How Long Does the Cremation Process Take? A Simple Guide for Families

One of the most common questions we receive at Clearview Cremation is:

“How long does the cremation process take from start to finish?”

The answer can vary depending on a few factors, but in most cases, the entire process typically takes about 7 business days from the time your loved one is brought into our care to the moment their ashes and certified death certificates are returned to your family.

That said, every situation is different — and we do everything we can to move things along with care, urgency, and transparency.

Step-by-Step: The Cremation Timeline

1. Immediate Response: Bringing Your Loved One into Our Care

Our team is available 24/7/365 — day or night — and typically arrives within about an hour of being called. In some cases, this can take slightly longer due to traffic or other variables, but families can trust that we move with compassion and speed when it matters most.

2. Gathering Vital Records Information

To begin the required paperwork, we’ll need some basic information about your loved one’s life, including full legal name, place of birth, parents’ names, Social Security number, and more.

This step is dependent on how quickly the family is able to provide this information, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

3. Physician Certification (If Applicable)

If your loved one passed in a hospital or under hospice care, a physician must complete a medical certification of death, which we send to them for review.

Under Florida law, physicians have 72 hours to complete this step after receiving the form. In most cases, doctors respond within that window — but occasionally, delays happen.

Note: If your loved one is under the care of the medical examiner, this step is not required.

4. Medical Examiner Authorization

Before cremation can proceed, we are required to obtain authorization from the local Medical Examiner's office. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours, but can vary slightly depending on their volume.

Once authorization is granted, we’re able to move forward with ordering death certificates and scheduling the cremation.

5. Ordering Death Certificates

We order certified death certificates directly from the Department of Health. Most are processed quickly, and if your family needs them urgently, we can arrange for overnight delivery using tracked and secure shipping.

6. Cremation and Final Arrangements

The cremation itself typically takes 1 to 3 days depending on how busy our team is. If your family needs the ashes back sooner — for a memorial, travel plans, or a celebration of life — we can usually expedite the process to accommodate your timeline.

After the cremation is complete, we finalize the:

• Urn and any keepsakes
• Certificate of cremation
• Delivery or pickup details

Final Step: Returning Your Loved One Home

Once everything is ready, we will either coordinate in-person pickup or secure delivery to your home.
For families who choose delivery, we use specialized, tracked, and expedited shipping that typically arrives the next business day.

We're Always Here to Help

At Clearview Cremation, we understand how important it is to know what to expect. While the process typically takes about 7 business days, we're committed to moving as quickly as possible — and always keeping your family informed.

If you ever need to check in on your timeline, request a rush, or ask a question, you can call or text us at any time.

We're here for you — with compassion, clarity, and care.