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Specialist Services: Exhumation

Paul Williams Independent Funeral Directors Ltd. is proud to offer our advice and expertise in matters relating to the exhumation of human remains. Our company has many years of experience dealing with the complex and time-consuming process of arranging for the exhumation and re-burial, cremation and repatriation of human remains from municipal cemeteries, churchyards and alternative burial sites, in Manchester, across the North of England, and throughout the United Kingdom.

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.

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.

The Exhumation Service

The Exhumation Service includes the following:

  1. 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.

  2. Attendance to all administrative and legal obligations regarding the proposed exhumation, including obtaining all relevant permits and licenses.

  3. Handling of all arrangements and communications with the relevant HM Government departments, diocesan authorities and cemetery officials.

  4. Provision of a coffin, suitable for the transportation of the exhumed remains, and subsequent re-burial or cremation.

  5. 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:

  1. Removal of headstones and monumental masonry from the grave

  2. Fees for Exhumation License and Bishop’s Faculty

  3. Cemetery fees and charges relating to the exhumation

  4. Fees and charges for subsequent re-burial, cremation or repatriation

  5. 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 Paul Williams Independent Funeral Directors on 0161 796 6018, or visit our funeral home in Whitefield, Manchester.