![Cremation Authorizations & Requirements](https://dfsmemorials.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6439-1024x629.jpeg)
Next Steps if Your loved one is at the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office in Houston, TX
If you need to make cremation arrangements for a family member who is currently in the care of the Medical Examiner, you need to firstly select a Cremation Provider and sign a Release Form. This gives your chosen funeral director the authority to collect your relative from the County morgue when the ME releases the body.
The Coroner will liaise with the next of kin and advise when the deceased is expected to be released into the care of a funeral home for cremation. The role of the Harris County Medical Examiner as governed by state law (Chapter 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure), is to determine the cause and manner of death.
Harris County Medical Examiners Office is located at 861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 7703, and can be reached at 832-927-5000.
As the County Office also issues the cremation permit, this can often mean making cremation arrangements for a deceased person at the Medical Examiners can be expedited.
![Direct Cremation costs](https://dfsmemorials.com/wp-content/uploads/Wooden-Cremation-Urn-Prices-1024x712.jpeg)
Comparison of direct cremation costs in Houston, TX
In Houston, you can arrange a basic cremation for just $795. Several cremation service locations in Houston offer very low-cost direct cremation services. We have included below a comparison of 5 of the most affordable cremation providers in Houston to help you better understand and compare your choices.
DFS Memorials Partner Lovestrong Cremation Center – $795 (includes 50-mile service area radius)
Birdsong Cremations – $895 (Includes 25 mile radius)
Harris County Cremation – $920
Respectful Cremations – $995
Direct Cremations Houston – $995
Potential additional charges that can be incurred with a basic direct cremation package:
- Death certificate fees – $20 for the 1st copy and $3 for each extra copy.
If you need to make direct cremation arrangements from outside Houston, mailing fees are an additional charge. All arrangements can be made electronically by email.
![Claim financial aid for a cremation](https://dfsmemorials.com/wp-content/uploads/funeral-laws.jpg)
Guide to Financial Aid for Cremation Costs in Houston, TX
Consider Houston Charitable Organizations that support families in need. Several local charities and religious organizations in Houston offer financial support or discounted services for funeral or cremation expenses for families in need. Some organizations. to consider include:
The Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, 2900 Louisiana Street Houston, Texas 77006 Phone (713) 526-4611.
The Alexander Jewish Family Service, 4131 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77025. Phone (713) 667-9336
The Salvation Army of Houston, 1500 Austin, Houston, Texas 77002.
These organizations may provide direct financial support or work with funeral homes to offer discounted services for low-income families. For families facing financial hardship, these options may provide some assistance with part or the full cost of a cremation in Houston, TX.
![Hospice or hospital death](https://dfsmemorials.com/wp-content/uploads/Senior-Care-at-Home.jpg)
Next Steps – If Your Loved One has Passed at a Medical Facility in Houston, TX
To help you, here is a list of hospitals in Houston, TX. This might not cover every facility, especially smaller or specialized centers, but an immediate collection can be arranged from these hospitals if you need an affordable cremation.
Central Houston:
Houston Methodist Hospital – 6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030Memorial
Hermann-Texas Medical Center – 6411 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital – 1635 North Loop W, Houston, TX 77008