Why does the Coroner charge a fee for a cremation release?

The release for cremation (or disposition authorization) is required by Pennsylvania code for all persons whose bodies are to be cremated, buried at sea, or otherwise disposed of so as to be thereafter unavailable for examination.

The great majority of these deaths are certified by the attending physicians and would not otherwise fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner. Because an investigation must be conducted, the additional workload justifies a specific fee to be paid only by the users of the specific service rather than the taxpayers in general.

Approximately 1,000 cremations are authorized each year in Butler County.

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1. Where can I obtain a death certificate?
2. Why is the Coroner involved?
3. What is an autopsy and is there a charge for it?
4. When is an autopsy performed?
5. Does the Coroner need permission from the legal representative or next-of-kin for an autopsy?
6. How do I donate my body, or a loved one's body?
7. How long does it take for a death ruling to be made?
8. When will the autopsy report be completed?
9. Where may the clothing of the deceased be located?
10. How is the funeral director selected?
11. How do I make arrangements for the body to be released from the Coroner's office?
12. Why does the Coroner charge a fee for a cremation release?
13. Will I be charged for the services of the Coroner?
14. Who will clean up the death scene?
15. Why does the Coroner refuse to release information about an investigation?
16. Is it necessary for me to come to the Coroner’s Office to identify the body?
17. Why wasn't I notified sooner?
18. Can the time of an unattended death be determined with certainty?
19. What are the office hours of the Butler County Coroner's Office?
20. How do outside entities obtain an Autopsy, Toxicology and/or Coroner's report?
21. How do I obtain a copy of an Autopsy, Coroner's Report and Toxicology Report?