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

Video Transcript

A cremation authorization form is one of the most important forms needed in order for cremation to take place. The one who can sign it would be a spouse, the husband or wife. The other folks that would need to sign if there is no spouse available to sign would be the children, the next of kin. It goes down in the lineage as far as who would be the next person of authority to be able to authorize the cremation. In some states they have a self-authorization form that is completed during a prearrangement. If that form is completed, we are able to use that form to do the cremation when the death occurs.

Answers from Other Funeral Directors Around the United States:

The authorization form is a legal document that must be signed by either the person themselves prior to death or by the legal next of kin after death. In Minnesota there are two authorization options. If someone is doing a prearrangement for themselves, they can sign a document called the Self Authorization for Cremation. This document is retained in our files and used at the time of death. Authorization for Cremation and Disposition is the other option. At the time of death it is required that the legal next of kin or the majority of the legal next of kin sign the authorization for cremation.

- Abby Schilling

Funeral Director in Richfield, MN

The cremation authorization form is signed by the legal next of kin according to the State of Florida, and it gives authorization for the cremation to proceed once all necessary approvals are obtained.

- Jessica Watts

Funeral Director in Jacksonville, FL

It is an acknowledgement of the cremation and an endorsement of the cremation by the legal next of kin.

- C. A. Bankston

Funeral Director in Fort Worth, TX

The cremation authorization form needs to be signed by the next of kin or a majority of the next of kin. It provides details about the cremation process and the parties involved to ensure proper compliance and protection for our customers.

- Michael Sollitto

Funeral Director in Charlotte, NC