DFS Memorials

Direct cremation in Los Angeles starts at $1,045 through DFS Memorials, partnering with Cedar Hill Mortuary — significantly below the LA average of $1,721 and a fraction of what Forest Lawn charges at $4,795. While corporate providers like Neptune Society charge $1,895 to $2,695, our flat-rate fee covers professional transportation, all legal paperwork, the cremation itself, and return of remains in a utility urn with no hidden add-ons.

The $1,045 package includes professional removal and transportation from any Los Angeles hospital or place of death, secure climate-controlled care during legal document processing, filing of the death certificate and the Los Angeles County disposition permit, the cremation at a licensed local facility, and return of remains in an alternative container and utility urn.

Los Angeles County requires a mandatory Disposition Permit before cremation can proceed. The current fee for this permit is $12.00. All necessary authorizations are coordinated through the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office, located at 1104 N Mission Road. DFS Memorials handles all permit filing on behalf of the family.

California does not impose a fixed hour-based waiting period like some other states. However, cremation cannot proceed until the death certificate has been signed by a physician and the Disposition Permit has been issued by Los Angeles County. In practice this means the timeline depends on how quickly the attending physician certifies the cause of death and the county processes the permit.

California law does not require a casket for cremation. A simple alternative container is used to hold the body during the cremation process, which is one of the reasons direct cremation in Los Angeles is significantly more affordable than a traditional funeral. Families are never required to purchase an expensive casket.

Yes. Cedar Hill Mortuary coordinates collection from major hospitals throughout Los Angeles including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Beverly Boulevard, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, Keck Hospital of USC and Los Angeles General Medical Center on State Street, and Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles on Sunset Boulevard. We also work directly with hospice providers including Skirball Hospice, Vitas Healthcare, and Providence TrinityCare Hospice.

DFS Memorials lists direct cremation at $1,045. Prices are estimates and can change — under the FTC Funeral Rule you can request a current itemized price list and pay only for the items you choose.

DFS Memorials offers funeral homes. See the full breakdown and prices on this page.

DFS Memorials is located in Culver City, CA. Use the “Get directions” link on this page for a map.

Yes. The federal FTC Funeral Rule requires every funeral home to give you a written, itemized General Price List on request — in person or over the phone — and to let you choose only the goods and services you want. Always compare a couple of providers before deciding.