What must a funeral home do with unclaimed cremains before disposing of them?

The required action for a funeral home regarding unclaimed cremains is to send a certified notice to the next of kin. This practice ensures that the family is informed about the disposition of the cremains before any actions are taken to dispose of them. The notification is a crucial step in respecting the wishes and rights of the deceased’s family, allowing them the opportunity to claim the remains if they wish.

In many jurisdictions, there are specific legal requirements surrounding the disposition of unclaimed cremains, and notifying the next of kin is often a mandated procedure. This helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes regarding the final resting place of the individual's remains.

Additionally, while some options might seem plausible, such as storing them indefinitely or waiting for police instructions, these do not address the necessary communication with the family. Disposing of the cremains without proper notification could lead to legal and ethical issues, highlighting the importance of following due process in these sensitive matters.