Frequently Asked Questions
about Cremation

Can We have the Service Before or After the Cremation?


• It's completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by having a traditional service first - to be followed by cremation.

  
  
  
   

• Are Cremations are Done Individually?
  

• Yes. MarylandState law provides that only one body may be cremated at a time.
  
  
  
  

• When After Death can a Creamtion Take Place?
  

• Maryland State Law requires that a body may not be cremated until 12 hours after death, because cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself will eliminate any ability to determine exact cause of death, many states require that each cremation be authorized by the coroner or medical examiner. 
  
  
  
  

• Is Embalming Necessary for Cremation?
  

• No. In most cases, it is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body, whether there is to be a funeral service, or whether there is refrigeration available. Embalming may also be necessary if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.
  
  
  
  

• Are There Special Cremation Caskets?
  

• There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a simple pine or cloth-covered casket to a hardwood casket.
  
  
  
  

• What can be done with Cremated Remains?
  

• With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place.) Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process—the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.