Frequently Asked Questions

In our FAQs section, we have provided answers to some of our most commonly asked questions pertaining to cremation, the loss of a loved one and  our services. If you have any additional questions or concerns that are not covered below, please contact us. We want your experience working with us to be a positive one.

What should I do if my loved one dies when I am out of town?

We recommend that you contact the local medical authorities, which may include the police depending on the death. Afterwards, give us a call right away so we can start planning your loved one's arrangements. We know it’s important for you to get back home, so we make this process as seamless as possible. Calling us right away will help you avoid any duplication of fees or services.

How do I know I am receiving only my loved one’s ashes?

Since it is illegal to cremate multiple people at once in the United States, you can be sure we will cremate your loved one alone. Also, our cremation chamber is designed to only hold one person at a time. Our entire cremation process is heavily regulated, and we hold it to the highest standard every step of the way. All our paperwork and fees are completed with local authorities and then we look over the checklist at the crematory. A metal disk with an individual ID number is with your loved one every step of the process to ensure correct identification. Since we are so detail oriented, you can rest assured you are receiving only your loved one’s ashes.

How do I know if I can scatter my loved one’s ashes?

Prior to scattering your loved one’s ashes, make sure you are doing so legally. However, the government typically does not regulate the scattering of ashes. If you want to scatter the ashes at a public park, submit a formal request to avoid any legal trouble. As long as you check the rules beforehand and are considerate, you typically shouldn’t have any problems.

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is a room or building where urns filled with ashes are stored. Typically, they’re located in mausoleums, chapels, or memorial gardens, and contain many niches that are designed to hold urns.

What should I say to the bereaved if I see them in public?

If you haven’t seen them after the loss yet, make sure you acknowledge their loss and offer your condolences. If you have already talked about the death, greet them kindly and ask them about their wellbeing. When in public, be careful what you say. Sometimes being discrete is best, especially when you’re around others. Suggest a time to meet in private for some quality time.

How can I help the bereaved?

After the cremation, the grieving process is not over. It takes time to lessen the pain and sadness of a loss. That’s why you should offer your support for months or even years to come. Helping the bereaved do their daily chores or spending time with them can help. Sending them a letter or giving them a phone call can brighten their day. Even if they decline your invitations, continue to invite them to social functions and special occasions. Eventually, they may want to be social again and knowing they can lean on you is so important.

How can I help a child deal with the death of a loved one?

Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. Adults may not view a child behavior as grief as it is often demonstrated in behavioral patterns which we misunderstand and do not appear to us to be grief such as “moody,” “cranky,” or “withdrawn.”

When a death occurs children need to be surrounded by feelings of warmth, acceptance and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of the adults who are experiencing their own grief and upset. Caring adults can guide children through this time when the child is experiencing feelings for which they have no words and thus can not identify. In a very real way, this time can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and relationships. The first task is to create an atmosphere in which the child’s thoughts, fears and wishes are recognized. This means that they should be allowed to participate in any of the arrangements, ceremonies and gatherings which are comfortable for them.

First, explain what will be happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. A child may not be able to speak at a grandparent’s funeral but would benefit greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or displayed at the service. Be aware that children will probably have short attention spans and may need to leave a service or gathering before the adults are ready. Many families provide a non-family attendant to care for the children in this event. The key is to allow the participation, not to force it. Forced participation can be harmful. Children instinctively have a good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to carefully.

Why should I prearrange my cremation or burial?

When you plan in advance you will be able to compare options available, such as the services, products and prices among different companies. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your cremation or burial arrangements and the form of service you prefer. You can make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family gaining peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of making these important decisions when the death occurs. In addition, by prepaying your cremation or burial you will lock in today’s prices and protect you from future inflation.

What are some questions I should ask when considering cremation providers?

1. Does the price you are quoting include everything, or are there add on fees that I need to be aware of?

2. Where is the cremation being performed?

3. Where is my loved one going to be taken and held prior to the cremation?

4. Can I witness the cremation?

Do you own your own crematory?

Yes, we own and operate our own crematory.

Cremation Care Providers of Central Florida owns and operates its own Crematory. This gives us the ability to control and oversee every aspect of the cremation process. As a result, we can ensure families’ ultimate security and the most dignified handling of every cremation. You’ll take comfort knowing that your loved one never leaves the shelter of our expert care. Our highly trained and certified personnel perform all cremations following a strict and secure process with our state-of-the-art equipment.

Do I have to come to your facility to finalize the paperwork?

No, we have found that many families prefer to make arrangements in the comfort of their own home. The arrangements can be handled online, by email, fax, or mail.

Do all Direct Disposers, Funeral Homes and Cemeteries have a crematory?

No. While almost every funeral home offers cremation, only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units.

What can I do with the cremated remains?

You can keep the cremated remains in your possession, scatter where allowed, bury in a cemetery, or place in a mausoleum. A portion of the cremated remains may be kept as a remembrance usually in a mini urn or keepsake jewelry.

How does the entire process work?

To arrange a cremation, the person or persons who are legal next of kin must consent to the cremation, by signing an authorization form. Our staff will prepare the death certificate and cremation permit. The death certificate will be taken to the physician who will sign it. After the death certificate is completed by the physician, it is taken to the health department in the county where death occurred. The health department contacts the medical examiner for that county who must approve the cremation permit. Upon receiving approval from the medical examiner, the local registrar of vital statistics will issue a cremation permit along with certified copies of the death certificate. After all of the properly executed documents are received in our office, the actual cremation can be scheduled.

How long does it take to complete the cremation and get the cremated remains back?

Our goal is to complete the cremation as quickly as possible; however, the process is dependent on several different agencies and the doctor who is responsible for signing the death certificate. For 90% of the families we serve the average turnaround is 7 to 10 business days.

Can I place an obituary in the newspaper?

Yes. We will be happy to assist you with placing an obituary in the newspaper of your choice. In addition, we will place the obituary on our website, where friends and family can leave condolences online.

Can I come in to your office to make these arrangements instead of completing them online?

Yes. You are always welcome at our arrangement office. We are also available to come to your home, or meet you at your convenience.

How long does the actual cremation take?

It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours. In addition, it takes about an hour for the cremated remains to be processed and placed in an urn.

Is there anything else I will be required to buy?

No! We do offer other services; however, there are no hidden fees in our packages.

Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?

We publish the obituary notice on our website free of charge and there is no limit to the length of the online obituary. The publication of an obituary notice in a newspaper is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you have the right to limit the amount of information, if any, provided to them.

Can a function less formal than a memorial service be arranged?

A “memorial reception” or “gathering of friends” is a less formal event. It allows family and friends to share their loss and share treasured memories of the deceased. These gatherings may include light refreshments and can be held at any appropriate location, a park, a restaurant, or the home of a family member or friend.

We do not have facilities for services. Any services must be at your Church, Synagogue or facility of your choice.

Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?

No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.

Are there special cremation caskets?

There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket.

Can I take the cremated remains home?

Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.

Is embalming necessary for cremation?

No. It is your choice. It may depend on if the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket, if they want the deceased’s appearance enhanced for a private family viewing, if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.

What happens during the cremation process?

The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately, 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The residue which is left is bone fragments, known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in the container provided by the crematorium or placed in an urn purchased by the family. The entire process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labelling system ensures correct identification.