This guide will answer key questions you may have to conduct cremation arrangements. Whether you wish to make a cremation plan for yourself or have to arrange a funeral or cremation service for a loved one who has passed. We have put together FAQs about cremation costs in the Greensboro area, state funeral laws, and where to get help.
What to do when a death occurs.
Once you have been informed of a death, the first thing that arises is the need to select a funeral home to handle funeral arrangements and transfer the deceased into their care. Most people die in a medical facility, where they can be held for a short period in the hospital morgue if necessary. It can be important not to rush this decision. You need to ensure you select the right funeral service provider for your needs.
How do I choose a cremation provider?
Call the DFS location at (336) 223-5180 to arrange a simple cremation for $995.
If your loved one had no funeral plan, and you have no prior experience with a funeral home, this can be a difficult task. If you want to have a funeral ceremony, the actual location of the funeral home may be an important consideration. Also, if you are working to a specific financial budget for the cost of a cremation, you might need to make price comparisons, before selecting a suitable funeral home.
What cremation service options do I have in Greensboro?
You can arrange anything from a full-service traditional funeral cremation service to a simple direct cremation service. It all depends on your family’s wishes and your budget for funeral expenses.
How much does a cremation cost in Greensboro, NC?
Cremation prices can be a little difficult to quote. It depends on the type of cremation service you select. Cremation is definitely cheaper than a burial service, but a cremation with a funeral ceremony will still cost around $4,000.
A simple cremation service with no ceremony is referred to as a “direct cremation” in the funeral industry. A direct cremation can be arranged for $995 in the Greensboro area.
Direct cremation is the most economical funeral service arrangement available to families.
It is wise to check what is included in a low-cost direct cremation package to ensure there are not hidden fees to what may appear ‘too cheap’. County fees are generally ‘third-party’ additional charges – such as death certificates and cremation permits. However, some affordable direct cremation packages include a death certificate and cremation permit fee.
Extra charges that can be incurred on a budget direct cremation are fees for if a residential collection is required if the deceased weighs over 300 pounds and if a pacemaker needs to be removed prior to cremation.
What are the legalities & requirements for a cremation disposition?
The legal next of kin is responsible for making funeral arrangements unless the deceased has already made (and paid) for a funeral plan. The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificate and may ask you how many copies you require.
In North Carolina, the fee for a death certificate is $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
If you do opt for cremation, all the legal next of kin must agree on a cremation disposition and sign the Cremation Authorization Form. There is also a mandatory wait period of 24 hours in North Carolina before a cremation can be performed. [Commission for Public Health, pursuant to G.S. 130A‑134]
Who is responsible for paying for a cremation?
If the deceased did not pre-arrange and pre-pay for a funeral plan, the responsibility for paying for a funeral falls to the immediate next of kin. This can be quite a burden, which is why more seniors today are considering setting up simple cremation arrangements.
Pre-planning can be simple and affordable, and give family peace of mind for when the time comes.
If you are interested in pre-arranging a simple cremation plan, contact your local DFS Memorials location at (336) 223-5180.
What if the deceased is taken to the Medical Examiners?
If the death occurred outside of a medical facility, was an accident, or was unexplained, the body will be transferred to the Guilford County Medical Examiner’s office. It is the responsibility of the coroner to determine a cause of death before a death certificate can be issued. You will need to arrange for a funeral home to collect your loved one once the coroner releases the body.
Only a licensed funeral director can transport the deceased from the ME’s morgue, and the next of kin will need to sign a release form for the Medical Examiner to release the body into the care of a funeral home. The Medical Examiner will issue the death certificate and permit to cremate once they release the body.
Is there any help with funeral expenses for low-income or uninsured families?
Limited financial assistance is available to families for funeral expenses. What is available is usually managed at the County level. We suggest you contact Guilford County to inquire.
What can I legally do with the cremated remains?
You can inter cremated remains in an existing grave plot or a cremation niche. You can keep the cremation urn at home, choose to conduct an ash scattering memorial, or even consider memorial cremation artifacts. Cremation offers many options for memorializing a loved one.
I want to pre-plan a simple cremation. What is the best way to set up a cremation plan in Greensboro?
You can make pre-arrangements with a funeral home and/or crematory. The terms and payment plans may differ depending on your requirements and age. And whether you make payment in full at the time of purchasing your pre-need plan, or arrange a payment plan.
Some cremation providers offer online arrangement services, so all this can be done from the comfort of your own home. Pre-planning can provide you with funeral service coverage that will give you and your family peace of mind.
How do I obtain copies of a death certificate?
The funeral director will generally file the death certificate for you, and will ask how many copies you require. The first death certificate costs $24.00. Each additional copy (ordered at the same time) is charged at $15.00 each.
You can request additional copies from Vital Records at a later date if you are a relative of the deceased or have a financial concern in their estate.
What is no-cost cremation?
A “no-cost” cremation generally refers to a whole-body donation program in which the deceased’s remains are cremated free of charge after the donation. Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina both offer a ‘willed body’ program. You should also talk to your funeral director about options for a free cremation with a body donation.
Do I need a casket for a cremation service?
No, there is no requirement (or law) that a casket is needed for a cremation service. A simple cremation is usually conducted using a reinforced cardboard container. It is possible to rent a casket if you wish to have a service before the cremation, which can help you save on funeral costs.
I have questions about arranging a cremation in Greensboro. Where can I find help?
You can contact our DFS Memorials affordable funeral service provider in Greensboro with any questions you have. If you have a concern about a licensed funeral home you may wish to contact the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service.
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.
