Exhumations

Exhumations are generally rare and tend to be traumatic for the family involved. They can take a long time to arrange and are usually expensive. For these reasons, it is always best to consult with all the relatives before proceeding.

Exhumation of both buried and cremated remains generally requires a Home Office licence.

Reasons:

Exhumations occur for a number of reasons, including:

• movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired family plot in the same or other cemetery;
• repatriation overseas to be buried along with other family;
• transfer from one cemetery scheduled for development to another; or
• court orders requiring further forensic examination.

Requirements:

However, it is an offence to exhume any human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions. Funeral Directors can help in obtaining these.

• A licence must be obtained from the Home Office. Exhumation licences will also contain certain conditions that have to be observed.
• If the person is buried in Consecrated grounds, permission from the church must also be obtained.
• An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public health.
• Occassionally cadaver certificates are required in addition to exhumation licences

Decency and safety:

An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation and supervises the event to ensure that respect for the deceased person is maintained and that public health is protected.

If the conditions of the licence cannot be met, or there are public health or decency concerns, the exhumation may not proceed.