Rather than go the standard route, there is a “do it yourself” funeral movement in which survivors take care of their loved ones and bury them on private land. Some find that handling their loved ones after death allows the process to remain personal and loving. Bodies are washed and dressed by close friends and family. Caskets, sometimes homemade, are decorated in favorite colors. Friends and family gather at the house, communing and sharing stories.

While home preparation and burial may seem natural, families must make sure it's handled correctly. By law, the body does belong to the family; however, there are state statutes that must be followed. This means anyone caring for a body is considered the funeral director and must meet all the regulatory requirements a funeral director has to meet. The death certificate has to be completed, embalming or other forms of preservation such as dry ice or refrigeration have to be addressed, a burial permit must be obtained if required by the state, and permits may need to be obtained to move the body.

There are a number of organizations that can provide assistance to anyone planning a funeral to help make sure all the applicable laws are considered. The Funeral Consumers Alliance (www.funerals.org) provides information not just on less costly burial alternatives but also on the rights and responsibilities of loved ones. The group can also suggest an advocate to help the survivors if there is confusion or misinformation regarding legalities.