What to expect
Cremation & funerals
A Guide walks you through every step—no pressure, no confusion, nothing to figure out alone.
What we handle
One decision, we handle the rest
You only need to make one decision—choose your cremation type. That’s all we need to get started.
We handle everything else:
When you're ready, choose:
A resting place that grows, gives back, and protects.
A ceremony in nature that helps families find comfort.
Our process
Guided step by step
Here’s exactly what happens from your first call to ashes returned.
Call us or get started online any time. A Guide will walk you through next steps and answer any questions—no pressure.
We coordinate respectful transportation in California. Your loved one is transferred into our care—you don’t need to arrange anything.
We handle all death certificates, cremation permits, and filing. We’ll let you know exactly what we need from you—usually just a few signatures.
Your chosen cremation option is carried out. Choose flame cremation, aquamation, or natural organic reduction. Learn more
Remains are carefully processed and returned to your family in a beautiful urn. For NOR, nutrient-rich soil is returned instead of ash.
Create an online interactive obituary where friends and family can share stories, photos and reflections to keep memories alive. Learn more
We handle the administrative side of loss for you: notifying the DMV, calling banks, canceling utilities and everything else. Learn more
We offer ongoing support—grief counselors, guided resources and community educational grief resources. Learn more
We can help you choose a permanent resting place in nature from an individual Memorial Tree to a shared Spreading Grove. Learn more
When you’re ready, we can help you return ashes to the earth with a personalized ceremony to honor your loved one. Learn more
Nature is at the heart of everything we do
Every step of our process is designed to honor nature, from carbon-neutral cremation to a living memorial in a protected forest.
Carbon-Neutral Cremation
Honoring nature means accounting for our impact.
A Memorial Tree or Spreading Grove
A resting place that grows, gives back, and protects.
Nature Memorial Ceremony
A ceremony in nature that helps families find comfort.
We're here whenever you're ready
One conversation is all it takes to move from overwhelmed to having a plan. Our care team is available 24/7.
Talk to a Guide, 24/7
When you’re ready, we’re here.
Explore at your own pace
See the two ways families honor a life.
Questions?
We're here to help.
What should I expect when I start cremation or funeral arrangements?
Starting arrangements with Better Place is straightforward. Everything can be handled online — with clear pricing, no hidden fees, and no funeral home visits. If you’d prefer to talk through your options first, a Guide is always available.
How do I get started?
You can begin online any time, or talk to a Guide—whichever feels right. Many families find it easier with a knowledgeable guide by their side. A Better Place Guide will help you understand your options, answer your questions honestly, and walk you through next steps, with no pressure and no sales pitch.
Here’s how a conversation with a Guide works:
You ask questions.
They answer honestly. What’s included? What does the process look like? Is this the right choice for my family?
You explore all carbon-neutral options.
Flame cremation, aquamation, and natural organic reduction — explained clearly, so you can decide what feels right.
You learn what comes after.
Discover memorial options you may not know exist, from private Memorial Trees to shared Spreading Groves.
You leave with clarity.
We’ll help you understand what’s right for you. No obligation. Just an honest conversation
What cremation options are available?
At Better Place we offer three carbon-neutral cremation options: flame cremation, aquamation, and natural organic reduction. See cremation options
Do you handle transportation and paperwork?
Yes. Every Complete Cremation arrangement includes transportation and all required paperwork. There’s nothing extra to coordinate or arrange on your own.
How long does the cremation process take?
Timelines vary by method. Flame cremation takes approximately 1–3 hours; aquamation takes 6–20 hours; and natural organic reduction is a slower, soil-based process that takes 30–60 days.
When are ashes returned to the family?
Return times depend on the method you choose. After flame cremation, ashes are typically returned within 3–7 days. After aquamation, expect 7–14 days. With natural organic reduction, the resulting soil is returned within 2–3 months.
Can you help with funeral or memorial services too?
Yes—and with Better Place, a memorial can be something truly meaningful. When you choose a living memorial, ashes can be returned to nature in a protected Memorial Forest, either at a private Memorial Tree or in a shared Spreading Grove. You also have the option to hold a Natural Memorial Ceremony, where family and friends can gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.
Do you provide grief support and executor assistance?
Yes. Complete Cremation with Better Place includes both executor assistance and ongoing grief support. You get everything you need—and nothing you don’t.
