Cremation Services FAQ

  • How long must we wait after their death before we can cremate a family member?

    Unlike burial, cremation is irreversible. 


    This requires us to be incredibly diligent in obtaining cremation authorization from the legally identified next-of-kin, as well as those from any necessary agencies (such as the medical examiner).


     During this time (depending on state mandated requirements); the deceased will be held in a secure, climate controlled environment.

  • How much will I have to pay for the cremation?

    $1,495 is the cost of our Simple Cremation Service with Digital Identification. We are one of the lowest cost cremation providers in the state.


    As you walk through our self guided step by step online arrangement program it will ask YOU to make selections based on what needs we can help you with. 


    You will see prices listed every step of the way as well as alternative offerings to the standard choice provided in the $1,495 package. 


    The choice is always up to YOU. 


    We strive to make the cremation process as affordable and transparent as we possibly can for you and your wishes.  

  • Do I need to be there in person to handle the paperwork?

    You do not. Our business model allows for family members to complete and e-sign paperwork from wherever they are...be it at home, in another state or different country even. 


    We can handle everything through our secure online submission form, followed by email and phone. 


    We want to help as much as we can to make this as smooth as possible so whatever is easiest for you. Whether you are local or out of state and need help getting your loved one cremated, Simple Alternatives is well suited to meet your family's simple cremation needs.

  • Who can complete the required documents?

    Anyone can complete the forms that are needed for the cremation with the exception of the Cremation Authorization, which must be done by the legal next of kin. 


    We will assist you in determining who the next of kin is as defined by the State of Michigan. 


    The State of Michigan has specific guidelines that must be followed when determining the next of kin.

  • If we choose cremation, does my loved one have to be embalmed?

    No. Simple Cremation does not require your loved one to have any preperations of this kind at any point in our process. 

  • How long does the process take?

    The process averages 7-10 business days from the time we take a loved one into our care to the time you pick up the cremated remains or they are mailed to you.


     We do everything we can to make the process simple for you.



  • How are the Cremated Remains returned?

    You have the option of picking up the cremated remains in Belleville or we can ship them to you if you live outside of the area and local pick up is not an option for you.



  • The price is $1,495, are there additional charges or fees for the cremation?

    Our fee is all inclusive which includes everything listed excluding MI. sales tax, which can vary based on options that a family chooses. Our base cremation package, compete with sales tax is $1511.50


    This includes the funeral home charge, transfer, container for cremation, temporary urn, crematory fee, and Medical Examiner fee.


    If you choose to add any selctions or offerings other than these during the process the prices are shown to you. 

  • What forms of payment are accepted?

    We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.  


    You can pay with one card or multiple cards; whichever is best for you. 


    Payment by check and/or cash are also accepted.

  • Why must I pay for these items at the time of arrangement?

    The answer to this is simple: we have to pay for these second-party services or merchandise at the time we make the purchase on your behalf. 


    This requires us to ask for payment for all cash advance items at the time the cremation service contract is agreed to, and signed by the responsible family member. 


    For more specific information about our payment policies, please call us to speak with a member of our staff of cremation service professionals.