This is a common question that arises when someone dies and has already been buried, but then needs to be moved for various reasons. The short answer is yes, it is possible to move a body after it has been buried, but there are legal and practical considerations to keep in mind.
Legality of Moving a Body
The legality of moving a body that has already been buried depends on local and state laws. In most cases, you will need authorization from the appropriate authorities before a body can be exhumed. This usually requires getting permits from the health department and permission from the cemetery where the body is buried. Relatives of the deceased generally have to consent as well.
There may also be restrictions on where and how a body can be reburied if exhumed. For example, some laws require the body to be reburied in the same cemetery. The costs of excavating the grave and reburying the body also need to be considered.
Getting Legal Permission
Here are some steps to take for getting legal permission to have a body exhumed and moved:
- Check your state and local regulations – Each state has its own laws regarding exhumation and reburial. Research what the specific requirements are for your jurisdiction.
- Contact the cemetery – Alert the cemetery where the body is currently buried that you want to have it moved. They can advise you on their policies and processes.
- Apply for a permit – Your state health department or medical examiner’s office will have paperwork you’ll need to complete and submit for approval.
- Get consent from relatives – Most states require close relatives of the deceased to give consent before disinterment can occur.
- Hire a licensed funeral director – Funeral homes have experience with exhuming and transporting remains and can ensure legal protocols are followed.
As long as all the proper permits, consents, and protocols are followed, it is typically legal to have a body moved, even after burial.
Practical Considerations
If the legal requirements can be met, there are some practical matters to think about when exhuming and relocating a body:
Condition of the body
The more time that has passed since burial, the more decayed the body will be. This can make moving the remains more difficult and disturbing. The body may need to be transferred into a new casket or container.
Costs
Having a buried body moved is expensive. Costs include:
- Permit fees
- Cemetery fees for exhuming and reburying
- Funeral home fees
- Transportation costs if being moved long distance
- New casket or container
Total costs often reach thousands of dollars. Families should plan carefully for these expenses when considering relocation.
Logistics
The exhumation process requires digging up the grave, removing the casket, and transferring the body. Heavy equipment is needed. The reburial process is similarly complex. Coordinating this takes planning and care.
Emotional factors
Exhuming a body can be emotionally difficult for relatives and friends. Ensuring the process is handled respectfully and sensitively is important.
With proper legal permissions and practical preparation, moving a buried body is possible. But families should think through their motivations and whether other options, like leaving the grave undisturbed, are better.
Reasons People Move a Buried Body
Here are some reasons why people choose to go through the lengthy process of having a buried body relocated:
Closer to family
If a person was buried far from where their family lives, the family may wish to have them exhumed and reburied in a cemetery closer by. This makes it easier to visit the grave.
Sold cemetery plot
Sometimes a cemetery will resell a plot after a certain number of years. If this happens, the original occupant’s remains will need to be moved to a new plot location.
Better resting place
A family may feel the initial burial location was inadequate for some reason and want to move the body to a nicer cemetery or burial ground.
Cremation
Some families prefer to have a body exhumed so they can cremate the remains instead of having them continue decomposing in the ground. This allows for keeping the ashes.
Investigations
Police or medical examiners may need to exhume a body as part of investigating a crime or questionable death. Analysis on the body provides clues.
While disturbing a grave is rare, there are times when removal and reburial of a body are warranted. The process is tightly regulated to ensure it is done properly.
Can You Move a Body After Initial Burial?
| Scenario | Is it Possible? |
|---|---|
| Within the first year after burial | Yes, though not recommended if avoidable since decomposition has begun |
| After 3-5 years | Yes, though the body will be partially decomposed requiring precautions |
| 10+ years after burial | Yes, but the body will be far along in decay process |
| Unmarked grave from decades ago | Difficult to locate, may not be feasible |
| Ashes buried instead of body | Much simpler to exhume ashes than an intact body |
As this table shows, the longer it has been since initial burial, the more challenging moving the body becomes. But with the right procedures, it is possible even decades later if really necessary.
Steps for Moving a Body
If you determine that you need to move a buried body, here are the basic steps to follow:
- Research local laws and get required permits
- Hire a funeral director to assist
- Have the cemetery exhume the casket
- Transfer body to new casket if needed
- Arrange hearse transport to new cemetery
- Have new cemetery rebury the body
- Complete all required paperwork
This overview provides a look at the complex process. Each step must be done properly and legally. Most people will need professional assistance from funeral home staff.
Special Cases
If the original burial was done improperly or circumstances are difficult, the process to move the body gets more complicated:
- No intact casket – A new container is needed
- Body was cremated -Retrieve the urn instead
- Buried in a distant location -may require air transport
- Body was embalmed – adds extra weight and needs care in moving
It’s important to disclose all details about the original burial to your funeral director so they can prepare properly.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Body
Since the process is sensitive, it’s important to avoid any mistakes. Here are some key errors to steer clear of:
Trying to move the body yourself
Never attempt do-it-yourself exhumation. This almost always results in violating laws. Always work through funeral professionals.
Not getting proper permits
Failing to get the needed permits jeopardizes the legality of moving the body. Get all required paperwork filed.
Transporting remains improperly
Bodies must be moved in approved containers and vehicles. Follow all regulations for the transportation.
Reburying in a disapproved place
There may be restrictions on where a disinterred body can be reburied. Don’t choose a new cemetery before confirming it’s allowed.
Not handling remains with care
The exhumation process requires dignity and care. Causing damage to the body shows disrespect.
Avoid amateur mistakes by researching regulations thoroughly and using professional support. Rushing through the process heightens risks.
Emotional Side of Moving a Loved One
Even when there are good reasons to relocate a grave, the process can stir up complicated emotions for family and friends. Some issues that may need to be worked through include:
Guilt over disturbance
Some feel guilty “disturbing” their loved one at rest. Reassurance this is a thoughtful decision can help.
Fear of upsetting the deceased
Concerns that moving the grave may upset or worry the spirit of the dead are common. Different faith perspectives influence views on this.
Sadness resurfacing grief
The exhumation process understandably resurfaces grief all over again. Extra comfort is needed during this trying time.
Discomfort with condition of remains
Seeing the decayed body can be traumatic for family. Coping skills must be employed.
Be sensitive to the emotional strain exhuming a grave places on those left behind. Provide extra care and understanding.
Going About Moving a Body Ethically
Since the process involves human remains deserving dignity, it’s vital to go about moving a body in an ethical manner:
- Get any necessary consents to ensure the deceased’s wishes are honored
- Make sure exhumation is required and not just preferred
- Research regulations so everything is done above board
- Use discretion and minimize disturbance to the grave
- Wrap and transport the body carefully and respectfully
- Act with sensitivity towards family members’ feelings
- Conduct reburial promptly and with reverence
Having pure motivations focused on honoring the deceased also helps maintain an ethical approach.
Can You Be Charged if You Move a Body Illegally?
If you exhume or move human remains without following proper procedures, there can be serious criminal and civil penalties:
- Felony: Some jurisdictions treat illegally moving a body as a felony charge
- Fines: Civil fines up to several thousand dollars may be imposed
- Lawsuits: Families can sue for emotional distress or mishandling remains
- Licensing penalties: Professionals like funeral directors could lose licenses
Work within the law to avoid claims of abuse of a corpse or grave robbing. Being found guilty also usually means the body has to be returned.
Getting Closure from Moving a Grave
Despite the difficulties, exhuming a body and moving a grave can facilitate getting closure in certain situations:
Being buried with a spouse
If one spouse dies and is buried away from the other, later moving the grave can reunite them.
Laying painful memories to rest
Burying someone in a better place may help resolve old wounds over where they initially rested.
Gaining peace of mind
Knowing your loved one is buried in a safer, more accessible place can give peace of mind.
Honoring last wishes
Carrying out the specific burial wishes stated by the deceased provides closure.
While exhumation is uncommon, it can serve an important purpose. Handled correctly, moving remains ultimately honors your loved one.
Conclusion
Exhuming a body that has already been buried is certainly uncommon. But with the right legal permissions, professional assistance, and care, the process can be done effectively in certain circumstances. While emotionally and practically challenging, moving a grave is sometimes necessary for investigations, peace of mind, or honoring last wishes. As long as laws are strictly followed and motivations are pure, relocating a grave can ultimately be life-affirming.