Arranging a funeral or cremation cost in Maine is complicated and emotionally challenging. Before making any decisions, be aware of the state’s legal requirements.
In Maine, the funeral director usually arranges the funeral or cremation, and he guides the families through the process. When placing a funeral, families must decide between burial and service cremation cost in Maine.
If you choose a burial, you must select a cemetery to hold the remains and purchase a burial plot, vault, or urn. However, if you choose a cremation, you must decide whether to have a complete or partial cremation.
In a complete cremation, families must decide whether to keep the remains in an urn or scatter the ashes. Next, families must decide on a funeral service. It includes selecting a funeral home, choosing a service type (religious, military, non-denominational, etc.), and selecting music, readings, and other elements. Maine law requires written contracts with the funeral home, including a detailed itemization of all services and merchandise and the total cost.
How do I choose a funeral services provider in Maine?
Choosing a funeral services provider in Maine can be a difficult decision. However, you can research various providers to ensure that the provider is a reliable, trustworthy and reputable company.
When selecting a funeral services provider, consider the following factors:
- Cost: Compare the cost of services, including burial, embalming, casket selection, and other services.
- Reputation: Check the reviews and ratings of the funeral services provider online and talk to family, friends, and colleagues who may have used the provider’s services.
- Location:Consider the location of the funeral services provider at the deceased’s home or the cemetery.
- Services Offered:Determine what services the provider offers, such as pre-planning, burial, cremation cost, memorial services, and aftercare.
- Experience: Ask the funeral services provider about their experience in the industry and the number of years they have been providing services.
- Licensing: Verify that the funeral services provider is licensed and insured.
- Availability: Ensure the funeral services provider is available when needed.
- However, cremation object quality is one of the deciding factors of the cost also. See the different types of Cremation Casket and their different costs.
What is the average cost of a funeral in Maine?
The average cost of a funeral in Maine is approximately $7,360. It includes the fees of a viewing or visitation, a funeral service, a basic casket, and a hearse to transport the body. Moreover, the cost does not include additional merchandise such as flowers, the cemetery plot, or the price of a headstone. Other fees, such as obituary notices and death certificates, are not part of the average cost.
How much does a cremation cost in Maine?
The cremation cost in Maine will depend on various factors, such as the type of service, the disposition you choose, and any additional services you request. However, basic cremation cost in Maine will range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Transportation costs and additional services can add to the overall cost. For example, a cremation with a memorial service or visitation can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000. Additionally, you may need to purchase a burial plot, which can add several hundred to several thousand dollars to the overall cost. There are also options for you choose a low cost cremation.
Can I conduct a home funeral in Maine?
Yes, you can conduct a home funeral in Maine. In Maine, the law allows families to plan and carry out home funerals without hiring a funeral director. Therefore, the family is responsible for obtaining a death certificate and filing it with the local registrar, arranging transportation of the body to the place of disposition, and ensuring compliance with local and state laws.
Families can work with a funeral celebrant, death midwife, or green burial specialist to assist. Moreover, family and friends can pay their last respects during the home funeral and carry out cultural and spiritual traditions.
What do I need to understand about the Laws for Cremation Cost in Maine?
In Maine, state law governs cremation costs and concludes under applicable regulations. Moreover, a licensed funeral director performs all cremations.
You must identify the body before the cremation, and the funeral director must sign a certificate. Additionally, it would help if you disposed of any remains respectfully, such as by scattering, burial, or storage in an urn. It is also important to note that Maine does not allow for the cremation of any illegal body part, such as a human organ. Finally, it is essential to be aware that Maine does not permit the scattering of cremated remains in public or state-owned lands.
Who can authorize cremation or burial in Maine?
In Maine, the authorization to cremate or bury a deceased person is the responsibility of the next of kin or the executor of the deceased’s estate. In some cases, an authorization may be given by a judge or magistrate if there are disputes or other complications.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has a registry of authorized cremation, and burial providers will issue a certificate of authorization before a cremation or burial can occur. However, you must avoid common mistakes on burial planning.
Who is responsible for paying for the funeral expenses?
The responsibility for funeral expenses typically falls to the deceased person’s family or estate. Insurance policies may sometimes cover some or all of the funeral costs. Other sources of funds may include charitable organizations, government assistance, or crowdfunding. Ultimately, the responsibility for paying for a funeral rests with the deceased person’s family or estate.
Does the deceased have to be embalmed in Maine?
No, the deceased does not have to be embalmed in Maine. The law does not require embalming in Maine and is only necessary if you transport the body over a long distance. If a burial service is to occur within 24 hours of death, embalming is unnecessary.