Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, or the surrounding Front Range area requires an understanding of specific local jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in Colorado, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.
County Jurisdictional Contact Data
In Denver County, the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) is responsible for investigating certain deaths and must authorize all cremations occurring within the county borders.
Official County Name: Denver County (Consolidated City & County of Denver)
Medical Examiner Office: Denver Office of the Medical Examiner
Physical Office Address: 601 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204
Main Contact Phone: (303) 436-7711
Release Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (for designated releases).
Our local providers coordinate directly with the Denver OME to ensure all legal release authorizations and medical certifications are secured before the cremation process begins.
Denver Permitting and Mandatory Fees
Colorado law and Denver County ordinances mandate specific permits and fees for final disposition.
Cremation Authorization Fee: The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner mandates a $50.00 fee for the review and approval of every cremation authorization.
Final Disposition Permit: Every disposition in Colorado requires a permit (Authorization for Final Disposition). The current fee in Denver County is $1.00 (State fee) plus local processing.
24-Hour Rule: Per C.R.S. § 12-135-106, human remains must be cremated, buried, or refrigerated within 24 hours of taking custody.
Storage Policy: Refrigeration is used during the administrative waiting period; additional storage fees may apply if arrangements are not finalized within 72 hours of the decedent’s release.
