Disposition of Your Remains: Do Your Loved Ones Know Your Preference?

In March 2024, Professor Tanya D. Marsh and Quincey J. Pyatt conducted the first academic survey regarding preferences in disposition of remains. For their study, Marsh and Pyatt defined six methods of disposition and asked a representative sample of the U.S. adult population whether they 1) had heard of the method, 2) knew anyone who was disposed in that method, and 3) would consider being disposed by that method. The methods of disposition used in the study are defined in the below.

Cremation

“Cremation” is the process in which a dead human body is placed inside a chamber that is heated to a very high temperature until the body is reduced to a powder known as “ashes”.

Casket Burial

“Casket burial” is the placement of a dead human body in a specially designed box called a casket, which is then buried in the ground or kept above ground in a building called a mausoleum.

Donation to Science

“Donation to science” means that a dead human body is given to a medical school or other organization that uses the body, in whole or in part, for medical research and/or education. Following that use, the body is typically cremated and “ashes” are returned to the family.

Green Burial

“Green burial” is the burial of a dead human body, which has not been treated with chemicals, either directly in the ground or in a biodegradable container which is then buried in the ground.

Natural Organic Reduction - Decomposition

“Human composting” (aka natural organic reduction) is a process in which a dead human body is placed in a container filled with natural materials and microorganisms that break down the body into soil.

Water Cremation - Aquamation

“Water cremation” (aka alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation) is a process in which a dead human body is placed in a chamber that is filled with a mixture of water and chemicals, which is then heated and pressurized until the body is reduced to liquid and a powder known as “ashes”.

The findings were interesting and reflect a change away from traditional casket burial and embalming. These shifts highlight how personal preferences about final arrangements continue to evolve, and as options continue to expand, ensuring your wishes are understood has never been more important. Please put in writing your wishes and convey your wishes to your loved ones.

If you want to review your estate plan to make sure it matches your current goals and desires, please call Rehberg Law Group at 206.246.8772 or email at contact@rehberglaw.com to schedule an appointment.