Planning Ahead - Planning Tools

From planning kits with To–Do checklists to VA reimbursement programs


Forms & Kits
We have a broad selection of useful information on our Forms & Kits page to make the planning process simpler. These include:
  • Planning Ahead for a Cremstar Cremation Kit
    • Samples of the questions you'll need to answer when ordering a Cremstar cremation online, and useful checklists for both you, the planner, and your next-of-kin (NOK).
  • Designated Agent Kit
    • If you want to designate someone to handle your body's disposition after you pass other than your natural next-of-kin, or if you don't have a traditional NOK, a Designated Agent may be perfect for you.
  • Veterans Planning Kit
    • The US government will reimburse veteran families that qualify up to $893 for a burial or cremation. This Kit features the VA form you'll need to complete in order to receive your reimbursement, plus useful checklists for both the veteran, the planner, and the next-of-kin (NOK).
  • Reasonable Attempt to Notify Forms
    • If you're unable to locate the natural authorizing agent and you have made reasonable efforts to try and track them down, you may become the authorizing agent yourself, depending upon your relationship to the deceased.
  • Waiving Disposition Rights Forms
    • If you are the legal Next-of-Kin (NOK) and you would like to give up your right to make decisions about the disposition of a lost loved one's body in favor of someone else.

Be aware that for those with "power of attorney" over an individual, legal authority expires when that individual passes, and they are no longer entitled to make decisions as Authorizing Agent. Visit our Forms & Kits page.

Veterans
The US government will reimburse veteran families that qualify up to $893 for a burial or cremation. Since Cremstar's starting price for a direct cremation is also $893, that's like getting your cremation for free! The US government will also pay an additional $231 for an urn, and the state will provide free death certificates. And if you inter that urn in a columbarium, they'll reimburse you up to yet another $893 just for that. Learn More

For more topics, return to our Planning Ahead page.
 
If you have any questions, please contact us:
  • By phone: (888) 802-0999, available 24/7. (Se Habla Español.)
  • By email: [email protected]
  • By chat: 7AM - 10PM Eastern Time, seven days a week; click on the round red chat button on the bottom right of the screen.

If you are in immediate need because a death has already occurred, order a direct cremation now. If a death is imminent (i.e. in a matter of days or weeks), visit the Cremstar Cremation Cost Calculator for a price quote and to email yourself a customized "Order Now" link so that you're ready when the death occurs. If you are preparing for the future, visit our Planning Ahead section.