Can you move a grave?
Moving a grave is a potential public health hazard, so you should make sure there is an environmental health officer present during the exhumation. You may also want the funeral director to be present during the exhumation to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Can I move my wife's body to her parents grave?
The last will and testament of your wife should be respected. If she decreed that she wanted to be buried with her parents, then you can't move her. Since you would be opening the parents' gravesite to get to the body of your wife, then yes, they would have to agree to that.
How can I move the body of a deceased person?
Unless you are authorized to act in the interests of the deceased (either as executor of the will or next of kin), you may not be able to move the body at all. • Get approval from religious officials. This can either be a formal or an informal process, and you may need a license or written agreement in order to proceed.
Is it possible to transfer a body after a death?
While transferring a body is rare and expensive, it can be done. You can expect to encounter several obstacles (at the city and state level as well as with funeral home and cemetery officials), but by remaining calm and knowing where you can turn for help, you should be able to eventually lay your relative to rest at the appropriate location.
What is the legal requirement to exhume a body?
Where do headstones go in a cemetery?
Is it illegal to dig up a deceased body?
Can you move a body from one cemetery to another?
About this website
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Grave?
It should come as no surprise that relocating a grave is an expensive process. Not only does it require quite a few legal steps, but you also need to be mindful of the cemetery rules. Because you have to hire a variety of professionals and transportation companies, it can cost a pretty penny.
Why do people move their graves?
Family relocation: One of the most common reasons to move a grave is because the family is relocating somewhere new and wishes to bring their loved one with them. Family plot: If the family has a burial plot, the grave might be relocated to bring them closer to home. Crowding: If the cemetery is too crowded, the family might wish ...
Why relocate a grave?
When it comes to disturbing the dead, there are sometimes very legitimate reasons to relocate a grave. Though this is something often associated with gravedigger films, it can actually be a respectful, kind process. Whether you’re relocating the grave to be closer to family or you’re responding to cemetery overcrowding, the steps above are the perfect starting point.
Why bother with a funeral director?
Why bother with a funeral director? They’re professionals versed in local requirements and providers. They’re a great resource for every step of relocating a body, and they can guide you in the right direction.
How to move a grave to another cemetery?
If you decide to move a grave to another cemetery, you’ll need to be prepared for a multi-step process. Depending on where the graves are located, you’ll also need to consider different laws and requirements. 1. Contact a funeral home.
How to apply for a burial permit in a cemetery?
To start your application, contact the cemetery where your loved one is buried. You’ll need to be authorized to act in the interest of the deceased. This typically means you need to be the legal next-of-kin. You’ll need the authorization of the grave plot owner and burial authority.
How to prepare for a funeral?
Talking to your loved ones about where they want to be buried, as well as where you’d like to be buried, is a great way to prepare. In a perfect world, we would all be buried in the perfect location the first time. Unfortunately, things change, but we can always respond accordingly.
What could this trend mean for future burials?
Whether driven by the desire to provide a more fitting resting place or to be closer to a loved one, the surprising number of exhumations in the UK highlights the changing relationship Britons have with death, burial and those who have passed away.
How long do buried people stay in the UK?
We often think that once a loved one has been buried that they will remain there forever. However, this isn't always the case. Graves are normally bought for 50 to 75 years at a time and there is also a surprising number of families in the UK exhuming their relatives for other reasons.
How long does it take to get an exhumation licence?
Getting an exhumation licence alone can take up to three weeks and involves completing a 12-page application form.
What does it mean to bury someone?
Laying a loved one to rest somewhere more fitting. Some families feel the need to relocate their loved ones to give them a more fitting resting place. This can often mean burying them in a significant location or next to a cherished relative.
Why is it important to move a loved one to another grave?
This is highly valued by some cemeteries because of growing grave shortages in certain areas.
Why are reburials exhumed?
Others are exhumed so they can be reburied with a partner who has recently passed away.
Where was King Richard III's body found?
In 2012, King Richard III’s remains were discovered under a municipal car park in Leicester. The former king, whose whereabouts had remained unknown for over 500 years, had been presumed lost forever.
Larry E. Powe
I am so sorry for the family's grueling experience here. My condolences two-fold. Like Messrs. Frederick and Conway point out, the cast of characters and where responsibility lies needs to be carefully analyzed.
James P. Frederick
Hello~ This is far too complex a situation to adequately deal with in a forum, such as this. There are way too many unknown facts. You reference "funeral owner," and it is not clear who that is. The owner of the funeral home? The owner of the cemetery? Your father's funeral representative? The end result depends a great deal on who that...
What to consider when burying a dead person?
The first thing to consider is the condition of the body, the casket and any grave liner that may be present. Depending on the climate in which it is buried, a deceased person's body can wither away to nothing – even bones have been known to sometimes turn entirely to ash over the length of time, depending upon the chemicals in ...
What is a grave liner made of?
The same is sometimes true of grave liners – though, of course, most grave liners are made of concrete or stone that will last for ages. So, an important question to ask in determining whether moving a grave is appropriate is what state will the body, casket and grave liner will be in. If little is left to move, of course, ...
How to decide if moving a grave is appropriate?
The best rule of thumb, then, in deciding whether moving a grave is appropriate is to go by the age of the grave. If a person has been buried for more than 10 years or so, it is probably best to simply let him or her lie. But that is a subjective opinion, of course. Another consideration for whether moving a grave is appropriate is the purpose ...
How long does it take to move a grave?
All in all, the process of moving a grave takes typically takes about an hour, unless some complications arise. Despite the relatively small amount of time, the project can involve more than half a dozen employees and several bits of heavy equipment that must be operated by skilled, trained personnel.
Do headstones damage graves?
While care is almost always taken by the cemetery crew to not damage a headstone that may be over the first grave when remains are to be moved, the fact is that headstones sometimes do suffer damage.
Can you pull a body out of a grave?
Pulling the remains out of a grave can be tricky if the grave is old and the liner, casket or body are in a state of serious decay. It in these cases, that an experienced professional is almost always available for consultation at the site even if he or she is not actually called to be, formally, a part of the crew.
Is it appropriate to move a grave?
When Moving a Grave is Appropriate. Moving a grave is not always the best choice. For resolving a memorial problem. In fact, if the grave is more than, say, about a decade old, it may not be appropriate at all from a variety of practical stand points. The first thing to consider is the condition of the body, the casket and any grave liner ...
How much does it cost to exhume a grave?
The costs for exhuming the grave may cost $3,000-$5,000 for the exhumation itself. If you need to have a funeral director at the exhumation, that may cost $1,000 or more. You will also need to pay for the disposal of the previous casket if you are keeping the biological remains and not the casket. [2]
How to confirm a grave has been moved?
Confirm the grave has been moved. You should follow up with the funeral director at the cemetery to confirm the grave has been moved to the new plot. You may also contact the funeral director at the new plot to make sure the grave has been exhumed and moved properly.
How much does it cost to move a gravesite?
There are a number of costs involved with moving a gravesite, including the exhumation of the grave, which can cost 3 to 5 thousand dollars. Depending on where you live, you might also have to apply for a state permit for the exhumation.
Why do you move a gravesite?
Moving a gravesite may also be done because the cemetery is too crowded to accommodate the rest of the family when they pass or because you have decided to cremate the remains instead of keeping the burial. You should take the necessary steps to prepare for the move and then move the gravesite with care. Steps.
Who is the founder of Chicago Jewish Funerals?
This article was co-authored by David I. Jacobson. David I. Jacobson is the founder of Chicago Jewish Funerals, an independent Jewish owned funeral provider that evolved into two funeral homes in the Chicagoland area. With over 30 years of experience serving families, David is a leading expert on Kavod Hamet, the Jewish traditions of honoring and respecting the dead. David is an active funeral director that serves people planning and in need of funerals, lecturing to congregations, community groups, and schools extensively about the values of the Jewish funeral as well as the dying process and the value of one’s legacy. This article has been viewed 69,065 times.
How to get a burial license for a deceased person?
To apply for the license, you will need to be authorized to act in the interests of the deceased, usually given to a next of kin. This authorization may be in the form of signatures of living , close relatives of the deceased. You may also need to get the signatures of the owner of the grave plot and the burial authority.
When should you prepare a new plot for a casket?
You should make sure the new plot is prepared and ready for the casket on the same day as the exhumation. This will make transport and re-burial easier.
Is Winter the Best Time to Pre-Plan a Funeral?
Like most industries, there is a busy season and a non-busy season for funeral homes. Although no one can predict their time of death, funeral homes tend to see more traffic during the summer months. More families choose this time to make pre-arr... more »
Why do we exhume coffins early?
Exhumations are often held very early in the morning to avoid disruptions, and the process is both lengthy and (in some cases) gruesome. Natural decay and rust will render the coffin and remains unidentifiable, and it can be an unpleasant sight for those not accustomed to it.
Can you change a cemetery after a death?
Changing Cemeteries After the Deceased Has Already Been Buried. When funeral planning takes place after a sudden loss, it’s not uncommon for decisions to be made hastily or in the best interest of getting the burial arrangements made and completed with as little fuss as possible.
Do human remains pose a health hazard?
No matter how long the deceased has been buried, human remains pose a potential public health hazard. You will need to have the exhumation done by proper authorities and under the direction of an environmental health officer who can oversee the safety of the proceedings. • Make body transfer plans.
Do you need a license to bury someone?
This can either be a formal or an informal process, and you may need a license or written agreement in order to proceed. The act of burying someone on consecrated ground is taken very seriously, and unless your reasons are sound and approved by the affiliated church, you could have problems getting your rights granted.
Can you transfer a body to a funeral home?
While transferring a body is rare and expensive , it can be done. You can expect to encounter several obstacles (at the city and state level as well as with funeral home and cemetery officials), but by remaining calm and knowing where you can turn for help, you should be able to eventually lay your relative to rest at the appropriate location.
Can a body be moved from one national cemetery to another?
The simplest answer to whether you can move a grave to another cemetery is yes. There are several reasons for exhuming a body, and the most common is to simply relocate the casket.
How long is the waiting list for Arlington National Cemetery?
A lengthy waitlist. Before the pandemic, military families could expect to wait between six and 49 weeks for burials of loved ones at Arlington National Cemetery, according to a Pentagon Inspector General report.
How much does it cost to move a body from one location to another?
The fee for receiving remains from another funeral home usually ranges from $800.00 to $2500.00. You will likely have to pay both of these fees, in addition to any other funeral home costs.
Can all veterans be buried at Arlington?
Interment may be casketed or cremated remains. Any Veteran who is retired from active military service with the Armed Forces. This includes any Veteran who is retired from the Reserves is eligible upon reaching age 60 and drawing retired pay; and who served a period of active duty (other than for training).
Does it cost to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery?
Arlington National Cemetery does not charge fees for an interment or inurnment at the cemetery. The only potential costs to the estate of the deceased are for vaults. Effective December 2017, placement of private markers is no longer available for service members and families.
Who qualifies to be buried in Arlington?
national cemeteries. However, most veterans who have at least one day of active service (other than for training) and an honorable discharge are eligible for above-ground inurnment.
Are spouses buried on top of each other?
Two people (typically a husband and wife ) pre-purchase a cemetery space together, and their caskets are placed on top of one another when they pass. Cemeteries can accommodate a single in-ground burial of a cremation urn and a casket in the same plot.
What happens if a plot is empty in Brompton?
At Brompton at least, if a plot is emptied, it continues to belong to whoever owns it. Usually, that means the relative of whoever has been removed. So they can leave it empty or keep it free for someone else.
Why do people move from one side of the country to the other?
People moving from one side of the country to the other apply to have the buried remains of their parents (it’s usually parents) moved with them so that they can better attend their graves.
Can you exhume a grave?
Remains are not always exhumed to be reburied elsewhere. The MOJ says that other common reasons include the scattering of cremated remains, the cremation of buried remains, the moving of remains to another part of the same burial ground and the reinterment of remains in the same grave, normally so that family members can be buried side-by-side.
Is there a portable grave in England?
The idea of a portable grave is not something that sits easily with the Church of England. “The permanent burial of the physical body, or the burial of cremated remains, should be seen as a symbol of our entrusting the person to God for resurrection,” a spokesman told the Sunday Express.
Do we carry the dead?
W e carry the dead with us. They remain in our hearts, in our minds. Now, the Ministry of Justice has revealed that some of us go as far as physically carrying the dead. For a few years, the government department has received around 25 applications a week from people looking to exhume the buried remains of their relatives.
What is the legal requirement to exhume a body?
Secondly, what are the legal requirements to exhume a body? Exhume Law and Legal Definition. Exhume means to dig up a dead body for medical investigation or other purposes. A person seeking to exhume a body must usually petition to have the body exhumed. Because of the general disinclination to disturb remains, a valid reason is required before exhumation will be allowed.
Where do headstones go in a cemetery?
The original headstones are either saved and placed above the new graves or buried alongside the boxes. Cemetery relocations are not at all uncommon, since developers often need to clear out graveyards from valuable tracts of land. The final authority to move a cemetery generally comes from a town or city council.
Is it illegal to dig up a deceased body?
It is generally not, in fact, illegal to dig up a recently deceased body. If an archaeologist is digging up some bit of land and unexpectedly runs across a body buried there five years ago, he hasn't broken the law. Now, it's illegal to dig up a graveyard where the owner objects to you digging up his land.
Can you move a body from one cemetery to another?
Moving a body from one cemetery to another used to be a rare occurrence, but nowadays, it's becoming more common. The reasons to transfer remains from one cemetery to another are numerous: You will also need a funeral home at the new location to receive the remains and oversee the re-interment at the new cemetery. Click to see full answer.
When Moving A Grave Is Appropriate
The Process and Cost of Moving A Grave
- Though most cemetery employees will tell you that moving a grave is fairly routine job, there can be a lot involved. First thing that must be done, of course, is that both graves should be dug up. (This is typically done so that there is no question that the new grave will be available for use when casket and body are moved. Pulling the remains out of a grave can be tricky if the grave is …
Legalities of Moving A Grave
- Moving a grave can present a bit of a legal quagmire if there are many heirs to be consulted or if the deceased's will has not been properly processed through the legal system. In general, before a grave can be moved, all living heirs of the deceased must be located and consulted. If one of them objects, the move cannot happen legally. (Though it s...
Alternatives to Moving A Grave
- A final thing to consider when deciding whether to move a grave is whether alternatives to moving the grave may be more practical. A commonly practice alternative, for example, may prove to be just as meaningful to a family and much less problematic and expensive. This would be to simply install a headstoneat the new site without going through the effort of moving the entire grave. T…