When someone passes away, many families choose to have their loved one cremated, after which they will either take the ashes home or have them scattered or buried. But what happens when there’s a dispute over what to do with the ashes? Who has the right to choose what happens to them?
At Bay Cremation Care, we know that uncertainty over what to do with ashes can be distressing, particularly at such a sad time. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to rights after cremation in New Zealand so that you can avoid this situation. Whether you’re interested in finding out more so that you can plan for the future, or you’re unsure about what’s going to happen with a family member’s ashes, here’s what you need to know about rights following cremation service.
Who owns the ashes after a cremation?
In New Zealand, no one ‘owns’ ashes. This is because bodies are not legally considered property, which means nobody has a legal right to ownership over the deceased. This leads to the question of what happens when there’s a dispute over what to do with the ashes.