Petition by Surviving Spouse to Change Place of Interment From Mausoleum to Family Plot in Same Cemetery

Courts of equity are empowered to settle controversies as to the burial of the dead, the care of their remains, and the preservation of the place of interment from unnecessary disturbance. The right to remove a dead body from one burial place to another generally rests with the surviving spouse where there is one, otherwise, with the closet next of kin. Some jurisdictions provide for court permission to remove a body from a cemetery if the consent of the cemetery and of certain surviving relatives cannot be obtained. Courts are reluctant to order disinterment and will attempt to provide relief without disturbing the body if that is possible.

This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.