Which is the most expensive, burial or cremation?
This depends upon whether there is a need to purchase a new grave for burial. Where a new grave is required, the cost of burial will be much higher than the fee charged for cremation. In addition to the cost of grave purchase and interment, the future expense of a memorial and maintenance may be incurred.
Cremation usually necessitates the production of medical certificates for which fees are payable to the doctors concerned. These certificates are not required when the death has been referred to and investigated by a Coroner (Procurator Fiscal in Scotland).
Forms and Certificates for Cremation
You will need to advise the doctor that a cremation is desired, so that two doctors may complete the certificates required.
If you choose to use a Funeral Director, he will provide the relevant forms and arrange the collation and delivery of completed documents to the crematorium office. If you are making the arrangements yourself, the crematorium staff will give you advice and the relevant forms.
- Preliminary Instructions for Cremation
- Application for Cremation (Form A) signed and completed by next of kin or executor.
- Certificates of Medical Attendants (Forms B and C). You will be charged for these certificates to cover the fee of the two doctors that complete them. If the death is referred to the Coroner these certificates will not be required, as the Coroner will provide a Certificate for Cremation (Cert E), without charge.
- A Certificate of Disposal for Burial or Cremation issued by the Registrar. This form will not be issued or required if the coroner has issued a Certificate for Cremation.
