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Exhuming a deceased body
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 and in most instances a Faculty will be required from the local Diocese.
It is an offence to exhume any human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions. Funeral directors can help in obtaining these.
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.
Occasionally 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.
The Officer will also ensure that:
- the correct grave is opened,
- the exhumation commences as early as possible in the morning to ensure maximum privacy,
- the plot is screened as appropriate for privacy,health and safety of all workers is maintained e.g. protective clothing including masks and gloves,
- task lights and all other necessary equipment,
- everyone present shows due respect to the deceased person and to adjoining graves,
- the nameplate on the casket corresponds to that on the licence,
- the new casket has been approved by the Environmental Health Officer,
- all human remains and all the pieces of casket are placed in the new casket,
- the new casket is properly sealed,
- the area of exhumation is properly disinfected, and satisfactory arrangements are in place for the onward transmission of the remains.
If the conditions of the licence cannot be met, or there are public health or decency concerns, the exhumation may not proceed.
Cadaver certificates
This formality of obtaining the cadaver certificate is usually handled by the funeral director on behalf of the relatives. However, anyone can apply. The funeral director will also help with anything requested by the Coroner and with requirements of the authorities in the overseas country to which the deceased is going. Some of these requirements may apply for burial in another part of the United Kingdom.
The certificate is issued by the Environmental Health Officer for the Council in whose area the person died, or is to be exhumed from before reburial elsewhere.
Please contact us using the details below for further information.
Repatriation of a deceased body abroad
Some countries require a cadaver certificate before they will allow a body into the country for burial. The certificate, if issued, confirms that no epidemic of infectious disease occurred in the borough for some three months preceding the death.
Telephone: 01462 474635
