Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most economical and sometimes most convenient option for a family. A simple cremation or (direct cremation) is when no ceremony or viewing is requested. After the deceased is transported to us, we complete the paperwork, and the cremation is performed.
At Boston Cremation, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to honor their loved ones meaningfully and respectfully, regardless of their financial situation. With our new flexible payment plans, families can now know they can afford a dignified cremation service while managing their expenses comfortably. Click here to get started.
No. Boston Cremation is a licensed funeral establishment, but we cater to families who just want cremation. In Massachusetts, the law prohibits all funeral homes from owning or operating a crematory. All of our cremations are performed at St. Michaels Crematory in Boston.
No. Boston Cremation serves all of Massachusetts with no additional mileage fee. Call us if your loved one is at home on hospice care or at another facility, and we will gladly walk you through the process.
Typically our transfer team can respond within about 90 minutes after the family lets us know they are ready.
We get this request often, and the short answer is yes. Sometimes when a death occurs at home, you need time to let other family members arrive and say their final goodbyes. This is especially true when a simple cremation is selected, and there will be no viewing.
In cases where a family member did not have an opportunity to say goodbye, we offer a "private family viewing" for up to six immediate family members for 30 minutes. The fee for this service is $400. Sometimes, this is not possible due to the cause of death or the deceased's condition.
Typically, the ashes will be ready to be returned within 5-7 business days after the family signs the authorization and the necessary paperwork is complete.
Yes, the ashes can be split and divided between multiple family members. The crematory provides one plastic container, so you must purchase or provide suitable containers for each portion of the ashes to be separated.
No, the crematory fee includes one plastic container for the ashes. Although this plastic container is non-decorative, it is suitable for transporting, sheltering, or scattering ashes.
Yes. We do not require you to purchase from us; however, we cannot fill third-party urns or jewelry.
No. Boston Cremation will file the death certificate in the city or town where the death occurred after the medical certifier signs it. The death certificate will be available for purchase from the clerk's office in the City or Town where the deceased person lived or passed away about a week after filing.
Sometimes. If you select a service with viewing. In that case, the person will be dressed and cremated with clothing provided by the family.
If a simple cremation is selected, there is no additional preparation or dressing of the body, and they will be cremated as they come into our care.
You are free to scatter ashes on your own land. You should ask for permission for other people’s private property or state or national parks. The decision is up to the landowner. State and national parks are likely to give permission for a scattering ceremony but may have some policies that you should adhere to.
To the extent that there is no pre-need funeral services contract in effect at the time of death for the benefit of the deceased person, and no other valid written document indicating the wishes of the deceased person with respect to the nature of the funeral goods and services to be provided, the manner in which funeral services are to be conducted, or the final disposition of the deceased person's remains; the Licensed Funeral Establishment and its agents or employees shall follow the directions of the deceased person's surviving kin in the following order of priority:
- the surviving spouse of the deceased;
- the surviving adult children of the deceased;
- the surviving parent(s) of the deceased;
- the surviving brother(s) or sister(s) of the deceased;
- the guardian of the person of the deceased at the time of his or her death;
- any other person authorized or obligated by law to dispose of the remains of the deceased.
If there is more than one member of a class, the directions of a majority shall prevail; in the event of a tie, the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction will be necessary.
Provided, however, that with respect to receiving authorizations to release a decedent from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, may require different or additional signatures for release.
Boston Cremation serves all of Massachusetts for one low price. Please call 781-322-0909 today and see why more families choose Boston Cremation over their local funeral homes.
If you wish for just a simple cremation with no ceremonies or viewing, the complete charge is $1895.