After arranging the funding for funeral expenses, being able to offer advice about cremations and the spreading of ashes is important to funeral directors and families who have recently lost a loved one.
Cremations are becoming more popular than a burial for funerals across the US. In some states, cremations are already the first choice of the majority. For funeral directors, families are often asking where the deceased’s ashes can be spread, and the answer is not easy or straightforward.
Public or Private Land?
Ashes can be scattered where the owner of private property has given their permission. Where you wish to scatter ashes in a public or national park, you must receive permission in advance, and this may not always be granted.
When there is a preference for ashes to be scattered at sea or in waterways, you will need to inspect the local regulations. Some waterways require a permit that is issued by the local authority and others have rules declining the request.
In California, ashes can be scattered if you are 500 yards from the shore. On the opposite coast in Florida, the water must be at least 1800 feet deep.
Rules vary around the US and abroad so it is important to find out whether you can scatter ashes in a specific area.
Where it is important to the individual and their family, these arrangements can be made in advance. At a similar time, you can arrange for the funding for funeral expenses by assigning a life insurance policy to the funeral director so that the funeral home is guaranteed to receive payment quickly after the event.
Where individuals prefer their ashes to be scattered at a sporting or national stadium, a request in advance will probably be refused. However, some stadiums do allow the scattering of ashes, privately, without making this common knowledge.
