Burial and Cremation Information

While most individuals leave this choice up to their families, many individuals report they appreciated their families’ leaving instructions or prepaying for services.  

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Likely Costs:

• Traditional burial = $10,000

• Cremation = $1,500

• Green burial = $2,500

• Service = $20,000  

• If you do not want a service, leave that in the additional instructions.

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Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact, which generally means placing the body in the ground without being embalmed. Here is a link to green burial options in California. This is a common choice for Jewish clients. Green burials often limit body viewing options and may not have an option for a grave marker.

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There are many options for prepaid cremation services. Tulip and Neptune Society are common.   Many of our clients have reported that their families felt pressured by the Neptune Society to upgrade their packages. 

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Generally, you may scatter ashes in California.  The person spreading the ashes needs to file for a permit and if you are scattering by the ocean, you need to be three nautical miles from the beach.   Here is a link to more rules about scattering ashes.

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If you have other religious preferences or want to say where you want to be buried, leave that in the details.