Glossary
What is disposition?
Disposition refers to the final handling of a body — most commonly burial, entombment, cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis. The method of disposition is recorded on official paperwork and usually requires authorization from the legal next of kin.
"Final disposition" is the umbrella term funeral professionals use for whatever ultimately happens to the body. It also covers less common choices such as donation to science or, where permitted, natural organic reduction.
Permits and authorizations vary by state, and the chosen disposition is noted alongside the death registration. Naming your wishes in advance can ease decisions for your family.
Related terms
Interment
Interment is the act of placing a body or cremated remains in their final resting place, most often by burying a casket in the ground or entombing it in a crypt. The cemetery fee to open and close the grave is commonly called the interment charge.
Cremation
Cremation is the use of intense heat to reduce a body to bone fragments, which are then processed into cremated remains and returned to the family. It is an alternative to burial and can be paired with a funeral, a memorial, or no service at all.
Green burial
Green burial, or natural burial, is burial that minimizes environmental impact by skipping embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. The body is placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud so it can return naturally to the earth.
Cremation authorization
Cremation authorization refers to the signed legal permission required before a body can be cremated. It is given by the legally authorized next of kin or a designated agent, and crematories will not proceed without it.
See also
Common questions about Disposition
Sources
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.