Exclusive rights of grave plot

JJAM

Hi, I recently went to a funeral director (Co-op) with my dad who is sadly in the late stages of lung cancer but is still well enough. He is keen to arrange his own funeral as soon as possible; we were told that options re exclusive rights for the grave plot in the closest cemetery are 25, 50 and 75 years. I was actually taken aback that it wasn't for forever but I appreciate that this must be down to lack of space in cemeteries these days. Is this something that changed fairly recently or has it always been like this?

steph7163

Hi

am sorry to hear about your dad and wish you gentle days ahead.

In our local cemetary the leases are 25 yrs with an option to renew after 20 i think when i asked what happens if you dont i was told most likely nothing but given that land is short in supply i can well imagine this changing if we had been offered a choice i would of took the 75yrs

stephx

Mojisola

It's always been like that. Have you noticed how many old graveyards are higher than the street level around them? That's because tons of soil has been imported, spread over the old graves and a new level created.

I was talking around this subject this week with a relative. He had been to look at the commemorative plaque he had paid for when his parent's ashes had been buried. There was a notice on it saying that if another £750 wasn't paid by a certain date for another 25 years, the plaque would be removed.

Ellejmorgan

I've got my daughter's plot for 50 years..

*Robin*

Several of my family members are laid to rest in a green burial site where the plots are sold in perpetuity.

The possible downside for mourners is that stone memorials are not permitted, just wooden grave markers which will disappear in time, so eventually the graves will become invisible as the woodlands grow.

Each plot cost around £1,000, which was more expensive than a 99 year lease in the town cemetery.

Mrs_Arcanum

When I was on the Town council years ago one person sold back their plot as they no longer wanted it. I jokingly asked "do we have vacant possession?"

Most places do not have sufficient space available to do more than 75 years and prefer shorter periods.

Savvy_Sue

*Robin* wrote: »

Several of my family members are laid to rest in a green burial site where the plots are sold in perpetuity.

Dad's ashes are under a tree in a green burial site, but we only have his spot for 50 years. I think we'd be able to renew - not that I expect to be here to do so!

However there's room for 3 others under the tree with him: obviously Mum will end up there. I don't think they'll put anyone unrelated there.

Grimbal

Sorry to hear about your dad Jjam.

Would cremation rather than burial be an option? If so, have you heard of those companies that produce diamonds out of the ashes? Not used them (yet), but Lifegem is one of them. When I go, I've decided that I'd like to give one each to the nieces, one to be shot into space & one to be sold randomly so that I can go off on adventures even without the benefit of a heartbeat

Apologies if my levity is misplaced at what must be a terrible time for you & your dad. I personally really like the idea that it's possible to create a beautiful & eternal memory of a loved one

Mojisola

Mrs_Arcanum wrote: »

When I was on the Town council years ago one person sold back their plot as they no longer wanted it. I jokingly asked "do we have vacant possession?"

The original occupant could be taken out and the bits reburied elsewhere or the hole may be made deeper, the original occupant placed at the bottom and the new coffins put on top.

I'm going for a cremation because the days of having a "final resting place" in a cemetery are well gone.