Cremation is a method of disposing of a deceased person's body by subjecting it to intense heat until it is reduced to bone fragments, which are then ground into ashes. The process typically takes place in a specially designed furnace called a cremator. The ashes are then collected in a container, which are given to the deceased person's loved ones for scattering or burial. Cremation is an alternative to traditional burial, and is often chosen for reasons such as cost, environmental concerns, or personal beliefs.

As soon as you get in touch with Memoria, our Cremation provider will get in touch with you to finalize arrangements and coordinate transportation from the place of death to their facility.

Generally, the timing of collection depends on where the passing has occurred. If your loved one has passed at home, the removal process can be expedited. If they have passed in a hospital or other facility, we will pick them up as soon as possible, pending the release from that institution. If your loved one is at the Coroner's / Medical Examiner's office, it can take some time for the release to occur.

Based on their availability, you will find a time that is suitable for the Cremation. The cremation itself then typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size and weight of the body. After cremation, the processing of the remains into ashes can take an additional 1 to 2 hours.

We are currently present in New York State only. We serve New York City, Long Island, Albany, Saratoga Springs, Rochester and Buffalo. All our locations serve a 2-hour radius from the city they are located in.

After cremation, the ashes will be returned to you based on what service you have selected. You can either pick them up directly, have them delivered to you or even have the ashes scattered or turned into memorial items such as diamonds.

To ensure proper identification, most cremation service providers use a system of identification tags and records throughout the process. This system helps match the remains to the correct family and prevents any mix-ups.

The funeral director or cremation service provider typically handles the paperwork and filing of the death certificate. They will work with the family to ensure all necessary information is accurately recorded and submitted to the appropriate authorities.

From the time of cremation, we typically advise a wait time of 3 weeks. At times it can take longer if there is a delay in processing by the state authority. If there is a long delay, we will actively follow up on your behalf.

The legal authority to sign-off on the cremation of a deceased person typically follows a specific order of priority, which may vary depending on the laws of the jurisdiction in question. In general, the order of priority is as follows:

1. Executor(s) or court-appointed administrator: If the deceased person had a will, the executor(s) named in the will have the legal authority to make decisions about the disposition of the deceased person's remains, including whether to cremate them. If there is no will, or if the executor(s) named in the will are unable or unwilling to serve, a court-appointed administrator may have the authority to make these decisions.

2. Spouse: If the deceased person was married at the time of their death, their spouse typically has the next highest priority to make decisions about the disposition of their remains, including whether to cremate them.

3. Adult children: If the deceased person was not married at the time of their death, their adult children typically have the next highest priority to make decisions about the disposition of their remains, including whether to cremate them.

4. Parents of the deceased: If the deceased person was not married at the time of their death and did not have any adult children, their parents may have the legal authority to make decisions about the disposition of their remains.

Our Cremation Partners specialize in direct cremations, which means there is no viewing of your loved one before the cremation. That being said, some of our partners can make exceptions, which is why it's always a good idea to share your preference with them. Note that Memoria can assist you with planning and arranging a meaningful memorial service after the cremation is complete.

No, a casket is not required for cremation. For direct cremation, the body is typically placed in a simple container or cremation casket, which is designed for the purpose of the cremation process. This container is often less elaborate than a traditional casket.