Exhumations

Exhumations are rare and they are usually due to:

• Movement to a plot that was acquired subsequently
• Overseas repatriation for the body or remains to be buried with those of other relatives
• Transfer from a cemetery that was scheduled for development
• Court orders requiring further forensic examination
  

Exhumations are often traumatic for the family involved. Besides that, they can take a long time to arrange and are usually expensive. Thus, it is best to consult all relatives before proceeding.

Requirements

Exhumations require the following, which funeral directors can help to obtain:

• Exhumations require a Home Office licence. Exhumation licences also stipulate conditions that have to be complied with.
• If the body is in consecrated ground, you must obtain permission from the church.
• An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public health.

It is an offence to exhume without these permissions.

We offer help and advice on exhuming a body or cremated remains from our cemeteries.