About Cremation & FAQs

ABOUT CREMATION

At the time of death, our professional staff transports your loved one to the cremation facility. There is a state-mandated 48-hour "waiting period" until the cremation can be performed. The deceased is sheltered in a temperature controlled refrigeration unit during this time.

At the time of cremation, the deceased is placed in a cremation container (required by state law), and then into the cremation chamber. A licensed and trained staff oversees the cremation process, which takes from 2 to 3 hours.

Once the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains are removed from the chamber. Any foreign material, such as metal from bridgework or prosthetic devises, are removed and discarded. The cremated remains are then processed to a consistent size and shape, and returned to our office in a cardboard temporary container.

It is at this time that your wishes for final disposition, such as sea committal, will take place.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do I have to buy a casket?
No. Only an alternative container is required by law, which is included in our price.

What is an alternative cremation container?
A fiberboard container of corrugated construction used to hold the deceased at the time of cremation. This container is required by law.

Is my loved one cremated alone?
Yes. As mandated by law, every individual is cremated individually. The process is overseen by licensed and trained staff members.

How long does the cremation process take?
While the actual process takes only two to three hours, there is a state-mandated waiting period of 48 hours before the cremation can commence.

How long will it take before the cremated remains are returned to me?
The standard timeframe is 10 days. We offer a 72 hour return option. Please see our price list for associated fees.

How many death certificates do I need?
Death certificates are used to finalize many different estate matters such as life insurance policies, transfer of title for real estate property, and closing of bank accounts. You will need one certified original death certificate for each matter. The cost of each death certificate is: $10.00 in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, $9.00 in Palm Beach county. The death certificate relates to the county of death and can be used anywhere in country.

Why are Brooks Cremation and Funeral Service prices much lower than other funeral homes?
Traditional funeral home pricing is regularly multiplied many times above the actual cost. We believe in a fair and more equitable pricing structure.

Do Social Security and Veterans Administration provide any death benefits?
Yes. You can read about them in our Social Security and Veterans benefits pages.

Is cremation socially acceptable?
Most certainly. Cremation is quickly becoming the preferred choice of many families. It offers a cost-effective alternative and it allows for a more personalized way to pay last respects.

Will Brooks Cremation & Funeral Service help me plan my loved one's memorial service?
Yes. We offer a variety of cremation and burial packages, which include a memorial serivce. You may also contact us if you prefer to have a memorial service that best suits your needs.

What happens if my loved one is an organ donor?
Any coordination with tissue banks is generally done at the hospital level as time is of the essence.

Can I witness the cremation?
Yes. Our crematory provides a witness room available to family members and loved ones for an additional fee. In order to provide complete privacy for families, the entire cremation operation must run on a greatly modified schedule. A funeral director must accompany all families for witnessing.