Neither is designed to prevent the eventual decomposition of human remains. The law does not prohibit consumers from preparing their own dead for disposition. If you choose to do this, you must file with the local registrar a properly completed Certificate of Death, signed by the attending physician or coroner, and obtain a Permit for Disposition before any disposition can occur. You must also provide a casket or suitable container and make arrangements directly with the cemetery or crematory. TOP Coroner Fees California law permits coroners to charge for certain services.
Fees vary by county.
TOP Retail Casket Sellers State law requires retail casket sellers, upon beginning any discussion of prices, to give customers a written price list of all caskets, alternative containers, and outer burial containers normally offered for sale. In addition, if customers ask for it in person or by telephone, the outlet must give them a written statement identifying caskets or containers by price, thickness of metal, type of wood, or other construction, and by interior and color. Price, thickness, construction, and color information must also be included on a tag conspicuously attached to each casket. Prior to a sale, the seller must provide the buyer an itemized statement of all costs involved. Retail casket sellers may not legally arrange funerals or perform any other functions of a funeral establishment.