January 23, 2017 by Miller Funeral & Cremation Services Staff
The sudden loss of a family member or friend is one of the most difficult experiences we face. But when that death occurs abroad or some distance from home, the shock is compounded by the complexity of how to handle the details.
When A Loved One Dies Out Of State
If you are the Next of Kin, an out of state death will often mean first determining if your loved one had made end-of-life arrangements.
If this is the case, you will need to contact the funeral home where the arrangements were made. You can then determine whether a burial or cremation must take place in the deceased’s town of residence, or if you need to make arrangements for the body to be transported. Most funeral homes can assist you in making these arrangements.
Because there are strict regulations on the transportation of human remains, your contact will address all of the preconditions that must be met, along with the fees, which typically range between from $300 to $1,800.
If a burial will take place out of state, you may benefit from assigning another agent or relative who resides within that community to assist with arrangements and in-person needs. If cremation is chosen, you may have that done on location and then have the cremains transported to you for a memorial service.
Because we live in a digital age, many of the required actions you will need to take can be arranged remotely.
Death Outside Of The Country
When a loved one dies outside of the United States, your most helpful resource for next steps will be the United States Consulate of the country in question. They will help you determine how arrangements should be made, as well as any documents that need to be completed in order to make arrangements or to transport the body to the United States.
If the burial is to take place in your state, several documents must be acquired including:
- Completion of documents as determined by the cause of death
- Mortuary certificates that follow United States public health requirements
- Death certificate
- Affidavit of the funeral director
- Next-of-kin affidavit
Depending on where your loved one resided or was visiting at the time death, the requirements can dramatically vary.
Transporting a body or cremains from overseas is often a lengthy and expensive process, ranging from $2,000 – $20,000, and personal effects and property will also need to be addressed.
Given the complexity and cost, consulting with the director of a funeral home provide clarity and support. The team at Miller Funeral Services & Cremation Society of Texas are here to provide assistance during this confusing and difficult time.
If you need additional information on making arrangements, or have further questions regarding what to do if a loved dies away from home, please contact us.
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