Exhumation is defined as the removal of human remains, whether they are complete or cremated remains, from the place where they are buried. This is then usually followed by the remains being transferred and buried in a new or alternative grave, by cremation of the remains, or by repatriation of the remains to the deceased’s country of origin. Our company has many years of experience dealing with the complex process of arranging for the exhumation and re-burial, cremation and repatriation of human remains.
Reasons to exhume
There can be many different reasons why an exhumation may be necessary. The relatives of the deceased may request that the remains be moved from the original grave, and transferred to a family plot in the same or different cemetery. It may be desirable to arrange for repatriation, so that the deceased may be buried in a family vault or grave in their country of origin. Alternatively, the family may request that the remains are cremated. Furthermore, exhumations are sometimes requested when the coroner or other legal authority requests a further examination of the remains, or when a cemetery or churchyard is decommissioned due to development or building projects.
These reasons may also include:
Repatriation of the remains to one’s birth place in another community, province or country.
Reinterment of the remains in a family plot in another section of the cemetery.
Relocation of the remains to a cemetery in another community, province or country where the family has established a permanent residence.
Relocation of the remains of a war veteran from a common grave to an interdenominational plot dedicated as an honored place for Veterans.
Scatter previously interred cremated remains.
Conduct additional forensic investigations.
Determine the identity of the remains by DNA testing.
Exhumation Process
When exhuming casketed remains the funeral home will provide at least 2 staff, one of whom will be a funeral director. Depending on the family’s wishes respecting reinterment or relocation, the funeral home will also provide the necessary container or casket into which the remains will be placed. For example, if the deceased is to be repatriated to another country an hermetically sealed steel casket or a wooden casket with a metal liner is used. If the deceased is to be cremated the remains will be placed in a wooden cremation container. This assumes the original casket cannot be used.
Prior to the arrival of the funeral home staff the cemetery staff will prepare the gravesite by first removing any above ground structures, such as, the headstone, railing or concrete walls. The upper portion of the grave will then be mechanically excavated. The remaining soil will be removed by hand under the supervision of the police and funeral home personnel. During excavation the cemetery staff will take every precaution not to damage the casket, if it has remained intact, or disturb the remains, if it hasn’t. It is the funeral director’s responsibility to undertake the removal of the casketed remains or retrieve the skeletal remains placing it in the casket or container provided. Once exhumed, the remains is transported by funeral coach back to the funeral home or another prearranged destination.
Cost to Exhume
The Exhumation Service includes the following:
The professional services of our company, including the provision of the necessary facilities, transportation, equipment and staff in the arrangement and undertaking of the exhumation service.
Attendance to all administrative and legal obligations regarding the proposed exhumation, including obtaining all relevant permits and licenses.
Handling of all arrangements and communications with the relevant Government departments, diocesan authorities and cemetery officials.
Provision of a casket, suitable for the transportation of the exhumed remains, and subsequent re-burial or cremation.
Reception, safe-keeping and preparation of the exhumed remains at our funeral home, prior to re-burial, cremation or repatriation.
Disbursements may include the following:
Removal of headstones and monumental masonry from the grave
Fees for “Exhumation License”
Cemetery fees and charges relating to the exhumation
Fees and charges for subsequent re-burial, cremation or repatriation
Fees for the attendance of a minister or officiant
If you would like to discuss the arrangement of an exhumation service, or if you would like any advice or a no-obligation quotation, please contact our funeral home.