Burial has been the main method of disposition for centuries in Connecticut. However, the number of people choosing cremation is increasing all the time. Cremation now accounts for more than half of all dispositions, and has already overtaken burial as the most popular form of disposition. As cremation becomes more common, more and more faiths are accepting it.

In Connecticut, someone other than the next-of-kin can be asked to make funeral arrangements. This person, called an ‘agent’, must be appointed by the deceased before death. That appointment is done by filling out an Appointment of Representative Form. If no one has been appointed by the deceased, the responsibility for arranging the cremation falls to the next-of-kin in a specific order of priority.

Only eight states make the hiring of a funeral director mandatory. Connecticut is one of those. Even if you choose to bury your loved one and conduct the burial yourself, you must hire a funeral director to file the obligatory permits on your behalf. The Cremation Society of New England is staffed by licensed funeral directors.

No. State laws do not mandate embalming prior to cremation. Our proper refrigeration technique and modern facilities eliminate that need. However, the family may opt for embalming when having a funeral service or viewing.

In 2014, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average cost of a funeral with viewing and burial in the U.S.A. was $8,505. That does not include the cost of the cemetery plot and headstones or items such as flowers. The average cost of a funeral with viewing and cremation was $6,078. Note that average costs tend to be a higher in Connecticut. This makes direct cremation, such as the package offered by Cremation Society of New England, much more affordable than traditional funerals.

The cremation process does not require a casket although there are caskets made specifically for this purpose. All that is needed is a combustible container which will be cremated with the body. This container can be made of wood or cardboard and will offer dignity for the deceased.

There are several reasons we are much more affordable than traditional funeral homes. First, our overheads are much lower. We don’t have to cover the costs of a large establishment because we don’t offer memorial services, visitations and wakes. Neither do we provide services such as hearses and limousines, embalming, and graveside services. Second, our online arrangement services enable us to streamline our processes: there’s no need to visit your home or take you to see a showroom of caskets. Finally, we specialize in direct cremations. It is all we do. That focus gives us a significant cost advantage.

Once the cremated remains are ready, we will contact the next-of-kin or authorized agent to make arrangements for delivery of the ashes within our service area. We will provide options for delivery, or for an extra fee, we can arrange expedited delivery services. We will hold the ashes free of charge for up to 10 business days. After 10 days, there is a holding fee of $85 a month.

If you prefer, we can deliver the ashes to you or a designated cemetery using signature required delivery. A standard charge of $110.00 applies. Other options are available, such as scattering at sea, eternal reefs and life gems. Please contact us for more information about your options for your loved one’s ashes.

Connecticut state law stipulates a 48-hour waiting period before a cremation can be performed. Once the waiting period is over, the Cremation Society of New England can carry out a direct cremation typically within three business days, assuming there is no delay with obtaining the usual authorization and permits.

In Connecticut, the scattering of ashes is largely unregulated, but you do need to use your common sense. Therefore, you may scatter cremated remains (ashes) on private land if the landowner gives you permission, and you may scatter ashes on unoccupied public land in the countryside if you are least 100 yards from a trail, body of water or development. You don’t need a permit to scatter cremated remains in Connecticut’s state parks, but you won’t be allowed to have any kind of memorial marker. Ashes can be scattered in the ocean, but you must abide by the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you’d like any advice about scattering your loved one’s ashes, please contact us.