Alabama Funeral Laws
Alabama has funeral laws designed to protect both the decedent and their family. For example, Alabama is one of few where a licensed funeral director must be involved in many aspects of final arrangements. According to state law, “every funeral service, memorial service, or interment, or part thereof” must be supervised by a licensed funeral director.
Who Can Make Funeral Arrangements in Alabama?
The right and responsibility to make decisions about the deceased’s body and funeral services goes to, in order:
- you, if you designate an agent in a valid written affidavit to carry out your wishes
- your surviving spouse
- your adult child
- your grandchild
- either parent
- your siblings
- your grandparents
- your next of kin
- your court-appointed guardian
- your appointed estate representative
- if the state is responsible for the remains, the appointed public officer
- any other person willing to take responsibility for your body (this could include the funeral director)
Funeral Home Regulations
Your funeral director will carry out arrangements to transport, prepare, and carry out the burial or cremation of a body in Alabama. A funeral director will also file the death certificate and make preparations with the cemetery or crematory. Cremation requires a permit from the medical examiner or coroner, which is also obtained through a funeral director.
Is Embalming Required?
Embalming is the process through which a body is preserved to delay the process of decay and make the remains more suitable for viewing during the funeral. Embalming is not required in Alabama unless the body will be transferred across state lines for burial.
