- It is not possible for cremation to take place until:
- the cause of death has been established.
- the death has been registered.
- a Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14) issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages has been given to the crematorium authorities.
- the following forms (obtained from the Funeral director or the crematorium) have been completed and given to the crematorium authority.
- Application for Cremation Certificate (Form A) signed by the family/ relatives or executor.
- Certificate of Medical Attendant (Form B) completed and signed by a doctor who has attended the deceased before death and who has seen and identified the deceased after death.
- Confirmatory Medical Certificate (Form C) completed and signed by a doctor of not less than 5 years standing and who has seen the deceased after death.
- Procurator Fiscal Certificate for Cremation (Form E1) supercedes Forms B and C if the death is referred to the Procurator Fiscal.
- If the death occurred abroad (including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands), but the family/relatives wish for the cremation to take place in Scotland, an order needs to be obtained from the Scottish Executive Health Department by taking or sending the documents which accompany the body (including the Medical Cause of Death Certificate [or equivalent] in English with the application form for cremation). Normally, this will be dealt with by the Funeral director who is responsible for making the funeral arrangements.
- If the death occurred in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the procedure to arrange a cremation is the same as that to be followed when the death occurred in Scotland.
- Most crematoria are run by the local authority, and the costs of cremation are usually considerably less than the costs of burial. Charges usually include:
- the medical referee's fee.
- use of the chapel.
- the chaplain's fee.
It is important for the family/relatives to make clear what they want to do with the ashes. This may be: - scattering the ashes in a garden of remembrance.
- scattering the ashes in a spot favoured by the deceased. (If ashes are to be scattered on private land, consent is required from the landowner.)
- burying the ashes in a churchyard or cemetery. (This can be accompanied by a short service.)
- keeping the ashes in an urn.
- Although UK law allows ashes to be taken abroad, many countries have strict rules on the importation of ashes. It is important therefore to check the regulations before travelling.
- In the event that the family/relatives have not stated what they would like to be done with the ashes, it is the responsibility of the crematorium staff to contact the family/relatives before disposal.
- Arrangements can be made for placing a memorial plaque at the crematorium or to plant a memorial bush.
- Often there is a Book of Remembrance in the crematorium. The family/relatives may pay for an entry.
- The Cremation Society of Great Britain offers free advice on any aspects of cremation.
- The Federation of British Cremation Authorities (FBCA) has a code of cremation practice.
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