By Milos Djordjevic, Funeral Director and Owner, Caring Cremations

For most families we serve, the cremation is completed within 5 to 10 business days of the day they sign the authorization. The cremation itself takes only a few hours. Most of the time goes to paperwork that Illinois requires before any cremation can happen. Here is each step, and what can make it faster or slower.

The steps before a cremation in Illinois

Authorization. The legal next of kin signs a cremation authorization. With us, this can be signed online. See who can authorize a cremation.
The death certificate. The doctor who cared for your loved one, or the medical examiner or coroner, completes the medical part of the death certificate, and it is registered electronically with the state.
The cremation permit. The county medical examiner or coroner issues a permit. In Cook County it comes from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office; in DuPage, Lake, Will and Kane counties, from the county coroner.
The 24-hour wait. Illinois law does not allow a cremation sooner than 24 hours after the time of death. The only exceptions are certain infectious diseases, when the medical examiner or coroner waives the wait in writing, and religious requirements.
The cremation. Once everything is in place, the cremation is scheduled. Every cremation we arrange is done one at a time.
Returning the cremated remains. Your family picks them up, or we deliver them.

What can slow things down

Waiting on a doctor’s signature. This is the most common delay. A doctor who is away, or unsure about the cause of death, can hold up the death certificate.
A medical examiner or coroner investigation, especially when an autopsy or lab tests are needed.
Family members who disagree, or a next of kin who is hard to reach.
Missing information for the death certificate, such as a Social Security number or parents’ names.
Holidays and long weekends, when offices are closed.

How long the cremation itself takes

A flame cremation usually takes a few hours, followed by time for cooling and preparing the cremated remains. Water cremation(aquamation) takes longer, but the overall timeline for your family is about the same, because the paperwork takes most of the time.

Can it be done faster?

Sometimes. If relatives are traveling in for a service, or your family has another reason to move quickly, optional expedited cremation is available for $150. We’ll tell you honestly what’s realistic, since some steps, like the doctor’s signature and the 24-hour wait, are outside anyone’s control.

How you can help things move smoothly

Sign the authorization as soon as you’re ready.
Gather the details for the death certificate: full legal name, date and place of birth, Social Security number, parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name), marital status, education, occupation and military service.
Tell us the name of your loved one’s doctor.
Decide how many certified death certificates you need.

How we help

We file the permit and the death certificate, follow up with the doctor’s office, and keep you informed along the way. Call us any hour at (773) 866-2273, or arrange online in about 15 minutes.