Q: According to Oregon law, when does a body have to be embalmed?

A: When the person died of a contagious or communicable disease.

Q: Are Home Funerals legal?

A: Families in Oregon can legally care for their own dead.

Q: What is the fee, if any, for a member of the clergy to conducting services.

A: Generally, the standard honorarium is $200.

Q: Do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home?

A: The funeral home has to accept the casket you want to use, and cannot charge you a handling fee or service charge if you provide your own.

Professional Referrals

Ark Wood Caskets – Kosher wood caskets that are easy to assemble and are shipped flat. This is the classic “plain pine box” that many people request.

Kim Johnson – Broker, REMAX Equity Group, (503) 956-4633

Richard B. Schneider, Attorney at Law, Estate Planning Attorney, (503) 241-1215
Free estate planning seminars

Natural Burial Company, biodegradable caskets & urns

Facts:

Franklin D. Roosevelt left a detailed 4 page document with explicit instructions for his funeral should he die in office as President. Nobody in the Roosevelt family or staff knew of the existence of this document, and it was found in his private safe after his burial. Only one of his wishes was carried out: that of not lying in state. But he was embalmed, his casket was not simple, and his grave was lined with a cement vault, all against his wishes.

In many states property is reassessed and taxes increased when there is a change in ownership.

The Federal Trade Commission requires Funeral Homes to quote prices over the phone when asked.

Pallbearers are usually six members of the family or close friends. Both males and females can serve in this honored position.