What Happens Next After a Death Occurs?

What Happens Next After a Death Occurs?

When someone dies, it is normal to feel unsure about what to do next. Our role is to guide you through each step, explain what is needed, and care for your loved one with dignity from the moment they are brought into our care.

Because we operate our own on-site crematory, your loved one remains in our care throughout the cremation process. Below is a simple overview of what typically happens and how long each step may take.

1. Call Us and Then Start Online

Typical timeline: Immediately

You may call upon our services anytime at 717-CREMATE (273-6283) and then begin arrangements online. We will gather basic information, answer your first questions, and explain the next steps based on where the death occurred.

If your loved one is at a hospital, nursing facility, hospice, residence, or medical examiner/coroner’s office, we will help coordinate the transfer into our care.

What information we may need:

• Name of the person who died
• Location of the person who died
• Name and contact information for the legal next of kin

2. Transfer Into Our Care

Typical timeline: As soon as authorization for release is received

Once the release has been given by the appropriate representative (family, facility, hospice nurse, physician, coroner, or medical examiner), we bring your loved one into our care.

From that point forward, we begin our 12-Step Chain of Custody Process and prepare the required documentation for cremation. Families do not need to manage this process alone; we will tell you exactly what is needed and when.

3. Arrangement Forms, Authorizations, and Permits

Typical timeline: Often 24–72 hours, depending on the doctor, certifier, coroner, and family authorization

Before cremation can take place, several items must be completed. These typically include obtaining vital statistics information and signed cremation authorization from the family or legal next of kin (if not already pre-planned), required permits, and any necessary coroner or medical examiner approval.

Pennsylvania requires a waiting period before cremation may occur. A body may be cremated once 24 hours have passed from the time of death. In Lancaster County, cremation approval may also involve the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, and the county’s request form notes that a valid signed certificate of death must be attached for cremation approval.

Common reasons this step may take longer:

• The doctor or medical certifier has not yet completed the medical portion of the death certificate
• The coroner or medical examiner must review the death
• The legal next of kin needs time to complete the cremation authorization
• Multiple family members must agree or sign
• Information needed for the death certificate is incomplete

We will keep you informed throughout this process.

4. Cremation at Our On-Site Crematory

Typical timeline: After all authorizations and permits are complete

Once the legal requirements are satisfied and the cremation is scheduled, the cremation takes place at our on-site crematory.

This means your loved one does not need to be transferred to a third-party crematory. Our staff remains responsible for their care from the time they are brought into our care, through the cremation process until the time the cremated remains are returned to the authorized representative.

The cremation itself usually takes a few hours, followed by a careful cooling, processing, identification, and packaging.

5. Return of Cremated Remains

Typical timeline: Commonly within 7-10 business days

After the cremation is complete, the cremated remains are placed in the selected container or urn. We will contact the family when they are ready to be returned.

Depending on the arrangements selected, cremated remains may be:

• Picked up by the authorized representative
• Shipped to the authorized destination

We will explain all available options and help you choose what feels right for your

family.

6. Obituary, Death Certificates, and Aftercare Support

Typical timeline: Begins during arrangements and continues after cremation

Many families need help with more than the cremation itself. We can assist with uploading and submitting obituaries, certified death certificate ordering, veterans-related information, and general aftercare guidance.

Certified death certificates are often needed for banks, insurance policies, retirement accounts, vehicles, real estate, and other estate matters. We can help you understand how many copies families commonly request and when they may be available.

We are also available after the cremation is complete. Families often think of questions days or weeks later, and we are still here to help.

A Simple Timeline

Important Note About Timing

Every situation is a little different. The overall timeline depends on the place of death, the certifying physician, coroner or medical examiner involvement, completion of family authorizations, and permit processing.

We will move as quickly as the law allows while making sure every step is handled correctly, respectfully, and with care.