The Secret to Legally Scattering Ashes Across the State of Louisiana

As we witnessed the incredible Easter Sunrise Service this past Sunday at Hill Crest Cemetery in the Haughton area, the topic came up regarding cremation.

Get our free mobile app

Actually, the conversation began with my wife revealing to our family that the two of us had elected to be cremated after any usable organs could be procured from our bodies through the Organ Donor program.

And I honestly believe that's one of the greatest gifts we can give our boys is letting them know, in advance of our passing, that we have already handled all the heavy lifting in regards to funeral arrangements. That's a really tough road for anyone to tackle, especially while they're in the midst of all the emotions associated with the loss.

READ MORE: Hidden Danger Your Lawnmower Poses To Caddo Parish Motorcycles

The only thing they'll have to handle will be to notify our insurance company. All the funeral arrangements and the associated financial responsibility will be handled.

With the average funeral in Louisiana running over $7,000 and total costs averaging over $20,000 according to worldpopulationreview.com, the financial obligations could be overwhelming for some families.

This is the point where some will consider cremation as a money-saving alternative and its price tag is considerably less. Choicemutual.com says the average Louisiana price for this option is less than $6,000.

Somewhat lessening the financial burdens at this sad occasion however, can leave family members wondering what's to become of those ashes.

Will they stay in an urn on someone's mantel or was it the loved one's last wishes to have their ashes spread in or on an area that suited their lifestyle?  And what are Louisiana's laws regarding the dispersing of those ashes?

If the loved one wished to have their ashes tossed into the Red River, or on the banks of Toledo Bend, is it legal in Louisiana to actually do that?

In a writing from thelivingurn.com, we learn that "No state laws exist in Louisiana that restrict where families can keep or scatter a loved one or pet's ashes. Cremated ashes can be kept in a grave, niche, crypt, urn, or any other container of your choosing.

And should you choose to scatter those ashes in Louisiana, The Living Urn, lists a number of popular selections for that memorial that include any property that you own, scattering gardens, public property, national parks, at sea or even by air.

Take a look at all those suggestions and the great advice they give with each selection at thelivingurn.com