Cremation has increased in popularity over the years as more people eschew traditional burial. The trend has created issues as the lack of a grave site all can visit equally may lead to conflict when one person has all the ashes. However, this problem could be solved by a division of the ashes between loved ones of the deceased which gives each person what amounts to a graveside visitation right. This process can be done personally or, for the uncomfortable or emotionally fraught, may be done at a funeral home. While this division might sound macabre to many clients, it should be mentioned as a way of ending family disputes over possession of mortal remains.
See Ken Gallinger, Dad’s Ashes Can Be Divided Up, If The Children Prefer That Option: Ethically Speaking, The Star, May 16, 2015.
Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
