What to do after a death in Wisconsin

Quick facts

• Good to know: Families can prepare and conduct final disposition without a funeral director.

• Tip: 48-hour waiting period required before cremation.

Getting started in Wisconsin

• Wisconsin allows immediate family members to personally prepare and conduct final disposition.

• No funeral director is required by state law.

• The Funeral Directors Examining Board oversees funeral regulations and can help with concerns.

Good to know: Wisconsin law supports family involvement. You can be part of caring for your loved one as much as you choose.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

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

• If the death was unexpected, call 911.

• There’s no immediate rush to move your loved one.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and assist with paperwork.

• Hospice can coordinate with a funeral provider if you choose to use one.

• You can spend time with your loved one before any arrangements.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected.

• The medical examiner or coroner may be involved depending on circumstances.

• Once death is pronounced, you can contact a funeral home or begin family-directed arrangements.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through initial steps.

• You can spend time with your loved one before leaving.

• Take your time deciding on next steps. There’s no immediate rush.

Cremation in Wisconsin

• Wisconsin requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• The medical examiner or coroner must sign a cremation permit.

• Written authorization from next-of-kin is required before cremation.

• A casket isn’t required. Only a rigid container is needed.

• Doctors have 5 business days to sign the death certificate, so cremation often occurs 5–10 days after death.

Burial in Wisconsin

• Home burial on private property isn’t prohibited by state law.

• Check with your town or county clerk and local health department for local rules.

• Contact Wisconsin Burial Preservation at (608) 264-6494 if planning a private property burial.

• File a map of the burial location with the property deed for future reference.

• Private cemetery land may be exempt from property taxation.

Paperwork in Wisconsin

• The death certificate is completed by the funeral home and filed with the State Vital Records Office.

• Certified copies cost $20 for the first copy.

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

• Copies are available from the State Vital Records Office or county Register of Deeds offices.

• In-person requests at county offices are often processed within 2 business hours.

Consumer rights in Wisconsin

• Funeral homes must offer a broad range of services and prices to meet community needs.

• Embalming isn’t required by Wisconsin law.

• A casket isn’t required for burial or cremation.

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

• File complaints with the Funeral Directors Examining Board through the WI Dept. of Safety and Professional Services.