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Ask a Funeral Director

Ask a Funeral Director

Do you have questions about cremation planning, the cremation process, or memorial services? Let our panel of funeral directors answer your questions.

Video Transcript

Hello, my name is James Baron. Welcome to Ask a Funeral Director. I’ve been a licensed funeral director since 1987. We understand asking questions about death and dying is not easy, so we put together this series to help answer a lot of general questions that are asked very commonly in our industry.

And please, if you have any additional questions, feel free to submit those questions to us.

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Cremation and Funeral Jargon

What are "Cremains" or "Cremated Remains?"

Ever hear a funeral director say “cremains” and wonder what he or she meant? Here is a simple explanation provided by funeral directors serving families today.

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What is a Retort?

Do you know what a retort is in the context of cremation? Learn more about cremation from a licensed funeral director in your area.

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What is "At-Need" or "Immediate Need?"

Know what an “at-need” or “immediate need” cremation plan is and who to contact for such a plan. Save time and get answers from licensed funeral directors.

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What is "Pre-Need" or "Prearrangement?"

Do you know what it means to prearrange or preplan a cremation? Discover what it takes to plan a cremation in advance and take control of your future.

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Cremation Paperwork

When Do I Get the Death Certificates?

The time it takes for a death certificate to be completed depends on a variety of factors depending on the situation and local and state laws.

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What is the Cremation Authorization Form and Who Needs to Sign It?

The cremation authorization form plays an important role in the cremation process. Learn why you need it and how a funeral director can help you fill one out.

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What is the Purpose of Providing All of the Information for the Death Certificate?

Some of the information on a death certificate such as years in the country or occupation may seem random, but it actually serves an interesting purpose.

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What is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is an important document that is completed at the time of a passing. Learn how a death certificate is handled by funeral directors.

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Who Needs Death Certificates and Why?

Many state officials will require death certificates as proof of a loved one’s passing, and a funeral director can help you figure out who those people are.

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How Many Death Certificates Should I Purchase?

The number of death certificates needed depends on the state you live in and how many people need one. A funeral director can help you decide how many you need.

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Cremation Costs

Is Financing Available for Cremation?

If you pre-arrange a cremation, you may have the opportunity to use financing to make paying for your cremation plan easier. Learn more from a funeral director.

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What are the Possible Costs that Will Need to be Paid at the Time of Need?

Even if one chooses to preplan their cremation, there are some costs that can only be paid at the time of death. Learn what they are and why they are necessary.

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How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost?

While the cost of a death certificate varies from state to state, your funeral director can tell you about how a death certificate will affect cremation costs.

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The Cremation Process

What Steps are Involved in the Cremation Process?

A funeral director can help you organize the various forms and contact the various people needed for each step in the cremation process.

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How Do I Know I'm Getting Back the Right Cremated Remains?

Families often worry that the ashes they receive after cremation aren’t the remains of their loved one, but there are many processes in place to identify ashes.

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Is Embalming Necessary for Cremation?

Embalming is a complicated process that preserves the body, but is is necessary for a cremation? Funeral directors explain the answer here.

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How Long Does the Entire Cremation Process Take?

From start to finish, the cremation process involves many steps once a loved one is in our care. Funeral directors explain what happens during cremation.

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Who Needs to be Notified of a Death?

Other than family and friends, many people and organizations will need to be notified of a passing. Talk with your funeral director to decide who needs to know.

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Are there Additional Items You Would Need to Initiate or Complete the Cremation Process?

At the time of need funeral directors, doctors, state officials, and others will need certain pieces of information about you or your loved one.

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What Can Cause Delays in the Cremation Process?

Many people are frustrated when the cremation of their loved one is delayed. Learn the causes of cremation delays to ensure the next cremation goes smoothly.

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Veterans

What Benefits Does the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Offer?

Ask a funeral director about the kinds of veterans that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs gives for cremation to those who have served our country.

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How is a Service at a National Cemetery with Military Honors Scheduled?

A funeral director may be able to help you plan a service at a National Cemetery with various military honors including a flag and a Presidential Certificate.

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Transportation of Cremated Remains

What Do I Need for Flying with Cremated Remains?

Is it possible to carry cremation ashes on a plane? Whether you are planning to scatter abroad or visit grieving family, learn to fly with cremation remains.

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Can I Have Cremated Remains Shipped to Me?

Learn how to ship cremation ashes across the nation with the help of a licensed funeral director. You may be surprised by how easy the cremation process is.

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Obituary Information

Who Writes the Obituary?

Family and close friends are the ones who know their lost loved one best. They are often the ones who write obituaries with the help of funeral directors.

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How Much Does an Obituary Cost?

Depending on what services you are using to write an obituary for a loved one, the price of writing and publishing an obituary may vary.

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What Should I Put in an Obituary?

When deciding what to include in an obituary for a loved one, it is important to consider a variety of ideas. A funeral director can help you with ideas.

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Cremation and Memorialization

Can I Have a Service for My Loved One After Cremation?

Choosing to have a memorial service after a cremation instead of a traditional funeral beforehand gives you greater flexibility in planning for the event.

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Where Can I Scatter Cremated Remains?

Families often wonder where and how they can scatter the ashes of their loved one to honor their wishes. Funeral directors can help you find the perfect place.

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Is an Urn Required for Cremation?

Many families choose to have an urn for cremation, but is it necessary? Learn about your options for quality cremation urns for future plans or immediate need.

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Recent Testimonials

With the passing of my mother on January 31, all I really knew was she had pre-paid for her service with National Cremation Society. After making a few calls to various areas, I finally got an answer in their Tampa office who immediately told me that New Smyrna was in the Oviedo area. With one answer of the phone, NCS took over the entire situation with speed and professionalism. Stephen and his entire staff handled everything from pickup to shipment of the remains to Pennsylvania. My wife and I couldn't be more grateful and are now considering having NCS handle... Read More

With the passing of my mother on January 31, all I really knew was she had pre-paid for her service with National Cremation Society. After making a few calls to various areas, I finally got an answer in their Tampa office who immediately told me that New Smyrna was in the Oviedo area. With one answer of the phone, NCS took over the entire situation with speed and professionalism. Stephen and his entire staff handled everything from pickup to shipment of the remains to Pennsylvania. My wife and I couldn’t be more grateful and are now considering having NCS handle our passing.

Jim M.
Oviedo, FL

This is the second time I have had dealings with National Cremation. In 2011 my mother passed away and in 2019 my wife passed away. I cannot thank this group enough for their concern, help, and professionalism. They made a difficult time a bit easier. Sara and the entire staff were great. Thank you all so much.

Robert W.
The Villages, FL

This funeral home was phenomenal. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us and joined us in our pain. We were able to ease the pain smoothly with easy service planning. The day of them was VERY attentive. Stephen especially was a great gentleman always making sure if we needed anything. Constantly offering us water or napkins. I HIGHLY recommend this location to everyone. They touch everything with generous love and care and that is the best in such a difficult moment. They share the pain with you and help you along the way with both economic prices and create... Read More

This funeral home was phenomenal. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us and joined us in our pain. We were able to ease the pain smoothly with easy service planning. The day of them was VERY attentive. Stephen especially was a great gentleman always making sure if we needed anything. Constantly offering us water or napkins. I HIGHLY recommend this location to everyone. They touch everything with generous love and care and that is the best in such a difficult moment. They share the pain with you and help you along the way with both economic prices and create a comfort zone for you and your family. Thank you so much for your love and support.

Daniella E.
Oviedo, FL

When my mother passed away unexpectedly, my siblings and I were shocked and devastated. She had previously said, "If anything happens to me, look in the hall closet." No one wants to hear or think about that, so the response was always "Nothing is going to happen to you!". Then one day it did. When we went in the closet and found a box with paperwork and an 800 number, the relief was immense. Now we knew, based on a contract signed by her, what her last wishes really were with no second-guessing. A phone call to an 800 number... Read More

When my mother passed away unexpectedly, my siblings and I were shocked and devastated. She had previously said, "If anything happens to me, look in the hall closet." No one wants to hear or think about that, so the response was always "Nothing is going to happen to you!". Then one day it did. When we went in the closet and found a box with paperwork and an 800 number, the relief was immense. Now we knew, based on a contract signed by her, what her last wishes really were with no second-guessing.

A phone call to an 800 number on the paperwork led me to Maryann. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate all that she did for me. She patiently led me to step by step through the process and it could not have been easier. A couple of signatures from me and she took care of the rest. I would give her 10 stars if I could. So based on my experience, I would not hesitate to recommend National Cremation Services to anyone.

If you are thinking about pre-planning for yourself I will say I am so glad my Mom did it.

Valerie D.
Detroit / Bloomfield Hills, MI

After the unexpected death of a family member, we were overwhelmed with the process of laying her to rest. Like anyone on a budget, I started calling around to get prices. It felt like an insensitive thing to do but cremation/burials is a competitive business, and believe me, the costs are startling. But then I called Oviedo's National Cremation & Burial Society and their direct cremation option were surprisingly affordable - literally thousands less than the other local providers. Our family member made it known she wanted her ashes scattered at sea so a direct cremation worked for us. They... Read More

After the unexpected death of a family member, we were overwhelmed with the process of laying her to rest. Like anyone on a budget, I started calling around to get prices. It felt like an insensitive thing to do but cremation/burials is a competitive business, and believe me, the costs are startling. But then I called Oviedo’s National Cremation & Burial Society and their direct cremation option were surprisingly affordable – literally thousands less than the other local providers. Our family member made it known she wanted her ashes scattered at sea so a direct cremation worked for us. They even had biodegradable urns for sea burials. I had made my decision. Elizabeth Franco was the service manager who held our hands through this distressing time. She was kind, informative, and efficient. She maintained communication with us throughout the process and ensured we knew about all the keepsakes/services that their business provides to help preserve a memory. When we opted in, she offered guidance. When we opted out, she didn’t push. She replaced our stress with a sense of calm and that in itself was priceless. Elizabeth exemplifies what it means to serve during a time of crisis and hardship. I highly recommend Elizabeth and National Cremation & Burial Society.

Note: As of March 2019, this business uses Woodlawn Crematory.

Juan C.
Oviedo, FL