Let’s Talk About Cremation: What You Really Need to Know

Why Talking About Cremation Matters

Cremation isn’t exactly dinner table conversation—but maybe it should be. Whether you’re thinking about your own final wishes or helping a loved one with theirs, deciding on cremation is both personal and practical. And while it’s become more common in recent years—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s often simpler, more affordable, and more flexible than traditional burial—it still requires real planning.

There’s more to cremation than choosing an urn. So let’s walk through what it actually involves—and what you need to put in place to make sure your wishes are honored.

What Is Cremation?

Cremation is a legal and physical process that reduces the body to bone fragments using high heat. Those fragments are then processed into what we commonly call “ashes.” It may sound clinical, but it’s important to understand that cremation is not just a checkbox—it involves paperwork, consent, and clear decision-making.

In Nebraska (and most states), cremation can’t happen without written authorization. That means if you want cremation, you need to make it official before it’s too late to speak for yourself.

How to Legally Document Your Cremation Wishes

If cremation is your choice, write it down. Include it in your:

• Last Will and Testament

• Advance Directives

• Health Care Power of Attorney

But here’s a common misconception: your will alone is not enough to guarantee cremation. The legal right to control final arrangements usually goes to your next of kin or the person you’ve appointed in a Health Care Power of Attorney or similar document. So if you want to be sure the right person is calling the shots, you need to name them in writing, and they need to accept that role.

And if there’s no paperwork—or the decision-maker can’t be found—your family could end up in a legal or emotional mess.

What Happens When Families Disagree?

Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d think. One sibling wants cremation, another insists on a burial with a religious service, and suddenly you’ve got family members fighting in the funeral home parking lot.

The best way to avoid that kind of conflict? Clarity. Decide in advance. Put your wishes in writing. Appoint someone you trust. Ideally, have your documents notarized. Because even if everyone “knows” what you wanted, knowing isn’t the same as having the legal authority to make it happen.

What Happens After Cremation?

This is another detail that often gets overlooked. Once the cremation is complete, what do you want to happen to your remains?

• Scattered at a favorite place?

• Stored in an urn at home?

• Buried in a family plot?

• Divided into memorial jewelry for loved ones?

There’s no wrong answer—only your answer. But if you don’t leave guidance, your family may end up making a guess (or a compromise) that doesn’t match what you would have wanted.

Also: choosing cremation doesn’t mean giving up the option of a memorial, a funeral, or a visitation. You can absolutely have a celebration of life and be cremated. The flexibility here is a huge benefit—but again, it only works if your wishes are known and documented.

The Cost of Cremation (And Why Planning Still Matters)

Cremation is generally more affordable than a traditional burial. No embalming, no casket, no vault or headstone required. But the biggest value may be in how much easier it can make things for your loved ones—if you’ve planned ahead.

Without clear instructions, your family may be left scrambling during an already overwhelming time. But with the right documents in place, you give them the gift of certainty and peace of mind.

How to Start Cremation Planning in Nebraska

If you’re leaning toward cremation, the most important thing you can do is:

• Document your wishes clearly

• Appoint a legal decision-maker

• Talk to your family

• Get the paperwork done now—not later

You can’t control everything that happens after you’re gone—but you can make it easier for the people you love.

At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we help individuals and families across Nebraska get these details in writing so that nothing is left to chance. Whether you need a Health Care Power of Attorney, an advance directive, or help incorporating cremation preferences into your estate plan, we’re here to walk you through it with clarity and care.

If cremation is something you want to plan for—or even just understand better—reach out. I can walk you through your options, help get the right documents in place, and make sure your wishes are legally protected. You can contact me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com.