Dallas Cremation: Everything You Need to Know About the Cremation Process in Dallas

Knowing how the Dallas cremation process goes will help you prepare for what’s to come. Click here to learn more about the Dallas cremation process.

For a number of reasons ranging from cost to practicality, cremation is becoming a more common option that families are turning to. In fact, Texas ranks third for the most cremations performed per year, with over 73,000 in 2015.

If you’re preparing for the cremation of a loved one, it is important to know what to expect both from the cremation process and from Texas state law.

At Lone Star Cremation, we do everything we can to make the Dallas cremation process easy and streamlined for the families we serve. We’ve even created an online portal so that you can begin your arrangements from home.

Before you fill out our online forms, let’s take a look at what to expect from Dallas cremation.

The First Steps in a Dallas Cremation

Before cremation is possible, it is imperative that the deceased is properly identified and the death certificate is filed.

Next, the cremation must be authorized, typically by a close relative, although cremation authorization may vary depending on the circumstances. For example, cremations are sometimes authorized by an unrelated party who was explicitly named in writing by the deceased.

Note that in some instances, multiple relatives or legally named individuals must authorize cremation. It is important that everyone signs any necessary documents upon receiving them, or the cremation process will be delayed.

How Texas Law Applies to Cremation

There are a number of laws specific to Texas that may affect the time it takes to begin the cremation process. One law that will affect every case is the required 48-hour waiting period. Texas requires that from the time of death as certified by a medical professional to the time of cremation, at least 48 hours must pass.

Doctors are also granted a period of up to 10 days to complete the medical certification that must accompany the death certificate. However, for the sake of patients’ families, most doctors try to complete their portion of the death certificate quickly. Plus, they are required by law to submit this information electronically, speeding up the time it takes to reach the crematory.

Note that when the death resulted from unnatural causes, there may be other governing agencies involved in completing the death certificate. This is a rare occurrence, but any open investigations pertaining to the cause of death could delay the cremation process.

Preparation

Once the process of identification and authorization is complete, we may begin to prepare the body for cremation. How we prepare the body will depend on the type of service you wish to hold.

Before identification begins, the body will be bathed and dressed. The additional step of embalming is only required if you wish to hold a viewing before cremation. Otherwise, embalming is not required by Texas state law.

Finally, medical devices and jewelry are also removed. These items tend not to break down under the heat that allows the body to break down and, in some cases, may react adversely in the cremation chamber.

Cremation

Some families choose to have the deceased cremated in a casket made of wood or another combustible material. Another option is cardboard, which many families use as this receptacle is not used for the final resting place.

The deceased is then moved to the cremation chamber, which is sometimes referred to as the retort or crematory. Here, the body will break down at a high heat for a period lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.

The remains are then removed from the cremation chamber and allowed to cool. A magnet is used, if necessary, to remove bits of metal (such as teeth fillings).

Then, the remains are ground so that they are fine. This is what we are referring to when we use the term, “ashes,” and at this point, the remains are fully prepared.

Returning the Ashes to the Family

The ashes are placed in a plastic bag to seal them off from any moisture or other damaging elements. This bag is then placed in either a temporary urn provided by us or the urn of your choosing.

You or another individual presiding over the memorial service may pick up the deceased’s ashes or we can deliver them to the proper location.

We are often asked how long it will take from the point of death to the point of receiving the ashes. This is a difficult question to answer because, as you’ve seen, there are a number of factors that affect the Dallas cremation process.

If the memorial service is time-sensitive, we do offer our Silver and Gold packages that expedite the cremation process. Your needs are always our first concern.

Where May You Keep or Scatter the Ashes?

In the state of Texas, there are several ways that you may honor the deceased by keeping or scattering their ashes.

Ashes may be kept in a designated crypt or grave. You may also keep them in your own home.

If you prefer to scatter the ashes, you may do so on public land so long as it is uninhabited. You may also scatter ashes over the sea or another public waterway. Finally, you may scatter ashes on private property as long as the property owner is aware and consenting.

Find Dallas Cremation Services

If you are in search of Dallas cremation services, we would like to suggest our own facilities. Lone Star Cremation has been serving Dallas and Fort Worth families for decades and we take great pride in our work.

To find out more about our availability and cremation packages, contact us today.