In funeral services, what does the term "disposition" refer to?

The term "disposition" in funeral services specifically refers to the final handling of the remains of a deceased person. This encompasses the various methods by which a body can be interred or processed after death, primarily including burial and cremation. Disposition is a critical aspect of funeral planning as it pertains to the legal and ethical considerations surrounding how a person's body will be treated after they have passed away.

Understanding the concept of disposition is essential for funeral directors, as they must ensure that all legal requirements and family wishes are respected in the process. This term is distinct from other aspects of funeral services, such as documenting a deceased's life, selecting casket and urn types, or organizing memorial gatherings, which are important but do not define the act of final handling of the remains.