CT Funeral Planning & Disposition Options 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A family requests that cremated remains be divided among several family members. The funeral director should first:
- Refuse, as splitting remains is illegal in all states
- Obtain written consent from the legally authorized person (Correct answer)
- Divide automatically at no extra charge
- Wait 30 days before dividing per federal law
Correct answer: Obtain written consent from the legally authorized person
Dividing cremated remains requires written authorization from the person legally authorized to direct disposition, as the remains are considered under that person's legal control.
Question 2: Which type of cemetery allows burial without embalming, uses shrouds or simple wooden containers, and prohibits concrete vaults?
- Memorial park
- Natural (green) burial ground (Correct answer)
- Columbarium garden
- Mausoleum park
Correct answer: Natural (green) burial ground
Natural or green burial grounds require minimal intervention — no embalming, biodegradable containers, and no concrete liners — to allow natural decomposition.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of an 'irrevocable' pre-need arrangement?
- A plan that can be cancelled for a full refund at any time
- A Medicaid spend-down account requiring funds to be locked in for benefits eligibility (Correct answer)
- A pre-need insurance policy the buyer can cash out
- A verbal agreement with the funeral director
Correct answer: A Medicaid spend-down account requiring funds to be locked in for benefits eligibility
Irrevocable pre-need contracts are used specifically for Medicaid spend-down purposes, locking funds so they cannot be refunded or redirected, which reduces countable assets.
Question 4: What term describes the practice of scattering cremated remains at a designated cemetery location rather than burying or placing them in a columbarium?
- Inurnment
- Scattering garden disposition (Correct answer)
- Communal interment
- Ossuary placement
Correct answer: Scattering garden disposition
A scattering garden at a cemetery is a designated area where families may scatter or commingle cremated remains, often with a memorial marker option.
Question 5: Reef ball memorialization involves:
- Launching remains into orbit
- Incorporating remains into an artificial coral reef structure placed in the ocean (Correct answer)
- Compressing remains into a diamond
- Burying remains beneath a living tree
Correct answer: Incorporating remains into an artificial coral reef structure placed in the ocean
Reef ball memorialization mixes cremated remains into a concrete sphere that is then sunk to the ocean floor, creating artificial reef habitat.
Question 6: A thanatologist counseling a family about funeral planning should recognize that 'direct cremation' typically EXCLUDES:
- Transportation of the body
- Filing of the death certificate
- A viewing or visitation before cremation (Correct answer)
- The cremation process itself
Correct answer: A viewing or visitation before cremation
Direct cremation is a minimal-service option that includes transportation, paperwork, and cremation but does not include embalming, viewing, or formal funeral services.
Question 7: Which document formally identifies the individual authorizing final disposition and their legal relationship to the deceased?
- Power of attorney
- Authorization for disposition form (Correct answer)
- Advance directive
- Next-of-kin affidavit
Correct answer: Authorization for disposition form
The authorization for disposition form specifies who has legal authority to direct final arrangements and documents their relationship (spouse, adult child, etc.) to the deceased.
CT Funeral Planning & Disposition Options 3
A family requests that cremated remains be divided among several family members.
The funeral director should first: