Cremation certificate

A cremation certificate is a legal document that provides confirmation of the cremation of a deceased person. It is issued usually to the next of kin by the crematorium after the cremation process has been completed. It includes details such as the deceased person’s name, the date and time of the cremation and the location of the crematorium.

The certificate is typically provided to the person responsible for arranging the funeral or the executor of the deceased person’s estate. It serves as proof that the cremation has been carried out in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. A cremation certificate may be required for legal or administrative purposes like obtaining probate or closing the deceased person’s bank account.

If you have been given a cremation certificate be sure it includes the following information:

• The full name of the deceased person who was cremated.
• The date and time of the cremation.
• The location of the crematorium where the cremation took place.
• The name and address of the person who authorised the cremation.
• Any details of medical devices or implants that were removed prior to the cremation.
• Confirmation that the ashes have been collected by the designated person or returned to the executor of the deceased person’s estate.
• Name and contact details of the funeral director who arranged the cremation.
• Names of the witnesses who attended the cremation.

Cremation certificates in the UK are issued by the crematorium after the cremation process has been completed. The process is usually as follows:

1. Arranging the cremation: The funeral director or the person responsible for arranging the funeral will typically make the arrangements with the crematorium. This involves completing the necessary paperwork, providing details of the deceased person and arranging a suitable date and time for the cremation.
2. Cremation process: The deceased person is transported to the crematorium and the cremation process is carried out in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
3. Issuing the certificate: Once the cremation process has been completed, the crematorium will issue a cremation certificate. This will include details discussed in the bulleted list above.
4. Collecting the certificate: The cremation certificate is typically provided to the person responsible for arranging the funeral or the executor of the deceased person’s estate. They can then use the certificate for legal or administrative purposes as required.

A cremation certificate may need to be notarised if it is required for legal or administrative purposes outside the UK. For example, if the deceased person’s estate includes assets located in another country, the foreign authorities may require a notarised copy of the cremation certificate as proof that the deceased person has been properly cremated. This also usually acts as evidence that the original owner has, in fact, passed on.

Similarly, if the deceased person’s ashes are being transported to another country, the authorities in that country may require a notarised copy of the cremation certificate to confirm that the ashes have been properly cremated and are safe for transportation. It is wise not to travel with a person’s ashes anywhere without a notarised cremation certificate.

Notarisation provides an additional level of authentication and certification for the document, which can increase its chances of acceptance by foreign authorities. It is important to note that the specific requirements for notarisation may vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country where the document will be used.

If you have received the necessary permissions to scatter a person’s ashes, it is likely that a notarised cremation certificate was part of obtaining said permissions.

To notarise a cremation certificate, we will need you to provide us with the original certificate as issued by the crematorium certificate, as well as any supporting documents that may be required, to the notary public. We will verify the authenticity of the document.

Once verified, we will certify it as a true copy by attaching a notarial certificate to it. The notarial certificate will include details such as the notary’s name, signature, and seal.

If the document is to be used in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, it may need to be legalised with an apostille by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This is a process that confirms the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal.

Please note that the specific requirements for notarisation and legalisation may vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country where the document will be used. You may need to check with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure that you have followed the correct procedures.

We provide same-day services for the notarising of documents for your convenience. If you require more information, albeit just to set your mind at ease, contact us with any questions or concerns.