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Exhumations

Exhumations within North Somerset require a licence.

It is an offence to remove remains from a grave or cremation plot without a licence and it is a rare and expensive process.

Exhumations occur for a number of reasons such as the movement of remains to another plot, repatriation overseas or for forensic examination of a body.

It also tends to be traumatic for the family involved and for this reason alone it is always best to consult with all relatives before proceeding.

Licences are granted by the Home Office and one of our officers must be present at the exhumation to ensure respect for the deceased person is maintained and public health is protected.

Funeral directors can help in obtaining an exhumation licence and if a person is buried in consecrated grounds permission from the church is required.

If the conditions of the licence cannot be met or there are public health or decency concerns the exhumation cannot proceed.

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