My mother and I were discussing burial rights, and she said that she would like a simple funeral, with no cremation, no embalming, and no coffin - she would just like to be placed in the ground. However, we are wondering if it's even legal to be buried without a coffin. Does anyone know the law on this one?
2007-02-03 05:58:34 · 13 answers · asked by mydnyht 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Different states have different requirements. Most require a coffin. In most states a vault is not required, but the funeral home won't tell you that. You need to tell them you do not want one. Bodies do not have to be embalmed either. But, of course, the body must be buried within 24 hours.
2007-02-03 06:06:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some people decide to have a 'green funeral' or are buried within an eco-cemetary. Embalming is not required by law in any American states, and often times dry ice or refridgeration is used to preserve the body until it is buried. This practice cannot, however, restore the body to a life-like state for viewing.
An eco-cemetery is also known as a natural burial ground, a woodland cemetery, a memorial nature preserve, or a green burial ground. This modern burial practice has its origins in both environmental concerns and sustainable practices, and for some, neo-pagan beliefs, offering a spiritually fulfilling alternative to the conventional burial.
2007-02-03 06:33:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most states require that you be buried in some type of coffin and a water proof vault. This will keep your body from leaching bad things into my drinking water, NO, a plastic bag will not work. If your trying to save money, get her cremated. You just can't dig a hole and drop her in unless you live in West Viginny or Kentuck.
2007-02-03 06:22:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than legal it's a matter of social propriety. Imagine transporting the body from the hospital, to the funeral home to the buriyng place, just like that. Some cultures follow that, like in the Middle East. If you're going to bury someone in a place other than a cemetery (say, you won backyard) then you'll have to get a special permission from the local authorities, and I wonder if you can even get it.
2007-02-03 06:03:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The correct answer is: If she is going to be buried in a cemetary, you need to find out the requirements for burial at that cemetary. Yes, there are requirements. Some require a vault for the casket to be put it, others do not. I would venture to say, in any public cemetary lot, she will have to at least be placed in a casket, embalmed. Find out where she wants to be buried, and go from there.
2007-02-03 06:09:10 · answer #5 · answered by dylancv62 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people aren't buried in just a coffin, the coffin is placed inside a cement chamber like thing, with a lid, I thought. Maybe she can just be dropped in there?
2007-02-03 06:05:45 · answer #6 · answered by Chester's Liver 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know any laws but the point of a coffin is so that your remains don't resurface in a bad storm, for example. You could put the body in a masoleum but I'm pretty sure you'd still need a coffin. Good luck!
2007-02-03 06:13:01 · answer #7 · answered by crenshawchica 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is necessary to put the body in some sort of container. She may be able to get the old standard pine box if she wants to go real cheap but you would have to check with a funeral home to see if they even still do that.
2007-02-03 06:02:14 · answer #8 · answered by CctbOh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told when my wife past away that embalming was a state law,I don't know about the coffin thing.
2016-05-23 23:46:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first question is were do you live that your are bearing a body in the first place. In the United States there are laws that cover this!
Ask your Police Department this question!
2007-02-03 06:06:06 · answer #10 · answered by Infinite and Eternal Reality 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋