Can You Scatter ashes Anywhere?

Each state has laws affecting what happens to a body after death. For example, most states have unique rules about embalming, burial or cremation, scattering ashes, and how to get a death certificate. Here are some answers to common questions about post-death matters in New Hampshire.

1. How do I get a death certificate?
2. Who can order a death certificate?
3. Is embalming required?
4. Is a casket necessary for burial or cremation?
5. Do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home?
6. Where can bodies be buried in New Hampshire?
7. Where can we store or scatter ashes after cremation?
8. Learn more.

How do I get a death certificate?

In New Hampshire, a death must be registered with the Division of Vital Records Administration within 36 hours and before final disposition of the body. (New Hampshire Statutes § 5-C:62.) Typically, the funeral home, mortuary, cremation organization, or other person in charge of the deceased person’s remains will prepare and file the death certificate.

You may need to obtain copies of a death certificate for a number of reasons. You might simply want a copy for your personal records or, if you are in charge of wrapping up the deceased person’s affairs, you may require multiple, official copies to carry out your job. You will need to submit a certified copy of the death certificate each time you claim property or benefits that belonged to the deceased person, including life insurance proceeds, Social Security benefits, payable on death accounts, veterans benefits, and many others.

The easiest way to get copies of a death certificate is to ask the person or organization that files the certificate to order them for you at the time of the death. If you are the executor of the estate, you should ask for at least ten certified copies.

If you need to order copies of a death certificate after the time of death has passed, visit the website of the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. From the DVRA website, you can find instructions for ordering death certificates by mail.

You must provide a copy of a valid ID, such as a government issued photo ID, at the time you order a death certificate. The first certified copy of a New Hampshire death certificate costs $15; additional copies are $10 each.

Who can order a death certificate?

In New Hampshire, certified copies of death certificates are available only to those who can show they have a “direct and tangible interest” in the record. (New Hampshire Statutes § 5-C:83.) This usually includes immediate family members, authorized legal representatives, and others who can show that they need the death certificate to establish a personal or property right.

If the record is more than 50 years old, it is available to anyone who requests it. Genealogists may also be permitted to receive records if they have a written statement from a member of the deceased person’s immediate family. (New Hampshire Statutes § 5-C:105.)

Is embalming required?

Embalming is a process in which blood is drained from the body and replaced with fluids that delay disintegration. Though it is still a common procedure, embalming is rarely necessary; refrigeration serves the same purpose.

In New Hampshire, embalming is required only if a body will be “exposed to the public” for more than 24 hours. (See New Hampshire Statutes § 325:40-a.) Practically speaking, this is an unlikely situation unless, for example, the body were to be present at a wake lasting more than one day.

Is a casket necessary for burial or cremation?

A casket is often the single greatest expense incurred after a death. The cost of a casket can range from a simple $500 box to $20, 000 or more for an elaborate design. Some people prefer to forgo a casket altogether.

Burial. No law requires a casket for burial. However, you should check with the cemetery; it may have rules requiring a certain type of container.

Cremation. No law requires a casket for cremation. On the contrary, federal law requires a funeral home or crematory to inform you that you may use an alternative container, and to make such containers available to you. An alternative container may be made of unfinished wood, pressed wood, fiberboard, or cardboard.

Do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home?

No. Federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets that consumers have purchased from another source, such as an online retailer. You may also build your own casket, if you prefer.

Where can bodies be buried in New Hampshire?

Most bodies are buried in established cemeteries, but burial on private property may be possible in New Hampshire. Before conducting a home burial or establishing a family cemetery, check with the town clerk for any local rules you must follow. (Some towns prohibit private burial grounds.) If you bury a body on private land, you must draw a map of the property showing the burial ground and file it with the property deed so the location will be clear to others in the future. For more details, see New Hampshire Statutes § 289.3.

Where can we store or scatter ashes after cremation?

In New Hampshire, there are no state laws controlling where you may keep or scatter ashes. Ashes may be stored in a crypt, niche, grave, or container at home. If you wish to scatter ashes, you have many options. Cremation renders ashes harmless, so there is no public health risk involved in scattering ashes. Use common sense and refrain from scattering ashes in places where they would be obvious to others.

Scattering ashes in an established scattering garden. Many cemeteries provide gardens for scattering ashes. If you’re interested, ask the cemetery for more information.

Scattering ashes on private land. You are allowed to scatter ashes on your own private property. If you want to scatter ashes on someone else’s private land, it’s wise to get permission from the landowner.

Scattering ashes on public land. You may wish to check both city and county regulations and zoning rules before scattering ashes on local public land, such as in a city park. However, many people simply proceed as they wish, letting their best judgment be their guide.

Scattering ashes on federal land. Officially, you should request permission before scattering ashes on federal land. As with local or state land, however, you will probably encounter no resistance if you conduct the scattering ceremony quietly and keep the ashes well away from trails, roads, facilities, and waterways. You can find guidelines for scattering ashes on the websites for some national parks. For more information, begin your search at the website of the National Park Service.