North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

If cremated remains do not fit into the temporary container or urn, what must happen to the excess remains?

1. They can be discarded with permission

2. Must be returned to the authorizing agent or representative

3. They should be stored indefinitely

4. Must be buried in a designated area

The correct answer is: Must be returned to the authorizing agent or representative

If cremated remains do not fit into the temporary container or urn, the appropriate action is to return the excess remains to the authorizing agent or representative. This requirement aligns with the regulatory standards in the funeral profession that emphasize the importance of respecting the wishes and rights of the deceased person's family or designated representative. Returning the excess remains ensures that the family or authorized individual retains control over how those remains are handled, which may include their decision to keep, scatter, or inter them in a suitable manner. This approach reflects the ethical responsibility of funeral service providers to honor the dignity of the deceased and the wishes of their loved ones. The other options suggest actions that do not provide the necessary respect or adherence to family wishes, such as discarding remains without permission, storing them indefinitely without a clear plan, or compelling burial without consent or consultation. Each of these alternatives could violate legal and ethical obligations within the funeral service.