If cremains are not claimed within 90 days, what must be done before scattering?

In Missouri, if cremated remains (cremains) are not claimed within 90 days, the law stipulates that the funeral director must publish notice in a local newspaper before scattering the cremains. This requirement ensures that relatives or any interested parties have an opportunity to be informed about the cremains and have a chance to claim them. Public notification is a crucial step in the process, as it provides a transparent approach and helps in fulfilling legal obligations regarding the handling of unclaimed remains. This step also shows respect for the deceased and their family by facilitating a process that encourages them to come forward and claim the remains if they wish to do so.

The other options do not fully address the legal requirements set forth in Missouri law regarding unclaimed cremains. For example, contacting local authorities may be necessary in some situations but is not a required step under these specific circumstances. Similarly, notifying relatives by phone may not reach everyone due to varying contact details, and storing cremains indefinitely does not comply with the regulations surrounding unclaimed remains. Thus, publishing a notice in a local newspaper is the appropriate course of action in this scenario.