If I am a Veteran and plan to be buried in a National Cemetery, is my spouse eligible to be buried next to me?
Yes, a space for your spouse or any other minor children can be authorized at the time of your death.
What does the Government give a Veteran in regards to a marker?
The United States government provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world which ...
What is a disinterment? What is the process, and why does it happen?
Disinterment is the removal of the casket containing human remains from a grave. Laws governing disinterment vary by state or province. ...
In a hundred years, will this cemetery still be here?
We think of cemetery lands as being in perpetuity. There are cemeteries throughout the world that have been in existence well ...
Will a cemetery ever be used for something else? Can the bodies be moved and buildings built?
Communities afford respect to cemeteries and to the memorialization which cemeteries provide. In order to protect interment rights holders, strict rules ...
Is a cemetery property tax deductible?
No, the purchase of a grave is not tax-deductible, although the charitable donation of unwanted grave spaces may be deductible as ...
Can I resell my grave?
It really depends on the rules and regulations of the cemetery and the laws of the state or province in which ...
What guarantee do I have that endowment care will take care of the cemetery?
While not guaranteed, endowment care funds are very conservatively managed. Income from the fund can only be spent on care and ...
What is endowment care?
A portion of the purchase price of the grave is contributed to an endowment care fund. Income from the endowment care ...
When I buy a grave do I receive a deed, just like when I purchase other types of real estate?
When you purchase a grave you are in fact purchasing the right to designate who may be interred in the space, ...
What happens if I buy cemetery property here in advance and later move to another area?
Many cemeteries now belong to credit exchange programs which allow for a dollar-for-dollar transfer of services and merchandise between participating cemeteries. ...
What is the difference between Lawn Crypts and Double Depth burial spaces?
Lawn crypts are pre-set. Double depth burial lots are set at the time of death.
What are Lawn Crypts?
Lawn crypts are essentially underground tombs, constructed of reinforced concrete and steel.
How can a mausoleum help eliminate expenses?
When you select a mausoleum, you eliminate the need for expensive vaults and monuments or memorials which almost always are purchased ...
What is a tandem?
A tandem is a mausoleum space designed to accommodate two caskets lengthwise.
How many people will a crypt hold?
Crypts come in several sizes. Although “singles” and “doubles” are the most common, some crypts can accommodate up to four caskets.
Can you actually see the bodies in a mausoleum?
No. When you visit a mausoleum, you see the front of the crypt, which typically is made of granite or marble. ...
How does a Mausoleum protect the body?
Because the casket is placed in a clean, dry, above-ground crypt, the remains are protected from water and the elements of ...
What happens to a mausoleum if there is an earthquake?
Modern mausoleums are steel-reinforced concrete structures, covered with granite or marble. They typically are built to meet all local building specifications, ...
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, is constructed of numerous small compartments ...
Are there different types of crypts?
Yes. Single crypts are designed for one entombment only. There are three different kinds of double crypts: tandem crypts permit two ...
Isn’t mausoleum entombment only for rich people?
In most cases, the cost of mausoleum entombment is comparable to the costs of interment in a lot with an upright ...
What are the advantages of a mausoleum burial?
Mausoleum crypts are both clean and dry. They offer a viable alternative for those who simply have an aversion to being ...
What is a mausoleum?
Historically, the word mausoleum comes from the large temple-like structure which was erected by Queen Artemisia in the ancient city of ...
What is entombment?
Entombment is the interment of human remains in a tomb or mausoleum. It involves placing a casket or cremation urn in ...
How much do graves cost, and why aren’t they priced the same all over?
Grave prices can really vary. Grave prices are normally set based on their location. Normally, graves in urban centers are more ...
What is double depth?
Many cemeteries either allow for the burial of two caskets in a grave or have specific sections where this type of ...
What happens when a cemetery runs out of land?
When a cemetery runs out of land, it will continue to operate and serve the community. Since more and more individuals ...
Can we dig our own grave to avoid the charge for opening and closing?
The actual opening of the grave and closing of the grave is just one component of the opening and closing fee. ...
What is opening and closing, and why is it so expensive?
Opening and closing fees can include 50 or more separate services provided by the cemetery.
Why is having a place to visit so important?
Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout human ...
If I’m going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium or interred or scattered at a cemetery?
As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful ...
What options are available besides ground burial?
Besides ground burial, many cemeteries offer interment in lawn crypts or entombment in mausoleums. In addition, some cemeteries provide choices for ...
How do I choose the right type of grave?
Because it is an important question, many things must be considered. What type of memorial do you prefer? A marker set ...
What are my choices in ground burial?
Most common are single graves and lots composed of two or more graves. Not all types of graves are available at ...
What are the principal types of cemeteries, and how do they differ?
Cemeteries usually are divided into two broad categories: traditional cemeteries and memorial parks or gardens. A traditional cemetery, the type used ...
Does a body have to be embalmed before it is buried?
No, embalming is not required for burial. It is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family ...
Must I purchase a burial vault?
In most areas of the country, state or local law does not require that you buy a container to surround the ...
What are burial vaults and grave liners?
These are the outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket, and may ...
May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?
Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many ...
How soon after or long after a death must and individual be buried?
This may vary by state so check with your local funeral director. Considerations include the need to secure all permits and ...