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

Exhumations

Exhumations are rare and tend to be traumatic for the family involved. They can take a long time to arrange and are usually expensive.

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

Exhumation of both buried and cremated remains requires a Ministry of Justice licence. For more information please visit the Ministry of Justice  

If the person is buried in consecrated grounds, permission from the church must be obtained.

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

It is an offence to exhume any human remains without first obtaining lawful permissions. Funeral directors can help in obtaining these.

For more information on exhuming a deceased body in Hertsmere, contact environmental.health@hertsmere.gov.uk