Arranging a simple, low cost cremation in Lafayette, LA

More families today are worried about the high cost of dying.  If that is the case for you, then this short guide can help you to save on funeral costs by arranging a dignified and simple cremation.  You can arrange a simple cremation for just $1,795.

How much does a funeral cost?

The average cost of a traditional funeral service in Lafayette is $7,020* (and this does not include the cemetery charges).  So, the total cost for a funeral service, cemetery plot and burial vault is likely to be in the region of $10,000+.

For many families spending over $10,000 on a funeral is just not possible.

What do I need to consider if choosing a cremation?

You need to consider what kind of cremation service you want, and what type of cremation provider you wish to select.  There are various cremation service options from a simple direct cremation to a full traditional funeral service followed by cremation.

Many funeral service locations operate their own crematory now, meaning that your loved one remain in the care of the funeral home at all times.

How do I select a cremation service provider in Lafayette?

It is always wise to check around before committing to a cremation services provider.  Ask family and friends of their experiences, or do some research online or by phone.  As with any other sector, there is the ‘good, the bad and the ugly’.

What you get included in a cremation services package and what level of service you are given can vary by who you deal with.  Costs for a cremation service can also differ significantly, even for the exact same service.

average cremation costWhat type of cremation service should I opt for?

This is entirely a personal choice.  Direct cremation is becoming more popular as many families want simplicity and affordability these days and a simple, direct cremation offers this.

It can allow families to take care of the immediate disposition, enabling them to prepare their own memorial service at a later date.

How much does a cremation service cost in Lafayette?

This is a question that is often asked, and the only true answer is that it can vary.  It is dictated by what kind of cremation service you select.  As I mentioned direct cremation is the least expensive option, costing $1,795 in Lafayette, although the average cost for a direct cremation is $2,682.

The average cost for a cremation with a memorial is $3,902* in Lafayette.

How much does a direct cremation cost in Lafayette?

A direct cremation can be conducted for $1,795.  Call (337) 252-0608 for more information.

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Lafayette

Before a cremation can go ahead there are certain legal requirements.  Firstly, there is a mandatory wait period after death before the cremation can be performed.  And the legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form.

In Louisiana, there is no mandatory wait period after death before the cremation can proceed, however, before a cremation can proceed the Parish coroner must issue a permit to cremate.  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.

Death certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy.  This is often considered a ‘cash advance’ item and not included in a quoted cremation price.  The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

direct cremation lafayette laYou can inter cremated remains in a cemetery plot or crenation niche, similarly as you would inter a body.  However, cremation does offer more versatility on how and when you can conduct memorialization services.

If you opt for a direct cremation, you do not have to proceed with an immediate funeral service, you can opt to wait until you have the cremated remains returned and then hold a service at a later date.  More families are choosing to conduct their own memorial service after a cremation, as this saves significantly on the overall funeral costs.  It is possible to hold a memorial service at a range of venues instead of a funeral home.

You can also choose to scatter the cremated remains, either in a memorial scattering garden, or a special place to the deceased.  There are also a range of cremation artifact options available today to help you create a memorable item made with some cremation ashes to keep close by if you so wish.

What do I do if I cannot afford a cremation?

Sadly, there is little state or county assistance that helps a family pay for a cremation.  The county may be obligated to pay for indigent cremations, but in these cases, they are often unclaimed remains where there are no family.  You may wish to contact Louisiana Department of Social Services to inquire as to what assistance may be available, but in reality, it may require family to raise the basic funds to conduct a direct cremation.  Call (888) 524-3578 to speak with DCFS Customer Service.

What if the deceased is at the Medical Examiners?

If the death was unnatural, suspicious or the result of a crime, the deceased may be taken to the Coroners.  The coroner will need to determine the cause of death to issue the death certificate.  Once this occurs the body can be released to a licensed funeral director.  You will need to employ the services of a licensed funeral director immediately as he/she can liaise with the coroner to arrange for the release of the deceased as soon as possible.

If you have any further questions about arranging a funeral or cremation in Lafayette, please call your local DFS Memorials provider on (337) 252-4174.

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