously adhere to the highest level of care and integrity in all we do to serve our families.

Following the actual cremation, all remaining materials are retrieved from the cremation chamber and placed into a stainless steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials (metal casket parts and surgical implants) are removed through visual inspection and use of a strong magnet. The remaining bone particles and ash are reduced to small particles and placed in the selected urn.

The cremated remains will resemble coarse sand and small gravel. They are typically light gray in color. The cremated remains of an average size adult would weigh 5 to 8 pounds.

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are returned to the family.

This is perhaps the most important concern of the families we serve, and absolutely the highest priority for us. First, prior to cremation, the identity will be verified either through a family viewing or medical or legal certification. Additionally, we have developed a highly rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and assure total trust and confidence. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process by our caring professionals. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment.

The cremated remains must be placed in a secure container. Although not a state regulation, we do require some type of suitable container or urn to be provided. We have many suitable containers or urns to select from beginning at $25.

Although each state regulates this differently, there are numerous options available. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a niche, kept at home, scattered (with permission) on private property, in certain public waterways or at least three miles off most coastlines. If you choose to scatter the cremated remains on land or water, it is advisable to consult the local authorities. As you make this decision, there are numerous special urns or containers designed specifically for helping with the scattering of remains.

If you decide to keep the cremated remains, a wide variety of decorative urns are available to honor the lifestyle, values and religious preferences of the individual or the family. There are also smaller, “keepsake” urns which enable the cremated remains to be divided and kept by various family members. Most recently, special “keepsake” jewelry is being designed and crafted in a variety of styles and materials. All have been designed to hold a small portion of the cremated remains.

If the cremated remains are to be buried, special burial urn vaults are available to protect and secure the urn containing the cremated remains. Although not required by state law, some cemeteries require some type of urn vault. We also offer special urns designed for scattering of remains, if desired.

For families arranging for cremation, many options and possibilities exist. Cremation can occur following a traditional funeral service with a visitation period, opened casket and service in our chapel, church or other location. Cremation can be arranged to follow a visitation period with an opened casket and a memorial service arranged at a later date. The memorial service may be as personal and unique as your loved one. The service can be arranged at any time or location and may be held soon after the death or delayed until family members can conveniently gather. Cremation may also be arranged without a memorial service or visitation.

No. Each state has its own rules and regulations governing cremation. In most states, including Louisiana, embalming is not required by law. Most common carriers (airlines etc.) will require embalming prior to transportation. The laws of the destination state or country will apply. Because of rapid deterioration following a death, most state laws require that after 24 hours of death or while in transit, the remains must be embalmed, refrigerated or placed in a leak and odor proof container. We require embalming, however, if you select a public service or visitation with an opened casket.

Yes. For identification purposes, the immediate family may briefly view their loved one in our private viewing room prior to cremation. Public Viewing is not permitted without embalming.

No, a casket is not required. Most states do require that a cremation container, which is rigid for secure handling and made of combustible materials, be used for all cremations. Simple Traditions carries a variety of alternative cremation containers and cremation caskets which meet the state standards and are very economical and manufactured especially for cremation.

The cremation must be authorized by the legally authorized person according to state law. Cremation may not be performed until a legally authorized person gives written authorization for such cremation. State law also defines the “legally authorized person” and sets up the order of priority of next of kin. It is our policy to require this written authorization be executed on our “Authorization for Cremation” form before the cremation is scheduled. This form must be signed by the next of kin as determined by the order specified by the state of death. Next of kin may be defined as:

• Self (if allowed by state law)
• Any person designated in a written instrument signed by the decedent (if allowed by state law)
• Spouse
• Child/Children of legal age
• Parent(s)
• Sibling(s) of legal age
• Other adult persons in the next degree of kinship in order named by law to inherit the estate.