We believe every family should know exactly what to expect — what happens when, who handles what, and how long each stage takes. Here is the complete process, plainly explained.
Call us or start arrangements online — either way, a counselor will be in touch as soon as possible. You don't need to have answers or paperwork ready. The first conversation is just about understanding what's happened and what you need.
If a death has just occurred and you're not sure what to do first, call us. We'll walk you through the immediate steps — who to notify, whether the coroner is involved, and how soon we can bring your loved one into our care.
We're frequently out on pickups and deliveries — online arrangements are the fastest way to get everything started. If you call and don't reach someone immediately, we'll call back within minutes.
We transport your loved one from wherever they are in Los Angeles County — hospital, hospice, nursing facility, or private residence — and bring them into our care at our facility. Local transportation within LA County is always included at no extra charge.
Your loved one stays in our custody from this moment through the return of ashes. We don't use third-party transport services or outsource any part of the process.
California law requires the death certificate to be completed, signed by the attending physician, and registered with the county before cremation can be authorized. This is the longest stage of the process — and the one families most often have questions about.
We handle all of it: contacting the attending physician, filing with the county, obtaining the cremation permit, and following up until everything clears. You'll sign one form — the cremation authorization — electronically. That's your only task.
We'll keep you updated as paperwork moves through. If there are delays — physician unavailability, county processing — we'll tell you, and we'll keep following up.
The 7–10 day estimate is typical but not guaranteed. Physicians vary in response time, and county processing can fluctuate. We'll always give you the most current timeline.
Once all permits are issued and the cremation authorization is signed, the cremation is scheduled. Your loved one is cremated individually — one at a time, never commingled. We use a licensed, state-regulated crematory and maintain full chain-of-custody documentation throughout.
The cremation itself is a private process. You will receive confirmation once it is complete.
Ashes are returned to you in a temporary plastic urn within 48 hours of the cremation date. For families in Los Angeles County, we deliver personally. For families outside our local delivery area, we ship via USPS Priority Mail Express with tracking and signature confirmation.
What you do next is entirely up to you — and entirely your timeline. A memorial service, a scattering, a private moment with family. Now or later. We're available if you have questions along the way.
This is the question we get most often. The answer is California law: a death certificate must be completed, signed by the attending physician, and registered with the county before a cremation permit can be issued.
We can't rush the physician or the county — but we do follow up, persistently. Here's what we're actively doing during this stage.
Start arrangements in about three minutes. Or call us directly — a real person answers any hour.