Homestead mailing list

[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

> I suspect it is a local issue. I know of no federal laws. Yet.

Along these lines, I much recommend the book "Caring for the Dead" (Lisa 
Carlson ISBN 0-942679-21-0)  Which lists the federal laws and the laws of 
every 
state concerning funerary issues.  Mortuaries and undertakers will routinely 
lie 
to get you to spend more money.

In this state (Tennessee) there had been a "guild law" which said that any 
funerary item (urns, caskets, etc) could only be sold by a licensed funeral 
director.  When a discount house wanted to sell plain coffins, they were 
taken to 
court.  Our typical bought-off legislature supported the guild all the way to 
the state supreme court, but their decision was struck down in a federal 
court.  Now if you show up at a crematorium or funeral home with your own 
casket, 
they cannot refuse it.

If someone in your family dies, their cadaver immediately becomes the 
"personal property" of the next of kin.  No one may impede you from moving it 
or 
keeping it where you choose.  To bury the person, you only need the county's 
"permit for disposal of human remains".  It is a 'shall issue' situation, you 
cannot be refused.  You may bury anyone on any piece of property you own that 
is 
not specifically zoned or restricted from it. 

That's in my state.  It would do well to know the laws of your state and 
prepare accordingly.  No funeral for me!  That $9000 would buy one hell of a 
send 
off party!   </HTML>