​At Ava Cremations, we understand that you may have many questions about cremation, and that seeking answers during a difficult time can feel overwhelming. We have included responses to the most common questions below, and our caring team is always available to help with anything not covered here. Our commitment is to provide clarity, comfort, and gentle guidance, ensuring your questions are met with empathy and understanding. Please know that you are not alone—we are here to support you with compassion every step of the way.
What should I do when my loved one passes away? We know this can feel overwhelming. The steps below will help guide you, and we are always here to support you. 1.If your loved one is in a hospital: Please give the hospital permission to release your loved one into the care of Ava Cremations. 2.If your loved one is under hospice care (at home or inpatient): Contact your hospice nurse. They will notify us and make the necessary arrangements. 3.If the passing occurs at home without hospice care: Please call 911. Authorities will respond and guide the family through the next steps, including release to our care or the local Medical Examiner. 4.If your loved one is at the Medical Examiner’s Office: Contact Ava Cremations. We will provide the documentation to you needed to have your loved one brought into our care. You are not alone—we are here to help you every step of the way.
What do I do when death occurs? You may arrange services online or by phone at any time. Our compassionate Cremation Care Professionals are available 24 hours a day to support you and will carefully arrange transportation of your loved one into our care.
Why is our pricing so affordable? We believe affordable cremation should never come at the expense of respect or compassion. By keeping our services simple, transparent, and fully in-house, we’re able to offer direct cremation without hidden costs or pressure to purchase extras. Owning and operating our own crematory eliminates third-party fees, and our easy online or phone arrangements help lower costs—so we can pass those savings on to families while honoring every life with care.
How long does it take for cremation to be completed? Cremation typically takes about 5–8 days, excluding weekends. A physician must first sign the death certificate, followed by review and approval from the County Medical Examiner, which cannot be expedited. Once all permits are issued and the death is registered, we proceed with the cremation and order the death certificates. Because our storage and crematory are on-site, we can move forward as quickly as possible once all required authorizations are received.
Can I make arrangements in person? No, we at AVA Cremations, we are committed to keeping cremation services affordable for families. By offering the option to make arrangements online, we are able to operate more efficiently and pass those savings on to the families we serve.
How can I be sure the I am receiving the correct cremated remains? We understand how important trust and peace of mind are during this time. That is why we follow carefully developed standards and procedures designed to ensure the highest level of care and to minimize any possibility of error. Your loved one is positively identified and respectfully tracked at every stage of the cremation process. All cremations are performed exclusively by trained, certified professionals, ensuring your loved one is treated with dignity and respect at all times.
Am I required to purchase an urn? No, an urn is not required by law. Some families choose an urn if they plan to hold a memorial service or place the cremated remains in a cemetery. If an urn is not selected, the cremated remains will be respectfully placed in a plastic bag and secured in a temporary plastic container, allowing you to decide what feels right for you.