Ever Wonder Who Ever Wonder Who Decides If You’re To Be Cremated?
You Can Determine If You Should be Cremated
The very best person to decide if you will be cremated is you. If you verbalize your wishes before your death, then the individual accountable for your final decisions can carry out your wishes. To make sure your wishes are carried out, though put your desires in written form. You can do this through your will, a health care directive, or simply written on some paper. To further ensure your wishes are carried out, make your document legal by following the laws of your state. For instance, Minnesota cremation laws say that for the document to be legal, it needs: your official name; your signature; and the date the document was made. The document also has to be notarised.
If You Don't Let Others Know Your Desires, Some Other Person Will
If you die without leaving express cremation desires, the “next of kin” will decide if you will be cremated. Each state has different laws for who will decide your fate. As an example Minnesota cremation law says that the individual that can decide if you will be cremated is:
- the person who is outlined in a legal document created by you. If no one was specified then the choice rests with:
- your spouse. But , If there is not any spouse, then:
- your daughter(s) or son(s). If you have no living daughters or sons at your death, then:
- your parent (s). And, if your mother or father are not living, then:
- your sisters or brothers And if there are no siblings, then:
- your grandmothers and grandfathers). And, if there are no grandparents, then:
- your nephews and nieces. However if there aren’t any living nephews and nieces, then:
- your guardian. However if there's no living guardian, then:
- someone that demonstrated concern and dedicated care toward you during your life. And, if none, then:
- someone designated by law to inherit your estate. However if no one is designated, then:
- a court authority or the general public
If not one of the above apply, then the appropriate court authority or public will determine whether you are cremated or not.
Clearly, it’s best if you decide. It isn’t easy – none of us want to face the inevitable. You can ease your mind though, plus make your death easier for you loved ones, if you take the necessary steps now to express your cremation desires.
Are you considering a cremation? Get answers to your questions about cremation laws – and other more general cremation questions – at Minnesota Cremation.
Tags: cremation law, cremation laws, Minnesota Cremation, minnesota cremation law
