After how many days post-cremation can the funeral director dispose of the cremated remains?

The disposal of cremated remains is governed by specific regulations, which can vary by jurisdiction. In many areas, a common practice is to retain the cremated remains for a designated period to allow families sufficient time to claim them.

Choosing 60 days as the timeframe for disposal of cremated remains—except for scattering—is often standard because it balances the needs of the family for decision-making time regarding the final resting place of the ashes and the need for the funeral director to manage space and regulatory compliance. After 60 days, funeral homes typically may proceed to dispose of the remains if they have not been claimed, but this does not apply to remains that the families wish to scatter, as scattering often has guidelines that differ from other methods of disposal.

This understanding of timelines is crucial as it ensures that the funeral director respects the family's grieving process while also managing the practical aspects of handling unclaimed remains.