Consumer Help

Cremation

Cremation is an increasingly common choice for the final disposition of human remains. The reasons people choose it vary; some prefer that less of our limited open space be devoted to cemeteries; some prefer quick reduction of their mortal remains rather than slow decomposition of the body underground; while others may wish that family and friends focus not on their death or on the presence of their lifeless body at a wake or funeral but, rather, on their life through memories shared at a memorial service. A memorial service, freed from requiring the presence of a body, can be scheduled more flexibly.

Massachusetts law requires a 48-hour waiting period prior to cremation – unless the death was due to a contagious or infectious disease. The law requires a death certificate, a burial/disposition permit, and a cremation permit. The crematory typically requires authorization by next of kin or other appropriate person. Where there is an estranged or separated spouse, or there are next-of-kin opponents to cremation, it is important for the decedent to have appointed an agent in advance in writing.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health imposes “no restriction as to the disposition of ashes.” Unless other arrangements have been made, the cremated remains are returned to the family. You are free to keep them, to bury them, or to scatter the cremated remains anywhere (subject to the usual laws prohibiting trespass on private property without permission or on public properties so posted).

NOTE: Cremated remains are not really ashes. The term "ash" is used only for convenience. Cremated remains consist of bone burned at high heat and then pulverized into particulate matter of varying degrees of fineness. The term “cremains” is sometimes used.

Crematories

Massachusetts crematories are non-profit organizations located within cemeteries. They rarely work directly with the public. Typically, they require that the consumer make arrangements through a funeral home to pick up the body, complete necessary documentation, prepare the body (e.g., removing a pacemaker, which can’t be cremated) and arrange for transport of the body to the crematory. Afterwards, the funeral home would again have a role, conveying the cremated remains to the family.

Consumers are not legally required, however, to hire a funeral director. Next of kin or a designated friend may carry out a decedent's wishes, provided that the paperwork and necessary permits are in order, and that transportation can be arranged.

Whether or not the necessary arrangements for cremation are made through a funeral home, the consumer may benefit by contacting the crematory directly (and even visiting in person) to understand what is involved in cremation; to learn what options are available for observing the cremation, for having a service on site, or for storing, burying or scattering the remains; and to discuss any associated charges.

Here is contract information for Massachusetts crematories:

[Note: there are also some crematories in nearby states that do serve some parts of Massachusetts. In NH and VT, for instance, funeral homes can own and operate crematories, so it’s simpler to understand.]

Considering Cremation Costs

All funeral homes that list any cremation services are required by the Federal Trade Commission to offer “direct cremation” (without “extras” such as embalming, an elaborate casket or a funeral service), and disclose price information on their General Price List (GPL). The GPL must list at least two price options, depending on whether the funeral home or the consumer provides the alternative container (non-metal, most often made of fiberboard or unfinished wood) or casket.

Results of a 2024 Price Comparison Study by FCA volunteers revealed a stunning range of funeral home prices ($1,185 to $5,760) for the simplest option: direct cremation with alternative container.  That data was collected from the GPLs of 79 funeral homes in western Massachusetts.

It pays to shop around!  You might be saving $4000 by choosing a different funeral home.

When comparing the General Price Lists from different funeral homes, be sure to inquire whether or not the listed price for direct cremation includes these extra fees:

  • the fee of the medical examiner who must view the body before it can be cremated and issue a cremation permit ($200); and
  • the fee of the crematory for performing the actual cremation (varies, depending on crematory and circumstances; often in the range of $250 to $400 for an adult).

Often those two fees are listed separately (as “cash advance” items). They might be billed separately, or might be included in the quoted price. In the study mentioned above, ten of the price quotes included the medical examiners fee; fourteen included the crematory fee.

For simplicity, some Massachusetts funeral homes now promote convenient “cremation packages” that include all fees. These are much easier for the public to understand. Examples: