Illinois Cremation Laws

Before embarking on the cremation journey in Illinois, here are the essential laws to follow:

1. Securing a Cremation Permit: A cremation permit is a non-negotiable document and can be obtained either from the local registrar or the crematory. This permit guarantees that Illinois cremation laws are being followed, and helps track the deceased's final remains. The deceased's name, date of birth, and date of death must be provided along with the name of the funeral director or crematory, and the person authorizing the cremation. Additional documentation, such as the death certificate, may also be required.

2. Obtaining Authorization for Cremation: Authorization for cremation must be granted by the next-of-kin, typically the spouse, children, or parents. If there is no next-of-kin, a designated funeral representative or a court order may be required. This ensures that the cremation is carried out in accordance with the wishes of the deceased or their family. If the deceased has left a will, the will may explicitly state their wishes regarding cremation. If there is no will or the will is unclear, the next-of-kin or a designated funeral representative must decide based on what they believe the deceased would have wanted.

3. Notifying the Medical Examiner: If the death is not attributed to natural causes, the local medical examiner must be informed. While there is no law in Illinois requiring an autopsy before cremation, the medical examiner may request one if they have any doubts about the cause of death. The purpose of an autopsy is to determine the cause and manner of death and to rule out any potential foul play. The medical examiner will review the medical history of the deceased and may order additional tests, such as toxicology or bloodwork. If an autopsy is deemed necessary, the medical examiner will obtain permission from the family.

4. Completing a Cremation Authorization Form: A cremation authorization form, provided by the crematory, must be filled out and signed by the authorized individual. This form typically includes information about the deceased, such as their name, date of birth, and date of death, as well as the name of the crematory and the person authorizing the cremation. The authorization form may also include specific instructions regarding the cremation process, such as whether the remains are to be cremated with specific religious or cultural rituals.

5. Observing the Waiting Period: Cremation laws in IL insist that there be a 24-hour waiting period between the time of death and the cremation. This waiting period is designed to give family members and loved ones the time to make arrangements and ensure there are no objections to the cremation. The waiting period can be waived if the family or a designated funeral representative provides a written statement to the crematory stating that they do not object to the cremation.

Illinois cremation laws permit the scattering or burial of cremated remains in various locations, with some exceptions:

1. Private Property: Cremated remains can be scattered or buried on private property with the landowner's permission. This entails obtaining the consent of the owner of the property where you wish to scatter or bury the remains. It is important to respect the property rights of others and to obtain written permission from the landowner before scattering or burying on their property. Failure to do so could result in trespassing charges.

2. Cemeteries: Cremated remains can be interred in a designated scattering garden or buried in a columbarium niche within a cemetery. Cemeteries in Illinois may have specific regulations regarding the scattering of ashes on their grounds, so it is important to check with the cemetery before doing so. Some cemeteries may require a permit for scattering, and there may be restrictions on the amount that can be scattered. Overall, this is a particularly compelling option for many, as it involves a cremation but still gives the loved ones a peaceful place to visit and reflect.

3. Public Lands: Scattering cremated remains on public lands is generally permitted, but certain restrictions may apply. It is advisable to check with the specific park or land management agency for regulations. Some public lands, such as state parks, may have restrictions on scattering or may require a permit. Before scattering on public lands, it is important to research the specific regulations of the area. Some areas may have restrictions on scattering near bodies of water or in areas with high vegetation.

4. Waterways: Scattering cremated remains in waterways is generally permitted, but it is important to avoid locations where ashes could interfere with recreational activities or damage the environment. It is also essential to always be at least three nautical miles from shore if you want to scatter in Lake Michigan, for example.

5. From the Sky: Surprising though it may be, it is legal to scatter cremated remains from an aircraft. However, you do need to be aware of FAA regulations that prohibit any objects that could possibly injure someone on the ground below if dropped from a plane or helicopter. This means you can't drop the urn or other container that the ashes are housed in.