Death Planning - I don't want a death certificate, and want private burial.?

Question

My wife and I are making death planning arrangements (future nothing soon). She asked me what my wishes were....

Well first let me say that I'm an Anarchist. No, not the head banger druggie type, but just a guy who believes in absolute freedom and does not want anything to do with the government. Please don't judge my politics though, not the time or place...

We have over 2500 acres in West Texas that we outright own. This is many square miles of open land way out in the boondocks. No, not just boondocks, but boondocks to the boondocks to the boondocks. In fact 3 people live within a 50 mile radius. Just open mountain/desert like land.

Well, when I die, I just want a simple burial. I just want my sons to open a hole in the ground, wrap me up in a sheet, say some prayers, and cover me up. That simple. They can mark the grave if they want to. These are my wishes. I do not want a death certificate or anything registered with the government. I don't want to be embalmed or to go through any "normal" procedure that typical society goes through.

I just want freedom in death. A slap in the face would be for the government to intercede in my wishes. I just want to rest in peace, and be left alone.

Everything I have has either my wife's name on it, or my children already own. As it stands right now, in my health, I'll most likely die before my wife, but if not, then I may change my mind for estate planning....

So tell me is a simple non-interference death possible. I don't want to be stripped naked, gutted by a undertaker, and filled with their embalming fluid. Then have uncle sam say "yeah he died" and be buried by their standards.

Vast open land - open the ground - bury me - pray by family. Very simple... My wishes.

Is this possible or am I asking others to break the law?

Answer 1

You can't do that. Regardless of what you want, there are health code laws. Your family could be face criminal charges for failing to report your death. A death certificate needs to be issued. However, you don't have to be embalmed as long as you are buried within 24 hours after death. You would be if you died in a different state and had to be transported across state lines. Also, you don't have to use a funeral director, you can just have a private family funeral. You shouldn't have a problem being buried on your land, but you'll need to check with your local zoning laws to be sure.

Answer 2

Hello Chris. It is awesome that you own so much land and I am sure there is a portion of it that would be acceptable to be buried in. I looked up some of the health codes (which can be found at http://law.onecle.com/texas/health/711.061.00.html) and it seems that you should be able to be buried on your land given that you have a "lawn crypt" for whatever that is worth (http://law.onecle.com/texas/health/711.061.00.html). This just means that the place where you are buried must be encased in concrete or reinforced steel. I believe this is so if there is a water table on your land it will not be spoiled by decay. Unfortunately, these are the terms you would need to follow to be legal. I know you are an anarchist (which is fine), but you also do not want to get your family in trouble.



It might be a better option to be cremated. This is relatively inexpensive compared to a regular funeral, and the remains may be able to be spread just about anywhere on your land because they will simply be ashes. Again, be sure to check health codes.



Discussing this option, or any option, with your family beforehand is the best way to go. I have a page dedicated to this topic (http://burialinsurance.com/Burial-Insurance-Personal-Funeral-Discussing-With-Family.html). Perhaps having a will written out and signed will help your wishes come to fruition as well.



In any case, I hope I was helpful and I wish you and your family the best. If you want any more information, feel free to visit my website at www.BurialInsurance.com. Thanks!

Answer 3

Sadly, there are laws even in death.

First of all, the death must be registered. There are many reasons for this.

Second, burial in an open field may be a health code violation, and a serious danger. Are you aware of the water table on your land? There is the potential for your decomposing remains to contaminate the drinking water.

I do admire people who do not take handouts and live as far from the government as possible. I myself am a rational anarchist, and have spent 25 years helping people minimize their interaction with the government and its waste. I know live offshore, and the lack of government intervention is wonderful here.

Answer 4

And yet, if you are in trouble you call a cop.

If I do you wrong you sue me. If you try to come after me and I have you arrested you will gladly take the court appointed attorney.

I am fully aware of the nobility of an Anarchist.



Now, my self indulgent friend, the problem is that you have chosen all your life to live in the community. You distaste for government has not lead to to a wild-man existence in the uncharted north tundra of Canada. As a result you have interacted with society and thus have certain legal obligations. Therefore your death has to be a public record. You may be gone, but your estate may still owe me money.



You have to register a death. As for what to do with your body, that depends on what community you shunned, but enjoyed the luxuries of. If you go the wild-man upper Canada route, you are free to lie in wait for the wolves to render your carcass. It you go to the city park in Phoenix Arizona however you will have to be disposed of properly.



That part IS up to you.

Answer 5

Abortion is a complicated subject count, i'm against it yet while a female is raped i've got faith that she might desire to have the final to terminate the being pregnant. on the different hand, i've got faith that even terminating a being pregnant in this occasion is messing too lots with nature/greater power. No, there is not any dying certificates that could desire to be issued bc there grew to become into no beginning certificated issued. no person might visit the funeral bc the irresponsible mom had to kill it besides.

Answer 6

It would depend upon the laws in TX. You should consult a lawyer. I would think that a death certificate would be required so that you would not keep getting social security and be able to dispose of any other items that would belong to your estate. Most states do not require embalming.