What is the Typical Funeral Timeline

Funeral timeline

When planning a funeral, it helps to know the typical funeral timeline. This includes what needs to happen as well as when.

Release of remains

A physician or medical examiner will release the remains for disposition. It is necessary to specify where the remains will go before release. Unless plans were made prior to death, most medical or nursing facilities will contact a funeral home or crematory to retrieve the released remains.

Relocation of remains

The legal representative of the decedent has a right to move the remains: 1) to a venue allowed by state law 2) using a transportation method allowed by state law. Even though many states allow people other than licensed commercial funeral providers to transport a body, it is probably prudent to use death care professionals who are aware of any related laws and have the proper equipment.

The original commercial funeral provider will charge for transportation from the medical facility and for storage.

Earliest disposition date

Most states do not allow disposition prior to 2 days. This allows time to confirm and document the cause of death.

Latest disposition date

Each state specifies how many days remains can be kept without embalming, usually 2-4 days.

Storage of remains

If disposition does not occur by the state’s time limit, the remains will need to be kept at a morgue. 1) The state will want to know that the remains are being stored in compliance with public health safety. 2) Embalming is inadequate for long term preservation and refrigeration will be required. Embalming and refrigeration will incur further cost.

How final disposition and funeral services differ

Final disposition and a funeral service can be two separate events if no public viewing is planned. When there is a public viewing, the average funeral takes place within 2-4 days of death. Note that most commercial funeral providers will accommodate a private viewing for immediate family.

Paperwork

Death related paperwork has its own timeline that runs in parallel with caring for the remains.