Exhumations

Are There Any Restrictions For Exhuming a Body?

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

• A licence must be obtained from the Home Office. Exhumation licences will also contain certain conditions that have to be observed.
• If the person is buried in Consecrated grounds, permission from the church must also be obtained.
• An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public health.
• Occasionally cadaver certificates are required in addition to exhumation licences.