Benefits and Possible Drawbacks of Direct Cremation
Benefits and Possible Drawbacks of Direct Cremation
If your family has recently lost a loved one and a decision is being made regarding the handling of their remains, cremation will be one of the primary options typically available. Direct cremation, in particular, refers to a situation where remains are cremated in the immediate days following the passing of an individual, with no visitation or service usually involved.
At McDougal Funeral Home, we're here to assist our clients with numerous caring funeral arrangements and related services, including those with cremation needs. What are some of the possible benefits and drawbacks of direct cremation for any family considering it? Here's a general primer to help you make this important decision if your departed loved one did not leave specific wishes for their remains in their will.
Benefits of Direct Cremation
For many families or situations, direct cremation will offer several beneficial qualities:
- Low cost: Direct cremation can cost as little as 20% of the typical cost of a traditional funeral.
- Environmental friendliness: Cremation does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, and there is no disruption to the earth or soil during direct cremation.
- Time: Direct cremation can be arranged quickly after a loved one has passed away. This is extremely beneficial if it's an urgent priority to transport remains out-of-state or return them home as fast as possible.
- Mobility: Down similar lines, a direct cremation can be completed at a time and place that is most convenient for family. For instance, if a loved one passes away while traveling out of the country, it might be easier to transport remains back by air or secure them in an airport-adjacent facility until arrangements can be made with local funeral providers.
- Apart families: Finally, cremation offers a suitable choice for families who live far from each other and cannot be together for a service, ensuring no one is left out.
Possible Drawbacks of Direct Cremation
Now, direct cremation is not the right choice for every family or situation. There are a few possible downsides to consider here as well:
- Grieving can be more difficult: For many, direct cremation makes grieving difficult for multiple reasons, including feelings of disbelief or absence of closure.
- Lack of monument or burial site: Many people want to visit a specific burial or monument location to pay their respects to the deceased. Direct cremation doesn't offer this possibility; instead, ashes can be stored in an urn or scattered at a specific location if desired.
- Legal disputes: If the remains are not immediately released to family after cremation, it can cause legal disputes with medical examiners or coroners' offices. This is because many states have specific requirements for handing over a body after death by natural causes.
If you have further questions about direct cremation or any other part of our funeral arrangement services, speak to the caring staff at McDougal Funeral Home today.
