A direct cremation is a simple cremation without a funeral service. Many people choose this option because it costs less and takes less time. But how long does it take to get the ashes after it happens? The answer can change, but there are some general facts.
What Is Direct Cremation?
In a direct cremation, the body goes to the crematorium soon after death. There is no viewing or church service. The family can hold a memorial later. This makes the process faster and easier for some.
Mrs. Lin, who lost her father, said, “We picked direct cremation. It felt simple, and we didn’t want a big event. We just wanted peace.”
Time It Takes
In most cases, it takes 7 to 10 days to get the ashes. But this can change due to paperwork, holidays, or how busy the crematorium is.
The steps are:
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Death is confirmed by a doctor
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Papers go to the city office (mairie or city hall)
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The crematorium gets legal OK
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The cremation takes place
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Ashes are placed in an urn or box
John, a worker at a crematorium in the subburbs, said, “If all papers are ready, the cremation happens in 2 or 3 days. But getting the urn to the family takes longer.”
What Might Slow It Down?
Sometimes delays happen:
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If the doctor does not fill the report on time
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If the family is waiting for people to arrive
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If the city office is closed (like on weekens or holidays)
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If the crematorium has many cases
Also, if the family wants a special urn, that might take longer to arrive.
Ms. Perez, who works in a funeral home, said, “People think it’s fast. But some things take time, like waiting for the urn to come from the supplier.”
Legal Rules
In many places, ashes must be given to the person who signed the cremation papers. They may have to show ID. The law says ashes can be:
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Kept at home
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Put in a cemetary
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Spread in a garden of rest
But rules change in each country or city. The gov’t website of your area can give more info.