Cremation

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

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

Note:

A corresponding handwritten directive can simply read as follows:

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

Place, Date, Signature.”

If the deceased’s wishes regarding the type of funeral are unknown, the responsible relatives must determine them. With regard to the location, type, and conduct of the funeral, actions should be taken in accordance with the wishes of the deceased, provided that no legal provisions or compelling public interests preclude this. If the wishes of the deceased cannot be determined, the next of kin responsible for the funeral shall also decide on these matters.
For deceased persons without surviving relatives, the municipality arranges a burial in accordance with local custom.

Tip: The funeral home you hire will generally handle the majority of the formalities, including providing respectful guidance.

Before the deceased can be cremated, the following documents must be provided:

• Certificate of Postmortem Examination
• Official death certificate or certificate of deferral of registration
• Certificate of the Second Postmortem Examination

Note: If there are indications of an unnatural death, or if the body is that of an unidentified person, written authorization from the competent district attorney’s office is required in lieu of the certificate of the second postmortem examination.

• A flat fee ranging from 12.00 euros to 48.00 euros is charged for reviewing the eligibility of a cremation.
• A fee ranging from 25.00 euros to 36.00 euros is charged for conducting the second postmortem examination and issuing the cremation certificate.

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.