What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
See who controls final arrangements, cremation and burial rules, permit requirements, and whether human composting or water cremation are allowed in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Each state sets its own rules for who controls the disposition of remains, cremation waiting periods and authorizations, home burial, embalming, and burial permits. Select your state above to see its specific rules.
Most states set a statutory priority order — typically a spouse, then adult children, then parents, then siblings. Many states also let you name your own agent to control your remains in a signed document before death. You can record those wishes alongside the rest of your estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.
No. Natural organic reduction (human composting) and alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) are authorized in a growing but limited number of states. Select your state above to check whether either method is currently allowed.
It depends on the state and local zoning. Some states permit burial on private family land subject to setback and permit rules; others require burial in an established cemetery. Select your state to see its home-burial rules.
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New Baby or Adoption
Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.
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Marriage
What married couples need in place: one joint trust or two, wills, beneficiary updates, and the spousal rights your state grants you automatically.
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New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
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Retirement
Retirement changes your financial picture. Healthcare directives, beneficiary reviews, long-term care planning, and protecting what you've built.
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