North Carolina Funeral Law Practice Exam

In the case of cremation, what is typically done to the cremated remains?

1. They are buried in a cemetery

2. They are returned to the family

3. They are scattered in a designated area

4. They are stored at the crematory

The correct answer is: They are returned to the family

In the context of cremation, it is common practice for cremated remains to be returned to the family of the deceased. This process allows the family to have control over what happens to the remains, giving them the opportunity to decide whether to keep the remains at home, inter them in a cemetery, scatter them in a meaningful location, or choose some other form of memorialization. This practice aligns with the wishes of many individuals and families regarding how they wish to honor and remember their loved ones after death. Returning the cremated remains to the family respects their wishes and personal circumstances regarding memorialization and provides the family with a tangible way to grieve and celebrate the life of the deceased. Often, funeral homes or crematories will provide the remains in an urn or other container chosen by the family, further reinforcing the personal connection to the remains.