Many people have certain notions of whether they want to be buried or cremated or how their remains should be handled.
Estate planning and elder law attorneys often hear of all kinds of elaborate plans for the disposition of clients’ remains. Here in the Port City, scattering ashes or “cremains” on or near the beach is a popular concept.
However, sometimes, people’s ideas do not always align with the laws governing the disposition of cremains. The following is a general guide outlining how to dispose of cremains under North Carolina law.
In North Carolina, an “authorizing agent” is responsible for handling the disposition of remains, which would include cremains. The authorizing agent must be at least 18 years old. The authorizing agent can be appointed through several documents, including a pre-need funeral contract, a Health Care Power of Attorney, or a Last Will and Testament. This authorizing agent can also be appointed in a written statement that is signed by the individual making the appointment and two adult witnesses.
If there are no documents appointing an authorizing agent, then North Carolina law specifies the following people may serve in the order listed below, with some exceptions, to authorize disposition of a decedent’s remains:
YMCA Eyes Growth With Plans For New, Expanded Facilities
Emma Dill
-
Apr 23, 2024
|
|
Burns, Redenbaugh Promoted At Coastal Horizons
Staff Reports
-
Apr 23, 2024
|
|
Cold Storage Developer Sets Near-port Facility Completion Date
Audrey Elsberry
-
Apr 24, 2024
|
|
Wilmington Financial Firm Transitions To Wells Fargo's Independent Brokerage Arm
Audrey Elsberry
-
Apr 24, 2024
|
|
Krug Joins Infinity Acupuncture
Staff Reports
-
Apr 23, 2024
|
With millions in committed funding from New Hanover County and the New Hanover Community Endowment, along with a land donation from the city...
“My mission and my goal is to take my love of marine science, marine ecosystem and coastal ecosystems and bring that to students and teacher...
Michelle Penczak, who lives in Pender County, built her own solution with Squared Away, her company that now employs over 400 virtual assist...
The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.