How Can I Be Sure My Final Wishes to be Cremated will be Honoured?

The decision to have your body cremated instead of buried is very personal. However, once that choice has been made, it may not be remembered or respected. There are a few things you can do to make sure your final wishes are followed:

1. Discuss Your Intentions with Family Members

Discuss your intentions to be cremated with your loved ones. Although cremation has overtaken burial as the preferred route for most Canadians, not everyone agrees with it. Make it clear with your family what you want and deal with any objections and concerns while you are still alive.

2. Have Legal Documentation in Place

If you pass away without any legal documentation or instruction, what is done with your body will ultimately be left in the hands of family members. What a shame it would be if, on top of their grief, they are also dealing with disagreements among themselves about your final disposition. That is why it is so important to have a will that specifies that you want cremation.  Your executor is legally bound to carry out your final wishes regardless of what your family may want.  

3. Discuss with a Funeral Provider

Prearranging ensures that the entire family knows what you want and relieves of the stress of paying for it too. Moreover, Part 3, Paragraph 6 of the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act specifically states that:

A written preference by a deceased person respecting the disposition of his or her human remains or cremated remains is binding on the person who … has the right to control the disposition of those remains.

In other words, if you have left written instruction with a funeral provider as to what is to happen to you after your die, your family is legally bound to follow those instructions. This is your assurance that your wishes will be carried out.

Only Cremations, based in Surrey, British Columbia, provides dignified and affordable cremation services. We believe every family deserves respect, reverence, and compassion. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about cremation services, please call or text (604) 861-9895.