Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Louisville, Jeffersontown, St. Matthews, Shively, or the surrounding Jefferson County area requires an understanding of specific Bluegrass State jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in Kentucky, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.
Jefferson County Jurisdictional Contact Data
In Jefferson County, the Coroner’s Office is responsible for investigating any death that is sudden, violent, or of unknown cause. They must issue a mandatory permit before any cremation can occur within the county.
Official County Name: Jefferson County
Coroner Office: Jefferson County Coroner’s Office
Physical Office Address: 1030 W Liberty St, Louisville, KY 40203
Main Contact Phone: (502) 574-6235
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Investigators available 24/7).
Our local providers coordinate directly with the Jefferson County Coroner to ensure all legal release authorizations and medical certifications are secured before the cremation process begins.
Jefferson County Permitting and Mandatory Fees
Kentucky law and Jefferson County ordinances mandate specific permits and fees for final disposition by cremation.
Coroner’s Cremation Permit Fee: Under KRS 213.081, no body may be cremated in Kentucky without a permit from the coroner of the county where the death occurred. In Jefferson County, the administrative fee for this review and permit is typically $50.00.
Waiting Period: While Kentucky does not have a strict mandatory hourly “waiting period,” cremation cannot legally proceed until the Coroner’s Permit is issued. This administrative process generally takes 24 to 48 hours.
Authorization: Kentucky law (KRS 367.97501) requires a signed authorization from the legally entitled agent (next-of-kin). If a spouse is not present, a majority of surviving adult children must sign the authorization.
