Frequently Asked Questions
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- > What is eCrematory?
- > What’s the catch?
- > When someone dies, who do I contact first?
- > Can I plan and pay for the eCrematory services in advance of a death?
- > I understand that a licensed funeral home must be involved;
what are the responsibilities of the funeral home? - > What are my responsibilities?
- > What about an obituary notice?
- > What about a memorial service?
- > How do I obtain the necessary permits and certificates?
- > Who can make the decisions regarding cremation?
> What is eCrematory?
eCrematory is an easy, affordable alternative to “traditional” funeral services, where you have complete control over the process from start to finish, and aren’t pressured to purchase unwanted services and merchandise. We coordinate the necessary tasks with a participating funeral home.
> What’s the catch?
You need to get involved. eCrematory gives you all the tools necessary to arrange a legal cremation, including access to the documentation required by the State of Michigan. With eCrematory you have complete control over the process; and in fact, you actually complete many tasks yourself. We provide you with easy-to-use tools to guide you through the process. The low price of the eCrematory option is a result of your acceptance and willingness to participate.
> When someone dies, who do I contact first?
To take advantage of eCrematory’s affordable pricing, you must contact us first, at help@eCrematory.com Or 1(800)399-4824. Visit www.eCrematory.com for more information.
> Can I plan and pay for the eCrematory services in advance of a death?
Yes, you have two options. Your first option is to complete a plan online at www.ecrematory.com. Advanced planning online is free of charge. Your second option is to make an “eCrematory” appointment at a Life Story Funeral Home near you. This option gives you access to a person that will guide you through the eCrematory planning process. There is a charge of $100 for this planning appointment.
> I understand that a licensed funeral home must be involved; what are the responsibilities of the funeral home?
After you contact eCrematory, we will contact a licensed funeral home, which will transport the remains to an appropriate facility for shelter, while the necessary forms are being completed and authorizations secured. When all the legal authorizations are obtained, the cremation will take place. After the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains will be returned to the designated family member.
> What are my responsibilities?
By completing the forms found in this packet, you will receive the maximum savings. Each of the steps listed below can be completed by you or on pay-for-service terms
by eCrematory:
- Complete the Death Certificate, obtaining proper signatures, file the death certificate
- Obtain signatures from the legal next of kin authorizing the cremation.
- Writing and placing an obituary in the appropriate newspapers (optional).
> What about an obituary notice?
Obituary notices are entirely optional. If you would like to have an obituary published in your local paper, you may write and submit the notice yourself. Consult your local newspaper for contact information, submission times and prices. Please visit lifestorynet.com for obituary examples, Life Story® examples, and writing tips*.
*Life Story® writing and Obituary writing are optional services offered by
eCrematory for a fee.
> What about a memorial service?
Planning an appropriate gathering/service can be very meaningful for family and friends. Remember that it is not unlike planning a wedding, anniversary, or any other family celebration. There is no “right” or “wrong,” simply do what you feel is appropriate. It can be at your home, a park, church, or any other venue in the community. Keep in mind that the best venue could be a Life Story Funeral Home®. They have the facilities, staff, and equipment that will help you host a meaningful celebration*.
*This service can be coordinated by eCrematory for a fee.
> How do I obtain the necessary permits and certificates?
One of the important tasks you need to perform, with eCrematory’s help, is completing the Certificate of Death and obtaining Certified Copies. The procedure for obtaining a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Death varies from county to county and State to State. eCrematory provides you with complete information concerning the death certificate. In all cases, the death certificate must be signed by the doctor, completing the cause of death. Additional information on the certificate must be typewritten. Once the certificate is completed, it must be presented to the county clerk in the county where the death occurred. However, ANY evidence of correction fluid, folds or wrinkles, spills, etc., may cause the County Clerk to reject the document, and you will have to complete a new certificate all over again. Certified copies of the certificate are available at that time or any time in the future. The death certificate must be filed with the county within two business days of when the death occurred. In addition, the eCrematory-enabled funeral home must have a certified copy of the certificate to obtain the county cremation authorization.
This document must be completed within 72 hours of the death.
> Who can make the decisions regarding cremation.
Generally speaking, most states only allow the immediate next of kin to authorize cremation. As an example, only a spouse can authorize the cremation of their marriage partner. In the absence of a spouse all the children must authorize the cremation and so on. It might be good to note who can’t authorize a cremation. In most situations, friends, common law partners, domestic partners and executors or estate administrators can’t authorize cremation and an individual can’t authorize their own cremation before death.