The Disinterment process can be overwhelming and costly for families to endure.  However, for personal reasons, some families wish to move their loved ones, sometimes to another cemetery locally or sometimes out of state.  For most people, it’s usually because the family has moved and they don’t want to leave their loved one(s) behind.  Whatever the reason, we provide the family with all the information they need to complete the disinterment. 

According to Section 1510(e) of the N-PCL [what is this? A state ruling?], a body can be removed from a grave with the written consent of the owners of the lot [plot?], surviving spouse, children of the deceased, and parents of the deceased. In addition to these people, the cemetery corporation must consent. If any one of the above-mentioned entities fails to give consent, then a court order must be obtained before the disinterment can take place. These authorizations are all that is required if the body is to be re-interred within the same cemetery.

All requests for authority to disinter remains will be submitted [to the cemetery?] and will include the following information:

1. A full statement of reasons for the proposed disinterment.
2. Notarized statements by all eligible living immediate family members of the decedent [deceased?], to include the person who initiated the [original?] interment that they consent to the proposed disinterment.
3. A notarized statement by the person requesting the disinterment that those who supplied affidavits [i.e., the notarized statements?] comprise all the living immediate family members of the deceased.

If the body is to be moved to a different cemetery, the same authorizations must be received; however, the process must be handled by a licensed funeral director. The funeral director must obtain a permit from the registrar of vital statistics having jurisdiction at the place of interment.

Family members will often ask to be present at the disinterment. We strongly discourage this and suggest instead that they send a clergy person or funeral director to witness the disinterment for them.