Consumers Guide to Planning a Funeral
A very brief primer on what the Massachusetts consumer should consider before talking with a funeral director. It includes a brief section on Pre-Paid ("Pre-Need") Funeral Arrangements.
Detailed Regulations re: Pre-Paid ("Pre-Need") Funeral Arrangements
Download an actual Massachusetts Pre-Need Funeral Contract
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Investigations Application for Complaint
Guidelines for the Issuance of Burial Permits and Disposition of Human Remains
- from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
This is a must for anyone in Massachusetts who is considering caring for their own dead. It is also an excellent source of basic information about what must be done in Massachusetts from the time a death occurs through the final disposition of a body or ashes.
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TO READ THE SPECIFIC LAWS THAT APPLY IN MASSACHUSETTS
Cemeteries And Burials. Cemetery And Crematory Corporations (General Laws Of Massachusetts, Chapter 114) http://www.state.ma.us/legis/laws/mgl/gl-114-toc.htm
The primary source for looking up the actual wording of the laws most directly involved in these topics
Promotion Of Anatomical Science (General Laws Of Massachusetts, Chapter 113)
http://www.state.ma.us/legis/laws/mgl/gl-113-toc.htm
Includes laws related to body and tissue donation.
Veterans' Benefits (General Laws Of Massachusetts. Chapter 115)
http://www.state.ma.us/legis/laws/mgl/gl-115-toc.htm
Includes some provisions related to final arrangements specific to veterans.
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More Massachusetts-specific links
Green Burial in Massachusetts.
http://www.greenburialma.org/
Our own Green Burial Committee website
The Forum For Massachusetts Law
http://www.malawforum.com
A question and answer column and legal resource clearinghouse for MA residents set up by Mark Bernardin who gave the presentation at our 2005 Annual meeting - on the book he co-authored with his brother Choosing Your Path: How Massachusetts Residents Can Take Control of their Medical Care, Estate Plans, and Funeral Arrangements. (His book is available from PoiDog Books, 140 Elm Street, Andover, MA 01810, or by calling 978-685-1177, Mon-Sat 10 AM to 5 PM.)
Pre-paying for Your Funeral in Massachusetts
http://www.funeralethics.org/MA.pdf
Prepared by the Funeral Ethics Organization in Hinesburg, VT