What to do after a death in Ohio

Quick facts

• Good to know: Families can care for the person who died at home. A funeral director isn’t required for immediate care.

• Tip: Ohio allows family cemeteries on private property in rural areas.

Getting started in Ohio

• Ohio doesn’t require a funeral director for all aspects of final arrangements. Families have options.

• The Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors regulates the industry and handles complaints.

• Ohio’s Right of Disposition law provides clear guidance on who makes funeral decisions.

Good to know: You can designate someone in writing to make funeral decisions on your behalf. This helps prevent family disputes.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. The coroner may need to be notified.

• You can keep the body at home while making arrangements.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and complete initial paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with a funeral home of your choice.

• Take the time you need with your loved one before they’re moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death. This is required.

• The county coroner may need to investigate depending on circumstances.

• Once cleared, you can contact a funeral home or begin home funeral arrangements.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with immediate paperwork and pronouncement.

• You can spend time with your loved one before making decisions.

• The hospital will ask about funeral arrangements. Take the time you need.

Cremation in Ohio

• Ohio requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur.

• This waiting period may be waived by the board of health for communicable disease.

• A burial permit must be obtained from the local registrar before cremation.

• Next of kin must provide written authorization for cremation.

• A casket isn’t required. An alternative container is acceptable.

Burial in Ohio

• Home burial on private property is allowed in Ohio. No state law prohibits it.

• Family cemeteries are defined as those where 75% of remains share a common ancestor.

• Local zoning may restrict burials in cities and villages. Rural areas are more permissive.

• Register the burial site with the county recorder and draw a map filed with the deed.

• A burial permit from the local registrar is required before interment.

Paperwork in Ohio

• The funeral director files the death certificate with the local registrar.

• A burial permit must be issued before interment or cremation can occur.

• Certified copies cost $22–27 depending on the county.

• Plan to order 8–10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

• Social security numbers are redacted from copies for the first 5 years unless specifically requested by authorized individuals.

Consumer rights in Ohio

• You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making any decisions.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without extra fees.

• Embalming isn’t required by Ohio law. Refrigeration is an acceptable alternative.

• Preneed contracts must have funds held in trust. You can cancel within 7 days.

• File complaints with the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.