Finding affordable cremation services in Fort Worth, TX

Affordable Cremation Services

Are you concerned about the high costs associated with funeral services? Do you need an affordable cremation service in Fort Worth? We have put together this guide to help you understand more about arranging a cremation in Fort Worth, outlining the different cremation options you have, what costs to expect, and how to save money by arranging a direct cremation.

Why choose cremation services?

More Texans are choosing cremation today as an inexpensive and versatile alternative to a burial service.  Opting for cremation services can save you 40% to 60% (or sometimes more) on the cost of traditional burial services. 

No casket or embalming (unless required) is required, and there is no immediate need for a cemetery plot or burial vault. Eliminating these products and services saves thousands of dollars.

Cremation can offer a more flexible alternative that can accommodate families who have moved from their home state or when a funeral cannot be held immediately. Cremation also offers a greater range of personalization options, with an array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities and various cremation artifact products.

What different cremation alternatives do I have?

There are basically 3 main types of cremation service options.  A cremation funeral – where the funeral service is held with the deceased present and a cremation is conducted after the service.  A cremation memorial – where the cremation is conducted before a memorial service is held.  This can be with or without the cremated remains present and can often take the form of an ash-scattering ceremony. 

Or there is a direct cremation – this is where the deceased is cremated with no services, and the remains are given back to the family.  There are some variances around these 3 main options, such as a private viewing before cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of a cremation urn.

How much does a cremation cost in Fort Worth?

Cremation cost in Fort Worth

The cost of a cremation can vary considerably.  This will depend upon the type of cremation service you opt for and the cremation services provider you select.  A full-service cremation with a service will cost in the region of $3,000 – $5,000, depending upon the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent.  A direct cremation will cost between $795 and $3,000 (depending on the funeral home used).

cremation-services-fort-worthDirect cremation services in Fort Worth

If finances for a funeral are limited, you may wish to consider a direct cremation.  A direct cremation is the most affordable cremation option.  The funeral services provider does everything to take care of the immediate disposition of the deceased but no viewing or services are held. 

The deceased is cremated in a simple container, and then the cremated remains are made available for the family or collection (or, if requested, delivered/mailed). A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone without the need to visit a funeral home. 

For your best price on a direct cremation, contact your DFS Memorials provider in Fort Worth at (817) 953-5155, who offers a complete direct cremation package (including death certificate) for just $795.

How do I choose a cremation services provider?

When there are several funeral homes to choose from, this can sometimes be a daunting task. It may help to set some clear criteria to help you select the provider that best suits your needs. The funeral services provider you select can be influenced by what facilities and services they offer or what budget you have.

As we have highlighted, costs can vary quite significantly between funeral homes for the exact same service. For this reason, we recommend that you compare some costs before making a decision.

Comparing cremation costs in Fort Worth

Cremation Authorizations & Requirements

All funeral homes have a general price list (GPL) and this should itemize all services and charges.  Legally a funeral home must provide you with a copy of their GPL if you request cremation price information, either in person or by phone.

When comparing costs and services check what IS included, especially with a budget direct cremation package.  Is a copy of the death certificate included?  Is the cremation permit an additional cash advance item or included?  What about if an out-of-hours collection is required? Is there an additional daily refrigeration charge if the cremation does not proceed after 48 hours? 

A death certificate costs $21.00, with each additional copy charged at $4.00 and a cremation permit from the Medical Examiner costs $25.00.

What legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in Fort Worth?

direct-cremation

If you are considering cremation, you need to be aware of a few legal requirements. Firstly, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed. If there is any dispute or a family member cannot be located, there is an 11-day wait period before anything can proceed.

In Texas,, there is a mandatory 48-hour wait period after death before the cremation can proceed. The deceased will be refrigerated during this period and longer if required. However, you should be aware that many cremation packages will only include refrigeration for up to 5 days and will charge you a daily rate thereon.

A Medical Examiner’s certificate costs $25.00 and death certificates cost $21.00 for the 1st certificate and $4.00 for additional copies.  These are often considered ‘cash advance’ items and are not included in a quoted cremation price.  The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.

Can I preplan a cremation?

Find cheapest cremation

Yes, you can prearrange a cremation.  Advance planning can help to ensure you get the most appropriate services provider for your needs and can save the surviving family the financial and emotional burden at the time of death.  There are various options open to you to plan ahead so consult with your preferred services provider.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

As I mentioned earlier, there is versatility in what you can do with cremated remains. You can inter a cremation urn in a cemetery plot or niche, keep an urn at home, scatter the remains, or create a cremation artifact such as a cremation diamond, glass paperweight, bird bath, or memorial reef ball, to name but a few!

The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?

Saving money on cremation costs

Sadly, there is little financial aid available to support families struggling with funeral costs. Most counties do have a budget for indigent funerals, but this is generally for those individuals who truly are indigent. Some counties do have limited funds to help low-income families with cremation costs, but this can vary county by county. 

Tarrant County has a program called ‘Basic Needs’ that provides emergency financial assistance to low-income families facing a crisis. In these cases, the most basic of funeral services will often be supported, with limited control over what happens. A low-cost direct cremation from a budget provider can be arranged for $795.

What is “no-cost cremation”?

Affordable Cremation Services

Some funeral homes now offer this option in Texas. This is referring to whole-body donation, whereby after the donation is complete, the remains are cremated (free of charge) and then returned to the family or scattered. Generally, funeral homes can get a referral fee from the whole-body donation organization, plus they sometimes charge a transportation fee. So, all-in-all, they do still recoup their costs. As we all know, there really is nothing that is truly free!

Sara Marsden

I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last fifteen years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.

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