Exhumations - Print version

Exhumations are generally rare and tend to be upsetting 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 need an Exhumation Licence. You can apply for an Exhumation Licence from:

The Ministry of Justice
Coroners & Burials Division - Exhumation Applications
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
Telephone: 020 3334 6390

Reasons for exhumations

Exhumations can happen for a number of reasons, including:

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

Requirements

It is an offence to exhume any human remains without first getting the necessary lawful permissions. Funeral directors can help in this.

• You must get a exhumation licence from the Ministry of Justice [https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-an-exhumation-licence]. Exhumation licences will also contain certain conditions that have to be observed.
• If the person is buried in Consecrated grounds, permission from the church is also needed.
• An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation of a body to make sure that there is no threat to public health.

Decency and safety

An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation and must supervise the event to make sure 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 starts as early as possible in the morning to ensure maximum privacy
• the plot is screened for privacy
• health and safety of all workers is maintained such as 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 matches that on the licence
• the new casket has been approved by the Environmental Health Officer
• all human remains and all the pieces of the casket are placed in the new casket
• the new casket is properly sealed
• the area of exhumation is properly disinfected
• satisfactory arrangements are in place for moving the remains.

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