Michigan State Law requires that three documents be signed before any cremation can take place; a Cremation authorization, Death certificate, and Medical Examiner’s Permit (authorizing cremation). For your convenience, the Authorization and Death Certificate forms are available below.
Neither a Casket nor Embalming are required by law for a direct cremation. However, the crematory does require an alternative container be used for the cremation process. This container is included in the cost of our direct cremation fee.
In the state of Michigan, it is against the law for a funeral home to own or operate a crematory. All Michigan funeral homes must use a third party business for cremation. Joldersma & Klein has used Oak Hill Crematory for decades, and has a long established relationship of trust and respect with their firm.
You are not required to bury cremated remains, however should you choose to, certain cemeteries do require the use of an urn and/or Urn Vault.
Can I see my loved one before he or she is cremated?
- Yes- Many families choose to have a visitation and/or a funeral service with their loved ones present, prior to the cremation process (embalming required).
- When possible, Joldersma & Klein offers its Direct Cremation Families, a private immediate family only, ½ hour viewing (waiver required) prior to the funeral arrangement process at the funeral home. (Contact Funeral Home for Questions)
Please note that our Direct Cremation Fee does NOT include an obituary, rites or services, and certified copies of a death certificate.