Alabama § 45-45-171.01 - Cremation of Deceased Indigent Person.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 45-45-171.01 — Cremation of Deceased Indigent Person., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-45-171.01. Cremation of Deceased Indigent Person.
(a)(1) The Madison County Commission may provide for expenses of cremation of any deceased indigent person, if the deceased was a resident of the county prior to his or her death, died without an estate, and has no relatives residing in the county who are financially able to provide for the burial or cremation expenses of the person.
(2) The surviving spouse of the deceased person shall consent in writing to the cremation by the county.
(3) If there is no surviving spouse, any adult child of the deceased person, if the adult child resides in the county, shall consent in writing to the cremation.
(4) If there is no surviving spouse or surviving adult child of the deceased residing in the county, the agency referring the body and requesting the cremation may consent in writing to the cremation. A referring agency acting in good faith pursuant to this section shall be exempt from all civil and criminal liability regarding such action.
(5) If written consent is not received for cremation, no legal obligation is created by this section for the county to provide burial expenses.
(b) This section is cumulative and supplemental to any existing law regarding the disposal of the bodies of deceased indigent persons in Madison County.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 45-45-171.01
What does Code of Alabama § 45-45-171.01 cover?
Section 45-45-171.01 ("Cremation of Deceased Indigent Person.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 45-45-171.01?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 45-45-171.01" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 45-45-171.01 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.