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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequent Questions

  • Do all religions allow cremation?

    While many religions now allow cremation including the Catholic Church, some traditional beliefs may not. If you have any questions regarding the appropriateness of cremation within your belief system, it's advisable to consult your religious advisor.

  • What signs can help me determine if a cremation service is reputable?

    Review sites like Google can give you an idea of other families' experiences with the firm. It is always a good idea to research and compare firms. Verify the firm's and staff's qualifications and obtain information about services and costs.

  • What are the costs of a cremation?

    Cost of cremations vary based on the firm. Becuase we concentrate only in cremations and don't have a large building, staff, and vehicle fleet, our cremations start at $1,095

  • How can my family be sure the ashes they receive are mine?

    Our company adheres to rigorous internal protocols to ensure the accurate identification of the deceased throughout the cremation process. We are committed to maintaining your trust. Identification begins at the location of death, where an identification band is placed around the ankle. This band contains essential information, including the individual's name, date of birth, date of death, and location, to eliminate any possibility of confusion. Before the body is transported from the place of death, the identification band is verified against relevant documents and tags.


    At the crematory, a designated stainless steel identification disc, linked to the deceased's records, is placed with the body and stays with it throughout the process. After cremation, this identification disc is included in the urn with the ashes.

  • What is cremation?

    Cremation is a dignified final disposition where the body is burned and vaporized at high temperatures, leaving only ashes.

  • What exactly is an urn?

    An urn is a vessel designed to hold cremated remains. There is a wide range of urns to choose from, ranging from simple boxes to intricately decorated containers made of wood, metal, glass, or clay.

  • What services do cremations centers perform?

    Cremations centers assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one by providing bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation. 


    The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of the cremation center


    • Transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the cremation center
    • Professional care of the deceased including sheltering and refrigeration
    • Consulting with family to make arrangements for the cremation
    • Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
    • Obtaining copies of the death certificate
    • Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
  • What information should I prepare for the cremation center??

    • Advance Directives - If the deceased left any written advance directives concerning the disposition of his remains and memorialization, you need to bring them with you. These instructions may be found in a will, or there may be a formally witnessed disposition directive, funeral pre-arrangements, or a pre-need contract.
    • Military Discharge Papers
    • Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased or the family (grave plot, columbarium space, etc.)
    • Recent photograph of the deceased and any personal effects that you wish to be included in the viewing or burial
    • Specific information on the deceased: 
    •     Full legal name
    •     Address
    •     Marital status
    •     Social Security number
    •     Date of birth
    •     Place of birth (city and state)
    •     Educational history (number of years of schooling)
    •     Armed Forces service dates and serial number
    •     Occupation or profession
    •     Parent's names, including mother's maiden name
    •     Next of kin and other survivors

  • What should we do if my family can't agree on a single location for the cremated remains?

    One benefit of cremation is the flexibility it provides. If family members have multiple preferences for a final resting place, the cremated remains can be divided. Smaller portions can be scattered in various locations or distributed to different family members for safekeeping.

  • If I choose cremation and my spouse opts for a ground burial, can my ashes be interred in the same gravesite as my spouse?

    Every cemetery has its own regulations and must adhere to state laws, so it's important to consult with the cemetery directly. Cremation burials are becoming more prevalent, often allowing for multiple containers of cremated remains to be placed in a single cemetery plot.

  • If I select West Florida Cremations, what will happen after I pass away? What steps should my family take?

    We have made it our goal to streamline the process and ease the planning responsibilities for your loved ones. When the time comes, your family or representative simply needs to contact us. We are available 24/7, day or night. Our knowledgeable staff will collect the required information, handle the necessary paperwork, and arrange for the transfer of the body into our care. The body will then be taken to our nearest facility to await cremation. Following the mandated waiting period and once we have received the required authorizations, the cremation will be carried out, and the remains will be returned to an authorized family member or representative.

  • What steps can I take to ensure that my wishes are respected after I'm gone, particularly if my family prefers a different option, such as a ground burial?

    Clearly communicating your final wishes, both ahead of time and at the moment of passing, is the most effective way to guarantee they are honored. Talk about your preferences with your family. Opting for a preplanned and prepaid cremation that secures services and payment can help ensure that your wishes are carried out.

  • Can my Social Security and/or Veterans Benefits be used if I select cremation?

    For the latest information, please check the Social Security Administration website or the Department of Veterans Affairs website. In summary, the answer is yes, but there are certain restrictions and dollar limits in place.

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