Direct Cremation OC

Direct cremation is a simple, dignified cremation that takes place without a formal funeral service or viewing beforehand. Your loved one is taken into care, all required paperwork is handled, the cremation is carried out privately, and the ashes are returned to you. No rented chapel, casket, or formal ceremony required — though you can plan a memorial service afterward, on your own schedule.

Yes. Many families find meaning in being there. A witness cremation can be arranged when requested. A fee applies to reserve the private witness room (currently $400 for a 15-minute witness). Whether a viewing or witness is possible can depend on where and how the passing occurred, so speak with a counselor first.

Paperwork phase: 7–10 business days (California requires death certificate filing before cremation can be scheduled). Cremation: 1–3 days after the permit is issued. Return of ashes: within 48 hours of the cremation date.

Yes. $1,195 is the complete price for direct cremation in Orange County. It includes everything: transportation, death certificate filing, all required permits and authorizations, the cremation, a temporary urn, and return of the ashes. It includes all county fees, state fees, and taxes. There are no hidden fees, no 'starting at' prices, and no add-on fees that appear later.

No. Everything is handled online and by phone. Arrangements are completed entirely remotely. Families sign one form electronically, receive updates by text or call, and never need to come in.

At this time Direct Cremation OC does not offer payment plans. Full payment of $1,195 is required prior to the cremation being scheduled. Payment is collected securely by phone or through a link sent to you.

Absolutely. Direct cremation separates the cremation from the memorial — you're free to plan a service days, weeks, or even months later. Many families find this is more meaningful, because the service can be planned thoughtfully rather than rushed.

Within 48 hours of the cremation date, ashes are returned one of two ways: local hand-delivery within Orange County (personally delivered to your home at a time that works for you), or in-state USPS Priority Mail (shipped securely with tracking, included in the price). Shipping to an address outside California is available for an additional charge.

Not a problem. Arrangements can be completed entirely remotely. The ashes can be shipped anywhere in California via USPS Priority Mail at no extra cost, included in the $1,195 price. Shipping to an address outside California is available for an additional charge.

The ashes are yours to decide. Common choices include: keep them at home in an urn or keepsake container, scatter them at a meaningful location (on private land with permission, or in the ocean 3+ nautical miles offshore under the Clean Water Act), bury them in a cemetery or on private property where permitted, or divide them among family members using smaller keepsake urns. There's no legal deadline.

California law establishes an order of priority: 1. Spouse or registered domestic partner; 2. Adult children (if more than one, a majority must agree); 3. Parents; 4. Adult siblings; 5. Other adult relatives. An electronic or wet signature is typically sufficient — notarization is not required in the standard process.

Yes. Preplanning your cremation locks in the current price of $1,195 and removes the burden from your family at the time of your passing. Everything is documented, your wishes are on record, and your family simply calls when the time comes.