PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FOR YOUR SURVIVORS
In addition to pre-planning your funeral, completing a personal information form and giving a copy to your estate trustee, spouse, and children will give you the peace of mind of knowing they will have all the information they need to properly handle your wishes and the details of your estate.
Keep this information safe but don’t put it in your safety deposit box, as these can remain sealed until after the funeral.
In this section, we’ve answered the most common questions we are asked about funeral options. If you require further information, please contact us at any time.
Cremation
Cremation is an alternative to earth burial or mausoleum entombment: it does not limit the funeral in any way. Should you choose cremation, you will still have the same options for memorialization that any other family has. Cremation can take place before or after the funeral service.
What is cremation?
Cremation is a process of reducing the body to bone fragments by applying intense heat for a period of two to three hours. The cremated remains are then removed from the cremation chamber and processed into finer fragments to be placed in a temporary container. They typically weigh between three and six pounds. An urn may be selected for the final disposition of the cremated remains.
Do we need to buy a casket?
Florida state law requires that at a minimum, the deceased must be placed into a rigid combustible container. Many options of caskets and containers are available to you.
Can we place personal mementos in the casket prior to cremation?
Many personal items may be placed in the casket; however, some items may need to be removed prior to the cremation process. All items left in the casket will be destroyed during the cremation. Your funeral director can advise you on which items may stay and which items must be removed from the casket.