When a loved one is cremated, people often want to know whether the ashes can be divided afterwards. At Stelae we will clarify this subject, explaining the legal considerations in this regard as well as the different options available for the ashes.
Legal considerations when dividing the ashes
The first thing to point out is that yes, you can divide the ashes of the deceased. Spanish law allows this but there are considerations that need to be taken into account.
It is the autonomous communities that regulate the dividing of ashes. Therefore, it is possible that certain legal considerations may vary from one territory to another.
As a general rule, dividing the ashes of a deceased person is legal, provided that local laws are followed and that the wishes of the deceased are fulfilled in this regard.
Families usually opt for this solution when they live in different geographical locations and want to have a part of their loved one in close proximity.
An important aspect of the regulation is that the ashes must be placed in approved containers to ensure they are properly conserved.
It is also important to have the relevant documentation and authorisation before removing the ashes of a deceased person, as this often also involves transporting and scattering the ashes, which is also regulated.
The regulations, however, only stipulate legal requirements up to the moment of delivery of the ashes to the family. The only prohibition concerning the transport and subsequent disposal of the ashes is that they may not be scattered on public highways. From this point onwards, the regulations change in each autonomous community and even in each city. It is the municipal ordinances that specify what to do with the ashes of our loved ones in cemeteries, with respect to the environment, etc.
Steps to take when dividing the ashes in a respectful way
Whilst it is possible to divide the ashes of a deceased person, the family's religious beliefs often play a key role in making this decision. In Catholic tradition, for example, the ashes of a loved one should not be separated, scattered or kept at home. That’s why the most common destination is often a columbarium.
But for families who wish to distribute the ashes of their loved one, it is important to know the steps to follow in order to do so correctly, respectfully, and in accordance with the regulations.
- The first step is to make a decision to divide the ashes of your loved one. The wishes of the deceased and of all relatives must prevail.
- The next step is to choose how to divide the ashes, as this can be done in small urns, reliquaries or other containers.
- Once divided, each family member must decide on the destination of their ashes and, based on this, should proceed accordingly.
- Those who prefer to spread these ashes must take into account the regulations of their autonomous community and corresponding municipality. They usually have to ask for permission from the town hall in their locality.
- If it is decided to keep the ashes in a cemetery, besides paying the corresponding fees, certain documents such as the death certificate must be provided.
If you wish to keep your loved one's ashes in the reliquary or urn that is given to you after the cremation, you will not need to take any further steps other than keeping the container at home.
Creative options for dividing the ashes
An urn or a reliquary are not the only ways to keep the ashes of a loved one. There are other options for dividing the ashes:
- An urn is the most common option for storing the ashes of a loved one. This container can be kept both at home and in columbariums, niches or other places in cemeteries. If an environmentally friendly option is preferred, biodegradable urns even allow the ashes to be scattered in the desired location, as long as local regulations are observed.
- Reliquaries are another traditional option for keeping the divided ashes of a loved one. Either a box or a case, they are usually made of metal and allow you to keep your loved one's ashes at home as a precious memento.
- Jewellery is a more innovative solution when it comes to dividing the ashes of a loved one. There are companies that make it possible to keep a small amount of the ashes in rings or pendants so that we can always be close to those we cherish. There are many levels of personalisation with this option and you can even keep the ashes by making them into a diamond.
Nevertheless, more and more families are opting for direct cremation, the main service we offer at Stelae, so that each family member can make the decision they prefer regarding the ashes of their loved one. It is the most cost-effective option and, in this way, the ashes can be divided, allowing everyone to choose the destination they prefer for their loved one.
