Cremation

Cremation is the most common type of burial in Hesse. The deceased is cremated with the coffin either before or after the funeral service. The urn is then buried at a later date.

If the deceased expressly requested cremation, this wish must be complied with; if the deceased refused cremation, cremation is not permitted.

Note:

A corresponding handwritten disposition can simply read as follows:

"I, (first name and surname), wish to be cremated after my death.

Place, date, signature."

If the deceased person's wishes regarding the type of burial are not known, the responsible relatives must determine this. The deceased's wishes should also be followed with regard to the place, type and conduct of the funeral, provided this does not conflict with statutory provisions or overriding public interests. If the will of the deceased cannot be determined, the relatives responsible for the funeral will also decide on this.
For deceased persons without surviving relatives, the municipality will arrange a local burial.

Tip:Most of the formalities, including a reverent consultation, are usually carried out by the commissioned funeral home.

Before the cremation of the deceased can take place, the following documents must be available:

• corpse certificate
• Official death certificate or certificate of restitution of the notarization
• Certificate of the second post-mortem examination

Note:If there are indications of a non-natural death or if the body is that of an unknown person, written authorization from the responsible public prosecutor's office is required instead of the certificate of the second post-mortem examination.

• A fee of between 12.00 and 48.00 euros is charged for checking the permissibility of cremation.
• A fee of between €25.00 and €36.00 is charged for carrying out the second post-mortem examination and issuing the certificate for cremation.

Cremation may be carried out no earlier than 48 hours after the death and no later than 96 hours after the death. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays may not be counted when calculating the time limit.