May the family hold a funeral / memorial service?

Otero County will assume custody of the body for disposition, so a funeral service or viewing with the body is not possible. Family and friends may have a memorial service conducted at their own expense. The cremated remains will not be released until Otero County has been reimbursed for the cost of services rendered.

The program is administrated utilizing county funding, which does not cover any other services outside of a dignified and lawful disposition of the body.

Show All Answers

1. How does my family obtain a death certificate?
2. How are Veterans honored?
3. Are there additional services for persons who received Social Security Benefits?
4. What about a death notice in the newspaper?
5. What does "indigent" mean?
6. What does "unclaimed" mean?
7. Who can apply for this program?
8. How does one qualify for the program?
9. How is the process started?
10. I signed an agreement with the funeral home but I cannot afford the services. What do I do?
11. Who is considered next of kin?
12. How long does the process take?
13. May the family hold a funeral / memorial service?
14. What happens to the cremated / unclaimed remains?
15. Who do I pay for the cremated remains?
16. Is this information up-to-date?