When a death occurs and cremation has been chosen, the cremation provider is contacted. Once the call is received, the deceased will be removed as specified in their pre-filed instructions. If no instructions are on file, a funeral director will assist the next of kin in making all necessary decisions. 

Upon removal, the deceased is taken to the crematory and kept for the period required by law before cremation can occur. The funeral director can assist the family in scheduling any viewing or ceremonies of remembrance that are to occur before cremation, or any post-cremation memorial services, or scattering ceremonies. The actual process of cremation itself normally takes three hours. Cremated remains typically weigh several pounds, and take up a space of approximately 200 cubic inches. Afterwards, the cremated remains are placed in an urn, and are returned to the family or transported to another specified location.