Cremation has become an increasingly common choice for end-of-life arrangements in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Personal preference, financial concerns, the environment — whatever the reason, many families view cremation as the best choice. But there are legal and procedural steps you need to know about.
We’ll explain what are the requirements for cremation in Phoenix and answer a common question: how long does cremation take in Arizona? Here’s what you need to know.
Arizona Cremation Laws
Cremation in Phoenix is governed by state regulations outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), which ensure that the process is carried out safely, ethically, and legally.
Here are the primary legal requirements:
- Death must be registered: Before cremation, the death must be legally recorded with the county where it occurred.
- Positive ID of the body: The body must be identified prior to cremation. This step may be completed visually or through another method designated by law or policy.
- Medical certification: A licensed physician or medical examiner must complete and sign the death certificate.
- Cremation authorization: Arizona law requires that the person with the legal right to make funeral decisions (typically the next of kin or a legally designated individual) sign a cremation authorization form.
- Medical examiner’s approval: The cremation cannot proceed without official authorization from the medical examiner’s office. This step helps ensure that the cause of death is clear and no investigation is required.
What Are the Requirements for Cremation in Phoenix?
Here’s a checklist for what needs to take place before cremation in Phoenix:
- Proper identification: Confirmed by family or authorized representative.
- Completed death certificate: Includes cause of death, signed by physician or coroner.
- Cremation authorization form: Must be signed by the person with legal authority.
- Medical examiner approval: A mandatory legal review before cremation.
- Proper identification: Confirmed by family or authorized representative.
- Arrangements through a licensed provider: Whether using a funeral home or cremation services provider.
These steps help ensure that all ethical and legal considerations are met.
How Long Does Cremation Take in Arizona?
The answer depends on several factors, including legal approvals, paperwork processing, and the provider’s schedule.
Arizona law requires a minimum of 24 hours between the time of death and the cremation procedure. This allows authorities time to determine if there needs to be an autopsy or investigation based on the cause of death.
Collecting signatures, verifying identity, and obtaining medical examiner approval can take a few additional days, depending on circumstances. Once documents are finalized, the cremation procedure itself only takes two to three hours, followed by time for cooling and processing the cremated remains.
If the body is donated to medical science through an organization like United Tissue Network, the timeline for cremation and the return of cremated remains will depend on the duration of the study, which can range from weeks to months or longer. In such cases, remains are returned only if the family requests them in advance. If not requested, they are ethically and respectfully handled in accordance with established protocols.
Cremation in Phoenix
In addition to state law, local practices and preferences can influence how cremation is carried out in Phoenix. For example, families can choose direct cremation, a simple solution that allows for cremation without a traditional viewing or formal service. If viewing is added, this requires embalming, and cremation will not take place until after the visitation.
There are a couple of other things to keep in mind regarding cremation. Arizona law allows for cremated remains to be kept at home, interred in a cemetery, or scattered on private property (with permission). Public land scattering may require a permit.
Phoenix-area veterans may be eligible for burial benefits through the VA, including placement of cremated remains in a national cemetery or reimbursement of some funeral expenses.
Free Cremation with Whole Body Donation
If you are seeking to leave a legacy of impact while also alleviating the financial burden of funeral costs, consider donating your body to medical science.
Through United Tissue Network, Phoenix-area residents can register to become a whole body donor. These donations contribute directly to advancements in surgical training, disease research, medical education, and the development of life-saving medical devices.
With UTN, cremation is included at no cost to the donor or family.
If you’re looking to make a lasting difference while receiving no-cost cremation services, consider whole-body donation through United Tissue Network. Learn more about free cremation in Arizona or register online today.
