What legal document must be obtained before a body can be cremated in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, prior to the cremation of a body, it is essential to obtain a cremation authorization form. This document serves as a confirmation and legal permission from the deceased's next of kin or an authorized representative allowing the cremation process to proceed. The importance of this form lies in ensuring that the wishes of the deceased, as well as the consent of those legally entitled to make such decisions, are respected and upheld.

While a death certificate is necessary for record-keeping and regulatory compliance, it does not serve the same function as the cremation authorization form. Similarly, a burial permit is specific to the interment of the body rather than its cremation. An embalming consent form, while important under certain circumstances, is not specifically required for the act of cremation itself. Thus, the cremation authorization form is the key legal document needed to initiate the cremation process properly.